Hormone treatment

Hi, I'm no expert, but I am on letrozole (which is basically the post menopausal equivalent to tamoxifen) plus bisphosphonates. As I understand, the letrozole/tamoxifen are to block the estrogen as we have ER+ cancer, but the lack of estrogen can weaken bones, so the bisphosphonates are a bone infusion, to strengthen bones.

I suggest you could give the lovely folks at Macmillan a call on 0800 808 0000 to chat this through and get a clear understanding. Best wishes 

Thank you. I'll try calling tomorrow I think. I just want to get a better understanding before my next appointment. I like to be prepared :) 

• Hi how are you finding the biophosphonates? I started a month a go and been knocked for six. My hips back and legs are in so much pain. They did warn me of the side effects but didn’t expect to be bed ridden! Not sure if I should if I should contact my nurse? 

Hi, I’m on a 6 monthly routine of Zometa and whilst the first one knocked me for 6, the rest have been fine. I'd contact the nurse for advice if the side effects are so bad, best wishes

Hi I’ve just posted for advice on 6monthly infusions. I’m on letrizole, two year down the line, after lumpectomy and radiotherapy. The first two infusions were fine but after receiving treatment on Monday, my heads fits to burst. Painkillers are having no effect. 

Oh no, so sorry to hear that. My first one was awful (worse than chemo) but the rest have been fine. Hope you're feeling better soon 

Thank you for reply’s. I was ok with the first two infusions, but this one has really knocked me for six. I’ve also had an allergic reaction this time round. Itchy rash behind both ears and parts of my neck. I guess it’s just another hurdle to overcome. 
Fingers crossed for everyone on their cancer journey. 

It’s because you are pre menopausal and producing oestrogen in your  ovaries .
Tamoxifen disrupts the oestrogen / cancer cell  connection. 
Letrozole is for post menopause , when ovaries don’t produce oestrogen but fat ( via aromatase enzyme ) and adrenals do . It stops production of oestrogen pretty much 100%. 
The Zoladex will shut down your ovaries . Once this has happened , you will switch to letrozole .

As Irishgirl said, letrozole can cause bone loss. As you are younger than natural menopause age, they will want to protect against this , that’s what biphoshonates do .

This is my understanding of it but your breast care nurse and MacMillan can advise x