Letrozole

I was diagnosed in November 2023 and had a lumpectomy in December 2023. After the operation I had radiotherapy and am now on Letrozole for ten years, it is part of my daily routine I take one each morning, I have had no side effects whatsoever. I also have a Zolidonic acid injection every six months without side effects. I do hope this helps and good luck with your treatment. From Brighton

Hi Brighton,

we are having exactly the same treatment and it’s great news to hear that you don’t have any side effects!!!!

it gives me for an almost normal life ahead!!!!

I’m on letrozole for 5 years, started taking end of November 2024.

Three things since then:

1. I have noticed some hip stiffness in the morning and when I’m sitting at my desk for long periods but I can definitely say the more I exercise, the easier it is so my dogs are loving me for all the walks we’re taking!  

2. I was waking up around 3am every few nights so I’ve switched from taking the letrozole in the morning to taking it at teatime to see if that makes a difference. So far, so good. 

3. My cholesterol has gone up. Not dramatically, although it’s now ‘borderline’ after being on letrozole for 2 months. I’ve made some changes to my diet (which was good before tbh)  and I’m taking benecol daily, hoping that will bring it back down. Will ask GP to test it again in a couple of months. 

Hi, I am 2 and a half year now on Letrozole and my experience is similar to TrudiN.  As long as I walk enough I can keep the joint pains away, but I do notice them if I’ve let the exercise slip. My cholesterol also went up, but with some minor diet changes (more oats, more plants) it's dropped a bit.  

Note that whilst soy is good for reducing cholesterol there is a real difference of opinion on the impact of the isoflavins in soy and estrogen positive breast cancer. Much recent research says that there is no impact but my oncologist hit the room when I said I was moving to soy milk to reduce cholesterol. Just something to consider. 

best wishes 

I’m glad you mentioned soy. The more I look into the research, the more divided opinion seems to be but it’s interesting to hear your oncologists reaction!

My new go to is organic almond milk and I actually really like it. 

It’s good to hear exercise is the key to easing joint pain for you too Irishgirl16. It’s a great motivation to keep moving while ever you can isn’t it

Greenwater, I hope your new little ‘friend’ becomes a bestie. 

Btw I used Aloe Vera post radiotherapy and it was really cooling and soothing.

I used BS Organic Farm which is online (don’t be put off by the name). 

Hello,  interesting that the soy issue has surfaced again. It is urban legend that the natural plant phytoestrogens in soy cause breast cancer.  I did my research and the  studies show phytoestrogens in soy do not cause breast cancer but act as anti- estrogens in humans. 
Just look at Asian cuisine and if soy was a cancer causing issue you would expect them to have high incidence of breast cancer. 
My medical oncologist has no issue with my eating or drinking soy.  Many physicians don’t know much about nutrition.  
Eating soy is no problem and since I am vegan it is a great source of nutrition especially protein.  I eat my tofu, tempeh and drink my soy milk without worry. 
I personally don’t impose my eating plan on others but just wanted to clarify this soy issue.  
Take care.  

Not sure about the Soy causing Cancer.

But I do know this :

Soy contains a high concentration of essential amino acids and is the main source of protein in our global food supply. Soy production has more than doubled over the last two decades. Unsustainable conversion of forests, savannahs and grasslands to farmland, is endangering wildlife and ecosystems, putting traditional, local livelihoods at risk.

Before anyone eats Soy/ Soya please go to WWF website and be informed before you indulge.

ps yes, I also have Breast Cancer

I eat soy products and stay away from the soy isolates as that is soy which is not the whole food.  I am comfortable eating tofu, tempeh, edamame, and all the other whole soy foods.  My medical oncologist also says it is great and very glad I am plant based.  have done extensive research and I don’t know how this started that soy causes breast cancer. Everyone should do their own research and make their own decision and I have done that.  
Take care

So good to read someone having no side effects from Letrozole. I’m waiting for my lumpectomy and then if no cancerous lymph nodes found will have radiotherapy and letrozole. Two people I know suffered a lot of side effects from this drug so one of the things making my heart sink a bit. Really glad to read your message. 

I have no side affects either