Forum Discussion

Aqua_sunrise's avatar
Aqua_sunrise
Member
10 years ago

Letrozole questions

Hello everyone ??

I will be on letrozole after my radiation finishes & would love others feedback,

unfortunately I googled ?? & came across so much negative stuff about this drug ??

I am hoping theses are the very vocal minority & most people cope very well,

The thought that running ( which I adore ) biking, swimming & yoga may be totally compromised is more than slightly physcing me out ,

is there any helpful tweaks to diet, lifestyle that has helped anyone else ? 

Thank you thank you ??

exercise
  • Lisa_BCNA's avatar
    Lisa_BCNA
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Tansygrant,

    It’s Lisa from the Policy Team. It is great that you posted on the Online Network as it can be a really good place to get support and hear about the experiences of others.

    I just wanted to jump in to let you know about BCNA’s booklet, Hormone therapy and breast cancer. It provides information about the types of hormone therapy, the benefits of hormone therapy, common side effects and also suggestions and strategies from other women about what has helped them to help manage some of the side effects. If you would like a hardcopy of the booklet, you can order it on our website or give us a ring on 1800 500 258.

    We also have some information about the different types of hormone therapy on our website which you can find here. The Westmead Breast Cancer Institute also has a useful booklet called Hormonal Therapies for Breast Cancer. You can download or order the booklet on their website.

    If you do experience side effects that are difficult to manage, you can also talk to your doctor about possibly adjusting the dose or switching to another hormone therapy drug, as this can sometimes be an option.

    Warm regards,
    Lisa

  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hello

    I think those of us facing hormone therapy do get a bit nervous when we read about problems that others have. I actually took Tamoxifen for almost 2 years before having my ovaries removed last July and swapping to Femara (letrozole) last October. 

    I was very active (hiking, swimming and Pilates/yoga ) while on Tamoxifen and still now on Femara. It did cause my joints to hurt more at first and stirred up some mild arthritis in my foot and hips. But that has mostly settled again now ( 4 months on Femara).

    I was really worried that this drug would prevent me from enjoying being very active but I think that with persistence over any initial reaction I am feeling ok about it now. I have found it harder to feel as good as I did on Tamoxifen but I think I am getting there now.

    Hope this helps you to feel better about this part of treatment. Hope it goes well. Take care. Deanne xxx