I'm looking for some advice on dealing with letrozole side effects. I was diagnosed with breast cancer last october and have been really lucky. Surgery in December, given the all clear and 5 days radiotherapy in March. I'm a really active person, I came out of an abusive marriage nearly 2 years, ago, ex-husband convicted last month so I almost didn't appreciate that I had cancer and certainly didn't pay any attention to all the rest type advice. I've been given letrozole for 5 years and I think this is the first time the magnitude of the situation has hit me. I'm into the 3rd month of taking the letrozole, I ache all over and struggle getting in and out of cars and turning over in bed. I'm still trying to run 5 times a week and walk if I can't run. I've cut sugar and processed food out of my diet. Still appear to be gaining a lb and month and the running is getting harder and harder. Exercise and staying on top of my weight has been my survival mechanism for many years so accepting slowing down and gaining a bit of weight doesn't feel like an option.
Has anyone any experience of managing to stop the weight gain? And does the aching bones plateau at any time?
I've been trying to work out the risk of just not taking them because 5 years seems unthinkable but it would be good to know if there was light at the end of the tunnel.
Hi woo1973, I also struggled with Letrozole. I didn't gain weight, but after about 5 months I gained stiff joints and sore muscles. I had started to run as a way of keeping fit and active, using the NHS Couch to 5k app. I managed to run two 5 ks ! Furthest I've ever run in my life. Was very pleased with myself. And thought I would be fine with Letrozole, having had no side effects.
But then it all fell apart.
I spoke to a Breast Care Nurse, because I didn't just want to stop. Thankfully, she gave me a two-month holiday. The aches and pains disappeared rapidly, so we agreed Letrozole was the problem.
She switched me to Exemestane. I've been on it for 5 months now. So far, so good - although it might be making me feel a bit tired. Don't know, because that could be caused by my atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.
I think Exemestane is twice as expensive as Letrozole, so they tend to start us on that. But my breast care nurse was very sympathetic when I told her my problems with it. She said I mustn't suffer in silence: we must find a solution.
I hope we have, and I hope you do, too.
Wishing you all the best xxx
PS Keep going to Spain 
