side effects from treatment

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Good morning all

I am struggling with (worst first thing, but also after sitting or being inactive for a bit) finger, wrist, elbow, heel and ankle pain and achy stiff hips.  A few of my fingers too have that trigger finger issue first thing.   I had chemo ending June 2024 for HER2 positive breast cancer, then surgery and radiotherapy.  I am on Letrozole now (another 3-4 years to go) and 1 year left of my bone infusions and am in remission now.  

However, this pain is starting to get to me.  I struggle with fatigue too but it is on and off and not to the same degree.  

I wondered if anyone else struggles with this so long after treatment.  I wonder too if it may be the Letrozole too.  I do keep moving and thankfully have my dogs which ensure I do.   I do take some pain meds and am trying things like collogen now to see if that may help too.  

Not sure if anyone may struggle with this too and if they have tried something that may help ease it too?

Thank you Slight smile

  • Hi there, those side effects sound pretty tricky to manage. Have you spoken to your GP or oncologist about this?  It might be an idea to, to try and understand if this is letrozole related. I know some people have tried different brands of letrozole - whilst the active ingredient is the same, the fillers that make up the tablet can sometimes make a difference. Best wishes 

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  • Hi, I was on Letrozole but, after  lots of research, realised  that only brands manufactured in northern  europe/uk  were any good for me. The fillers and half life times of cheaper brands  meant  unbearable pain and stiffness. Although I Was prescribed the original  medication,  I was being given generic tablets manufactured in India, Pakistan, China 

    Eventually I was switched to Aromasin/Examestane by Pfizer. The side effects  have been oresent, but bearable.

  • Thank you - they have mentioned the brands before and I was on a 6 week holiday - so have gone back on them and I am thinking it could be brand related again, although I am not on the one I initially thought caused the most discomfort.  I have an app with my nurse in May and am going to go over it all with her to see what else they think.   

  • Thank you - I think it must be the fillers.  I know a friend of a friend has to stop letrozole altogether as her hip pain was so bad.  Thankfully mine is not and although I am managing it as they say, it can be very wearing some days.  I will mention the Aromasin to my nurse in May too.  Thanks again.