Letrozole and Tamoxifen

I would recommend that you speak to your oncologist. Because of the treatment I have had and the resulting increase in risk of osteoporosis I have been put on a 6 monthly infusion of Zometa.  I am currently on Letrozole,  Ribociclib and daily calcium tablets. 

Wishing you all the best 

Hi - I am due to have a telephone appointment with the oncologist to talk over things so hoping she can help me decide whether to stay on letrozole or change to tamoxifen. I’m really nervous about the infusion.  Are you getting on ok with the infusion? 

It's not like chemotherapy, it only takes 15 minutes.   It can give some side effects but for me they only last around 2 days.

I just felt like I was getting sick, tired achy headache.   Paracetamol sorts out the worse effects but it's not long lasting and better than broken bones!

I know what I need to do - but just keep putting it off!  Good luck with your future treatments x

Thank you, same to you.

Have all the information,  ask all the questions and take on board any recommendations. 

I am 75 and I've been on Letrozole for 5 months now, as well as the Zometa infusion (which didn't cause me any problems) and a daily calcium tablet.  I also had a new hip in November which went well at the time but now I'm in so much pain from both hips, back, legs, feet, shoulders etc that I'm really worried, and I'm wondering what effect the Letrozole is having on my new hip.  It cost me a fortune and I'm afraid the Letrozole is simply destroying it (as well as the other hip which was OK).  At Christmas I was pretty mobile, but I'm getting worse every day and now there are times when I can hardly get up the stairs.  

I'm going to see my orthopaedic surgeon on Weds for a review, and the oncologist on Thursday to ask if they can put me on something other than Letrozole.  When I first had BC in 2010 I was on Anastrozole for 5 years and I didn't have the same side effects I'm getting now. But I'm not sure whether Anastrozole is as effective as Letrozole.

I wouldn't worry about the Zometa infusion, that's a doddle... Good luck with everything.

I’m so sorry you seem to be going through so much right now. I have been on letrozole 5 months too. I have considered changing to tamoxifen to save my bones, but have been told it can cause thrombosis and womb cancer - so will stick to letrozole and go ahead with the infusion I think.  I didn’t think letrozole would have an effect on your new hip - that is awful for you.  I hope you get the help you need to get your mobility back again.  It’s really no fun is it. Hope things improve for you soon. 

That's the problem isn't it? Out of the frying pan, into the fire! But I know a lot of women who've given up on Letrozole because of the side effects. Thanks for your positive thoughts, don't give up xx