Letrozole
Hello I am about to start taking Letrozole and after reading the side effects I am concerned. I've come so far after chemo, mastectomy and radiation and now feeling really good and enjoying life. The...
Forum Discussion
I had joint pain for about 6 months but found daily walking for an hour helped me walk thru it pretty well.I also participated in gentle exercise programs and at the suggestion of my oncologist took a daily Krill oil tablet ( stronger than fish oil they say) - no idea if it workedbut managed ok so still taking it.For me the walking was and is very important - it also helps lower stress and gives me thinking time away from other daily distractions.
The big issue is to protect bone density as Letrozole thins bones. It’s wise to have it checked before starting and keep it monitored.I was osteoporotic prior to breast cancer so was put on Prolia injections 6 monthly to counter bone thinning which I manage fine andhave the added benefit of reducing recurrence risk.
It also causes vaginal atrophy which makes Pap smears more uncomfortable and difficult to do.My oncologist agreed to oestrogen pessaries for 1 week prior my Pap smear. I think the latest research suggests oestrogen pessaries are safe to use regularly to counter vaginal atrophy for Er+ breast cancer patients on hormone therapy - but please check with your oncologist.
Finally Letrozole can cause a big increase in cholesterol- it doubled mine - so that needs to be monitored and maybe some dietary modifications/ statin tablets may be necessary.
Letrozole I think is doable but can be tough at the start - many can push thru this and continue. For those that can’t there are other hormone therapy tablets that may alleviate troubling side effects.Give it a go - track any side effects and report them to your oncologist who can help with alternatives.It’s worth a shot but be persistent as it can protect Er+ breast cancer patients from recurrence .
The big issue is to protect bone density as Letrozole thins bones. It’s wise to have it checked before starting and keep it monitored.I was osteoporotic prior to breast cancer so was put on Prolia injections 6 monthly to counter bone thinning which I manage fine andhave the added benefit of reducing recurrence risk.
It also causes vaginal atrophy which makes Pap smears more uncomfortable and difficult to do.My oncologist agreed to oestrogen pessaries for 1 week prior my Pap smear. I think the latest research suggests oestrogen pessaries are safe to use regularly to counter vaginal atrophy for Er+ breast cancer patients on hormone therapy - but please check with your oncologist.
Finally Letrozole can cause a big increase in cholesterol- it doubled mine - so that needs to be monitored and maybe some dietary modifications/ statin tablets may be necessary.
Letrozole I think is doable but can be tough at the start - many can push thru this and continue. For those that can’t there are other hormone therapy tablets that may alleviate troubling side effects.Give it a go - track any side effects and report them to your oncologist who can help with alternatives.It’s worth a shot but be persistent as it can protect Er+ breast cancer patients from recurrence .