Letrozole

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Hello everyone.  My very early breast cancer was picked up at a routine mammogram back in January, so eight months ago.  It was treated quickly and successfully and by July, my hospital treatment had all finished.  I'm so grateful to my surgeon and life goes on once more.  But now it's letrozole time and the joys of its side effects!  Muscle aches have become the order of the day and if I do a lot of walking, it's usually followed by a really achey night.  Resting my back against a supportive pillow helps and so does a nice warm bath.  Then there's the weepies, which can be triggered by anything remotely negative happening.  I'm wondering what other people do, to combat these side effects.  

  • Hi Dulciana

    Welcome to the forum and I am sorry  to hear that you were diagnosed with breast cancer.  You could take painkillers to help with the pain. You could also journal about how you are feeling which should help with the weepies.

    Wishing you the best of luck with everything.

    Best wishes

    Daisy53

    Community Champion Badge

  • Hi 

    mum on letrazole and experience what I call”deep bone pain” especially in my hips and back. I’ve spoken to my bcn and they discussed a change of medication with me. I’m taking painkillers but they don’t help. 
    I would encourage you to speak to your bc team. Don’t suffer in silence there’s lots they can do to help you. Xx

  • Can do relate to the weepies!! I’m kind of embracing it though- I sort of make a joke about it - and everyone just has to deal with the fact I cry easily!!

    we have been through quite a lot too - so I wouldn’t beat yourself up too much

    as for the aches - are you stretching after your walk?? 
    And as been said - painkillers or maybe try a different med….. although I guess it’s still early days. My doctor told me it takes 6 months for the side effects to settle. Fingers crossed!!

  • "My doctor told me it takes 6 months for the side effects to settle."             Interesting, c22.  I'll have been on Let. for that length of time, two weeks from now.  Here's hoping!

  • You're absolutely right, Jubee17.  That's what the bc team is there for.  Thanks for the reminder!

  • Journalling - that's something I hadn't thought of.  Thanks Daisy53.

  • Hi. I'm on Letrozole too, almost 4 months now and the joint pain has been the worst part for me. The flushes are starting to settle down now and I was told 3-6 months before things show improvement. My wheat pack warmed up in the microwave has been so good as most of my pain is in my knees and hips. As for the weepies, I totally get that - my family joke that I've become a proper softy but when we've been through such a life changing event, it's not a surprise really. 

    All the best. x

  • Totally agree with that!! Weep away!!! It’s good for us!

    just a thought …… are you on calcium and vit D. I was told to start these and I have heard they can help?? I’m also on evening primrose, magnesium and glucosamine oh and tumeric…… it won’t last because there’s no way I can afford all those tablets!! But I thought I’d try those for the first few months then experiment with dropping them. Except the vit D and calcium which is for the duration 

  • Yes. I get ad-cal +vit D with my Letrozole prescription from the GP and been taking magnesium, vit B complex, vit C with zinc and turmeric since before I was diagnosed as I have a slight arthritis in one knee after a fall and tearing the cartilage. They definitely help. I usually get my supplements on Amazon or eBay which are slightly cheaper. Nutrition Geeks are good and sometimes on deal of the day so I stock up then. 

    Take care. xx

  • I have thought about taking vit D, c22, but nobody in my bc team has advised me to, yet.  Maybe I should ask them.