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Metastatic Breast Cancer & avoiding weight gain while on Letrozole ?
Bagnara
Member Posts: 36 ✭
Metastatic Breast Cancer & avoiding weight gain while on Letrozole.
Is it possible ?
Has anyone been successful in losing weight that was gained while taking Letrozole ?
What have you find helpful ?
I have only met two other women with metastaic breast cancer who are also talking Letrozole and their response to my question was to just accept the wieght gain ( especialy around abdomen ) and " nothing you can do about " .
I am grateful to be alive but the weiight gain and other side efects from Letrozole are negatively affecting my mental health and quality of life .
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Comments
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I’ve been on Letrozole for nearly eight years (but not metastatic cancer) and have managed to keep my weight fairly steady (I lost weight on chemo and want to keep that level). I am however much more active than before I had cancer - I took up a gym membership and before COVID went usually three times a week. I try and limit my alcohol intake, eat a good, varied diet and since my gym closed, I walk! Every day. What may make a difference is that I don’t have any joint or bone pain on Letrozole (I do have some other side effects). Limited mobility due to illness or side effects is a very real barrier to weight control. Have your medical team any suggestions? Best wishes.
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Thanks very much for your reply Afraser. Your experience gives me some hope 🙂1
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How are you going on Letrazole now, Bagnara?0
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Thankyou for your care & concern Sooziqu,
I would love to give a positive , happy answer to your question ☺ but my reality is that
I find the side effects ( menopause symtoms etc ) including weight gain have negatively impacted my energy levels , self esteem and mental health.
I need to stay on Letrozole so trying to accept what I can not change including the metastatic breast cancer diagnosis.
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Hi @Bagnara,
I empathise. I am experiencing similar Letrozole side effects. Six months in, I'm hoping they will level out, diminish or disappear - but not yet. I work full-time and have no energy for anything else by the time I get home. I don't make the best food choices. I keep intending to plan and prep meals - but never do. Very low energy, weight gain, poor sleep and feeling very despondent at times. I recently discovered Panadol Osteo, which is a slow-release pain killer. It may help you too. I can forget the joint/arthritic pain and almost feel normal - enough to exercise or work in the garden etc. on the weekends. I hope you find something that helps. If I can manage to increase my physical activity, eat better and lose weight, I think my mental health will improve too. I hope you feel better soon too.
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Try not to stress over comments
We are all different
Generally not everyone has major side effects from AI therapy
Joint and muscle aches and cramps were the norm after a few months...getting moving after sitting is important
No I have not put on wreght after five years of AI drugs
If one does not aggree with you see the oncologist another might be suitable
Hints
Stay motivated do things for youself
Movement is essential but do not do high impact gym etc
Walking swimming yoga are best
Stay fit
Try to reduce weight as side effect could be related to excess body fat
I have tried to be positive about these drugs they do work
They slow the progression
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Thanks Dory65 Sometimes, it just encouraging to know others are on same discovery journey trying to adjust to diagnosis and treatment ☺
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Hi Not_ good _ 53_57 ,
My sincere apologies if my comments about my personal , ongoing experinces with Letrozole caused you any aprehension . Everyone is different. All the very best with starting your oral Letrozole and Palbociclib (Ibrance) treatment .0 -
@Bagnara
Did you know you can get a gp plan for up to 5 specialist visits? I got one for dietician to help me manage weight issues. Im not on ais yet and dont have mets but dietician might be able to help.
Mine has recommended certain things for chemo and is going to help me manage weight through my chemical menopause once im through chemo.
Just a thought..2 -
@Bagnara hello, yes I was on letrozole at the start of the year, but have stopped it as I was only weakly er+ and am now on Capecitabine for 6 months. My weight has been steady pretty much my whole life until now.
Now Weight gain has been A real issue for me. I exercise a lot -one hour walks each day plus bike and swimming. Sure, I comfort eat some chocolate. I tell myself after what I’ve been through I deserve it! But I just can’t shift it like I used to. My clothes are getting tighter and tighter
Previously I Could lose extra kilos but now nothing seems to work.
I can relate to your comments. I am so grateful to be here. But I admit this is getting me down a bit.
Caz xx2 -
I hi have always had a weight problem as I have pcos and while I am not in the same ai as you I have been in them now for seven years. I have mobility issues especially around walking long distances, this can include walking around a shopping centroi long . I can do the gym due to pain and I find any kind of cardio too hard. I have found while I have not lost weight I have changed shape over the last 18 months and am looking the best I have in years. 3 things have changed. 1 I don’t drink as much wine I swapped to gnt ( a lot less sugar) 2. I don’t eat any fried food ams don’t over eat as my bowels have changed and I can’t cope with it . Finally 3. I got a dog and no matter how bad I am feeling I walk her religiously 3 times a day they are only short walks but I never miss one. I feel really comfortable and am looking so much better. Small changes and constant exercise what ever you find works for you really make a difference xxoo
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MichelleR ... Glad you have found dietician helped you. Thanks for the suggestion of GP Aliied Health Care plan to see Dietician . I do have a care plan in place & I have seen 3 different Dieticians. Unfortunately they have not been very helpful as they seem to have limited knowledge of effects of Letrozole and just wantb o focus on basic dietary information. Have arranged to use the remaining sesions on the plan to see Exercise Physiologist.. Ist apt booked for next week ☺
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Hi Caz1
Thankyou for taking time to comment & share your experince . I can relate totally to what you wrote about clothes getting tighter . I have put on nearly 20 kg in nearly 2 years since I was diagnised with Metastaic Breat cancer & commenced on Letrozole
Like you I am also grateful to be alive but weight gain has affected my wellbeing enoumously.
All the very best to you
I wish this cancer journey was easier and that treatments didnt have so many side effects ...Sometimes I liken it to a train ride that I cannot get off of !1 -
Hi Hankster,
Thank you for sharing your story and giving me encouragement and hope.
It is so great that you feel so comfortable and looking better.
I have a beuitiful dog that I walk as well . He is my positive therapy ❤.
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I'm fed up with the weight gain. Being very careful with what I eat and still gaining weight. I exercise as much as cancer affected lungs will allow.
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