Letrozole Ladies

Yes I had side effects quite quickly too but now infrequent and minor. Keeping moving when joint pain occurred helped a lot. I do take Krill oil oncologist recommended but not sure if that has helped as much as walking , gentle stretch/balance exercise class twice weekly and 8 weeks hydrotherapy at start. I too am not an exercise fan but find I notice it if I don't. 

Taken from this website:  https://breast-cancer.canceraustralia.gov.au/treatment/hormonal-therapies/types-hormonal-therapy

Aromatase inhibitors

Aromatase inhibitors work by stopping androgens from being changed to oestrogen. Examples of aromatase inhibitors include anastrozole (Arimidex®), letrozole (Femara®) and exemestane (Aromasin®). Aromatase inhibitors are only effective for women who have gone through menopause permanently.

Aromatase inhibitors are not suitable for women who:

• haven’t yet reached menopause
• are in the middle of menopause
• have temporarily stopped having menstrual periods because of chemotherapy.

Aromatase inhibitors are taken as a single tablet every day, usually for 5 years.

Just re-kicking this one, ladies ..... I started Letrozole just under 2 weeks ago - and think I am also starting to get more aches & pains already - almost a 'heavy feeling' all over - shoulders, hips.  How quickly did it 'set in' for you after starting the tabs?

I thought I was originally going on Tamoxifen (as it was the only one mentioned from Day 1 by both my surgeon and Rad Onc) so was surprised when it changed to Letrozole on my first meeting with my Onc 2 weeks ago!

Any idea why Letrozole would be more beneficial than Tamoxifen?  I am 65 & had 10 years of menopause from age 45 - 55.    No Kids.

My hands have extreme arthritis already, so they are very painful already - I can't pick up or hold anything heavy without using both hands .... so already couldn't open jars or drink bottles etc .... 

BUT ... I am planning on sticking with my Kayak Fishing (in a Hobie Pedal Kayak) that involves a cast of thousands ..... and also my uke group - which SHOULD keep me fairly 'subtle' (I hope!)   Cos I HATE WALKING & I couldn't run round the block to save my life!   (I trip on the pattern of the carpet as it is already!  LOL)  

Onwards & upwards - I hope you are all feeling good & gettin' thru all this shit without too much hassle!!  xx

I've been on letrozole for 3 months. I have stiffness in my ankles & lower back if I've been sitting or lying down to long (I.e in the morning) I've also found the fatigue really getting me down, so instead of taking it in the morning, I take it at night. I also get restless legs, so I've been using magnesium oil when I go to bed, it helps.  

Tennille just been reading alcohol and Letrozole cause nausea and headache just thought might be worth passing on

I had all you mentioned they settled after about 2 months magnesium was my saviour 3 tabs a day. I know it works as lve run out 4 a week and back comes the bone pain.

@Tennille - this is certainly keeping you on your toes!  Here's hoping your scan will give good results and a base for them to work from!  Take care x

Chemo was 6 years ago for me. Letrozole has only just started because  of mets. Went to onc today and clinical trial may be on hold because although bloods are fine my liver has not been happy for a few days. Had a neck to knee ct scan today. Results tomorrow and then I find out if its forward with Letrozole/Ibrance combo or Chemo...Bloody cancer

Did you have chemo as well. I initially had very stiff joints, ankles and wrists and knees. Losing weight helped. Increasing my exercise very gradually helped. Chemo recovery helped. After a couple of months it is neglible. Certainly livable. I'm not back to all my exercise yet but back to full time work. 

Hi Chris I am already osteoporotic and have just been put on Letrozole however am to have Prolia ( denosumab) injection 6 monthly . Was told by my surgeon and read on line that Prolia has been found to reduce risk of recurrence significantly - might be worth a chat to your oncologist  - only downside is it is not on PBS unless you have already had a fracture.