Back on the bandwagon
Well today is my last day of freedom from letrozole as i go back on it from tomorrow after my 2 month holiday. For those who are contemplating a break from whichever drug and feel comfortable doing it (i am in the low risk category) i recommend it.
Don't expect miracles after one week off cos they won't happen that quick. Depending on the level of discomfort you are feeling will depend on how long the effects take to ease. For me after a week my hip joints eased but my hands took a month (hence why i wanted 2 months off). My hands will always be an issue due to arthritis setting in (hereditary) but i can manage that through trial and error.
Also pick the worst time of year, aches and pains wise, to take a break. For me it's winter though summer can be almost as bad if it's a hot one.
Keep a diary to track when which part of your body eased and also to track your moods funnily enough. I'm not a moody hormonal type but the last two weeks have been awful to the point of depression. I just about snapped my husband's head off over something so tiny but then he snapped back which was unusual for him but when we had a chance to talk it through i found out he'd been worrying about his ED and nothing seemed to be working the way he wanted it to. Add my funny mood to the mix and hey presto...two very snappy, crabby people. That at least has all settled down and as he said i was probably worried about going back on the drug. My onco did give me the option to try tamoxifen but after she said the main side effect was flushes i said no thanks. Most of mine when i did have them came at night which wrecked my sleep. So back to the devil i know. And yes i am allowed to have a 2 month break each year, thank goodness...
So, if you're contemplating a break it's well worth it. Being able to stretch, bend, squat and not feel like an 80 yo granny has been marvellous and shows that for me there is light at the end of the letrozole tunnel.
3 years 3 months to go...
Don't expect miracles after one week off cos they won't happen that quick. Depending on the level of discomfort you are feeling will depend on how long the effects take to ease. For me after a week my hip joints eased but my hands took a month (hence why i wanted 2 months off). My hands will always be an issue due to arthritis setting in (hereditary) but i can manage that through trial and error.
Also pick the worst time of year, aches and pains wise, to take a break. For me it's winter though summer can be almost as bad if it's a hot one.
Keep a diary to track when which part of your body eased and also to track your moods funnily enough. I'm not a moody hormonal type but the last two weeks have been awful to the point of depression. I just about snapped my husband's head off over something so tiny but then he snapped back which was unusual for him but when we had a chance to talk it through i found out he'd been worrying about his ED and nothing seemed to be working the way he wanted it to. Add my funny mood to the mix and hey presto...two very snappy, crabby people. That at least has all settled down and as he said i was probably worried about going back on the drug. My onco did give me the option to try tamoxifen but after she said the main side effect was flushes i said no thanks. Most of mine when i did have them came at night which wrecked my sleep. So back to the devil i know. And yes i am allowed to have a 2 month break each year, thank goodness...
So, if you're contemplating a break it's well worth it. Being able to stretch, bend, squat and not feel like an 80 yo granny has been marvellous and shows that for me there is light at the end of the letrozole tunnel.
3 years 3 months to go...
