Letrozole

I was started on letrozole. Stuck with it for about 3 to 4 months when I was changed to exemestane. This is I believe slightly better for your bones.  I was given the  brand name Aromasin. This I found slightly better for example hand and wrist pain went also rapid weight gain stopped although I have not been able to loose the weight gained whilst on letrozole. I have osteoarthritis and this has continued to worsen, I now use a stick.  I have 9 months of my 5 years left to go. Since February of this year I have done aqua fit classes 4-5 times a week and this I think has helped a little. Getting cancer lead to me stopping work but I was 69. Also you should have a dexa bone scan and be prescribed adcal (vitamin D and calcium). If you are near a Macmillan or Maggie centre go to them for help. I was given some free acupuncture which can help. I was also referred by my GP for physio,, this didn't help much but when I asked I got some aqua physio and this lead me to my aqua fit classes. 

I feel for you. Your oncologist has his/her head in the sand denying your osteoarthritis has worsened as many on this site will testify aromatase inhibitors make it feel worse. Xxx

Rosalie yes I agree spoke to my nurse and surgeon fell on deaf ears. Only been on letrazole 4 months. I cant retire yet so have to work they don’t care about that. I had to contact my union to cover my back. I’ve had the weight gain hard to shift when you can hardly walk! Fatigue, bleeding, hot flashes, dizziness, mood swings. Don’t need pain and joints stiff every day on top. When you need a stick for support as you’re scared it’s going to give way like it did 2 weeks ago! Would love an aqua fit class no pool near me have to travel. Maybe when I retire in December. 

Cancer is covered by the Equality Act I am not sure but given you are on treatment for it I would think you might still be covered. Your union should know. If you are any adaptions you need at work should be accommodated which could include car parking space, different types of tasks, breaks etc. Also do you have a disabled, driver's blue badge if not apply, your osteoarthritis will get it for you. Also if you can get disability recognition before you reach retirement age I think it might be worth getting because I think you get more benefits eh help buying a car. I know you probably don't consider yourself disabled but we are disadvantaged. I have a blue badge and now attendance allowance which helps me pay for my aqua classes which do help.

I feel for you. Very best of luck x

Sadly I have no car I get buses I do not drive. I travel half an hour each way to work I don’t mind that. It’s the pain and not being able to go to work getting me down. I spent over 2 months on my own after my op and now again it’s no joke. I can’t walk properly my line manager doesn’t get that. Just ordered stronger tablets ibuprofen do nothing! Let’s hope these work. 

Hi Carol, I'd suggest you give the lovely folks at the Macmillan helpline a call for some advice. They can explain your rights at work, as cancer is protected under the Equality Act and your employer has to make reasonable adjustments. They can give you some advice on how to approach this at work. The number is 0800 808 0000. Best wishes 

Hi. 

I've been on Letrozole since June and had bad knee pain too. I have arthritis in one knee after an injury but it's my good knee that's been the worst. Haven't been able to drive for weeks. It's starting to improve a bit so I spoke to my oncologist and he said to stay on it until Christmas then if it hasn't improved more then I can have a Letrozole holiday for a month before starting again or changing tablets for a different one. Might be worth asking again to change or at least have a break from the treatment. 

All the best. x

Thanks Irish girl I will do think I got frustrated as I went back to work then had to go sick again! Let’s see what x rays show too. I had contacted my union rep. So think I will be ok I do worry.