Letrozole

My neighbor is on it and apparently has no side effects- everyone reacts so differently to these drugs. 

@Cafrini60 I've been on Arimidex and Aromasin, Dr De Boer is also my Oncologist lol. I see him next week and I will be going on letrozole because its not steroidal like Aromasin, so am hoping it will suit me better for my final 18 months. I've been on medication for 8 years, 4 were on tamoxifen prior to my recurrence. It is 'I' haha that talks of Magnesium. I also take panadol osteo on a bad day and seems to be enough to be honest.  I currently use Ultra Muscleze Energy by BioCeuticals. It has 320mg of magnesium per scoop in water daily. Ive been using it for a few years and found it does help alot. Magnesium is the most important thing anyone can take and Vit D, as magnesium rejuvenates on a cell level throughout your whole body, so its like the baseline in nutrients to help your body.

Not sure where you are from @Cafrini60 but if you are ready to start hormone therapy then soon the flurry of the treatment cycle will cease and you will be left to return to your former life with 6 monthly checkups with your onc.This blog is fantastic but I  would like to suggest you also consider adding to your resources with a local breast cancer support group and maybe some courses like Encore or Look Good Feel Better to help your transition back into everyday life.It can be a challenging time and there is a lot available to ease that path including the companionship of fellow travellers on the same road. It helped me a lot to see other breast cancer people in my community participating in local life as well as the occasional lunch/meeting.

Oh just wanted to add all AI drugs can lead to cholesterol rise. This is because estrogen normally assists in protection against heart disease ...after menopause it can rise then after blocking whsts left...well it rises again. So looking after your diet and close monitoring is essential.

Thank you Primek for answering me, I will give it my best shot and I know that I have to do it, I will hang in as long as I can, hopefully I will be a lucky one and have few side effects. It seems to be a pretty awful drug though. I don’t have to start it for another eeek. Regard Cafrini60 

Some do some don't. I was in for 3 years then started having some bigger issues that may have been drug related. The big thing is to focus on the reason for being prescribed it and know it can be stopped or changed if you have issues. 

@Cafrini60 I ‘ve been on Letrozole. 2 years now. My oncologist when prescribing it suggested I take Krill Oil tablets which I have daily - can’t really say if it’s helped however as am reluctant to stop.

I also was advised about bone thinning caused by Letrozole.I had been diagnosed some years beforehand with osteoporosis.As I had recently an osteoporotic  fracture - a cracked rib - I was put on 6 monthly Prolia injections.Ihave had no issues with the injections and I discovered many women I knew also had same.I was taking Caltrate with Vitamin D but now only take Vit D3 as there has been concerns from cardiologists about heart problems caused by calcium supplements.I noted Osteoporosis Australia no longer recommends Calcium supplements in their Clinical guidelines for this reason.

My issues have been minor and settled reasonably well after a few months.They were joint stiffness in the morning and a few hot flushes.I found/ find a daily one hour walk helped considerably to walk thru the joint stiffness.

I too have vaginal atrophy which is problematical as I need annual Pap smears.My onc has approved oestrogen pessaries for 5 days prior to my pap to help ensure a reading can be made.

I have had 2 other issues which may/may not be related to Letrozole.This year I have had very painful tennis elbow for 6 months - Letrozole can cause tendon issues like carpal tunnel and trigger thumb - tennis elbow is a repetitive strain injury effecting the tendon.
AlsoI have had problems with preexisting glaucoma no longer being controlled with drops necessitating eye surgery - Iam unsure if that is Letrozole but do know Tamoxifen has eye side effects.


Almost forgot Letrozole did cause a spike in my cholesterol which has formerly been quite low.

Finally I have noted a difference for me in the brands of Letrozole I have taken - currently I have used 3 .They say the difference in brands is the drug fillers and coatings which causes difficulties for people. I believe that is true for me with one particular brand - there are about 8 brands of Letrozole on the market in Australia.

@Cafrini60 Hi, I did have problems with Letrozole mostly because it caused problems with other pre-existing medical issues and gave me nasty hot flushes.  Without the other medical conditions it may have been fine.  I'm now on Aromasin and doing a lot better.  As others have said, give it a go because you don't know until you try.