Aromatase inhibitors

I've had a DIEP, and am on Letrozole. Many side effects but not swelling in the legs. 'General swelling' is listed as a side effect. You poor thing. Hope it resolves quickly. K xox

Well I lasted 35 days on the letrozole and after my review with the breast surgeon , considering my side effects and low personal risk of reoccurrence I stopped the drug . It wasn’t a hard decision for me . That was 8 days ago. One of the side effects we thought were likely caused by the drug was edema of the legs . Particularly one leg. I’m hoping it all gets  better . I’m back working four days a week now, lots of walking stair climbing and sitting and I’m wearing TEDS and using ice on my leg at night. It’s very frustrating . Anyone else dealing with leg swelling?  I thought  my arms were at risk , not my legs . Seeing the hospital physio again tomorrow and really hope she has some tips for me to stop this because I’m over it . I think it might be happening because of the abdomen cut for the DIEP which is the procedure I had , but can’t find much information . 

@Suzi_S61 Maybe the grapefruit thing doesn't apply with Arimidex. My memory is foggy now as well. Hate it. Oestrogen is important for brain function...

I am only on Arimidex atm. Haven't found it too problematic yet. I just feel a bit tired. I may have mentioned this somewhere before. The memory is a bit foggy sometimes. Have to take it for 5 to 10 years. 

@Suzi_S61 I found the warning about grapefruit in the drug sheet on Letrozole I was given by the oncologist.

I must admit, I’ve found it pretty easy not to have my glass of wine at nights since I got my diagnosis . I think my tastebuds have changed quite a bit. I crave simpler things right now . I used to love a gin  and tonic but dont think I could enjoy one right now. I’m only 28 days out from bilateral Mx and DIEP so I’m still needing pain killers . Maybe that’s the reason ? I hope I can still enjoy a drink with family in the future though. I’m not even enjoying chocolate as much either and people keep giving it to me when they visit 😂😂😂. No room in my new flat belly anymore! Wonder if that will change too ?? 
 After the healing comes the next big step for me (AI’s) . I’m hoping the side effects will be fairly minimal . It’s so good  to hear that most people cope with them just fine . I do remember the night sweats of menopause that I found to be the most annoying symptom ( rolling over in bed onto cold wet sweated sheets !! Yuk!) But I’m going to plan for that anyway and make up some short bed liners made of soft absorbing winsey material . Then I can just whip them out easily instead of remaking beds in the middle of the night!  I think they might work and be more comfortable than towels . 😊
Thanks for your sharing your thoughts on AI’s . I’ll double check with the BS some of the information and let you know what he says . X 

I have been on AI for only just over a month. No one has said anything about avoiding grapefruit to me. The only side effect is being tired in the morning so I am thinking of taking earlier in the evening. I don't think I could cut out all the yummy treats out of my life completely.  What are we living for?. A bit of chocolate or a glass of wine should be ok. I wont be consuming alcohol while having chemo though. I will just wait,  something to look forward to 😄

@Marakesh 

My first ever Oncologist appointment he said if you are planning on travelling let me know!  So yes if you are wanting to fly somewhere mention it - better to be safe than sorry!

As most others have said it is about everything in moderation.  Some of us are pushed into menopause and others have passed it however the combined effects of menopause and AI's can be challenging but be comforted to know we do get through!  Take care




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@kmcin28 Big hug luv. K xox

I will @kmakm, counting down the days until I'm finished. It's been a long 15 months.