Letrozole

Dear Confused025c73,

Thank you for getting in touch. My name is Penelope, and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line. I hope you are finding the online community helpful and supportive.

I am sorry to hear about the pain that you are experiencing, and that the letrozole has affected your hands and wrists. Letrozole is a type of hormone therapy called an aromatase inhibitor. Unfortunately, one of the common side effects of letrozole is muscle or joint pain. It is good that you have discussed this with your oncologist.

Following a cancer diagnosis, it is natural to be concerned about any variation from the treatment plan that was initially suggested, such as taking letrozole for 10 years. The oncologist will have experience of seeing people following their diagnosis and will be aware of the quality-of-life issues that treatments such as letrozole can cause. To help you feel less frightened it may be helpful to find out more about the rationale behind the oncologist’s recommendation to have a 3-month break from letrozole. This may be evidence from clinical trials, their own expertise or based on your individual diagnosis and treatment plan. Because of the side effects of hormone therapies for breast cancer, some people do have breaks from treatment or even stop the medication all together. This would be agreed on an individual basis between the cancer team and the patient.

You asked if there might be other drugs that would not have the same side effects. Some people do find that switching to a different aromatase inhibitor can help. You could ask your oncologist or breast care nurse about this.

Some people find that very gentle exercise or movement of the affected joints can be beneficial. There may be a physiotherapist that you could speak to that is part of the cancer team or one from your GP surgery. The charity Penny Brohn have lots of cancer wellbeing services available online and personal consultations including an Exercise Therapist.

You may also find the support of others who have experienced similar symptoms helpful. I can see that you are a member of our breast cancer forum. Here you can post your own question or search for specific symptoms. Breast Cancer Now also have a going through breast cancer treatment forum. Reading about the experiences of others is not a substitute for advice from your breast care team or GP, but it may help to know how other people cope with side effects or changes to their treatment plan.

You can also give us a ring on the Macmillan Support Line to talk things through further on the number below.

Best wishes,

Penelope, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

Ref: PN/CC