With my oncologist's blessing, as of today, I am stopping Letrozole for a month. A Christmas present to myself.The two main side effects are the permanent bone ache in my ankles and thumb joints. I am very interested to see how quickly they go, if they go at all. I'm also curious to observe the effect on my brain, again, if any. Mucosal dryness is the other annoying side effect.When I start taking it again on 1/1/19 I'll try taking it at night. And after observing what happens for a month, I'll add curcumin to the mix.The clinical trial continues!

@Flaneuse Thank you. Both my oncologists (as in old and new, not concurrent!) have told me that some of their patients have reported success with curcumin so I thought I'd give it a crack.I don't know about restorative, but certainly most fun! All the same problems remain, but it was good to have a break for a bit.@Annski @SoldierCrab I took the words of wisdom here to heart and let go of a lot of the Christmas Day perfectionism that I normally have. I wasn't here for the set-up, was behind on my own prep (normally have everything wrapped long before Christmas Eve) and couldn't find half the stuff I normally put out. But stress I did not! I just focussed on the food, laid a pretty table and made sure the sparkling shiraz was chilled. Not really the energy for anything else. It all went well. Sounds like it did at yours. K xox

My mother decided at a very early stage that we would all have Christmas Day at a hotel. With only 2 days holiday, she wasn't going to spend it cooking, clearing and cleaning up. So we did. It probably cost not much more, my mother enjoyed it as much as the rest of us and no squabbles about who's doing what. Even a large family can do it if they share some of the cost.

I hear you @Annski and @kezmusc. It sometimes feels like a major battle to create the traditions that everyone professes to adore yet won't lift a finger to contribute towards. And I agree with you about the cost. We are easily the most financially stressed unit in the wider family but no one ever offers to contribute financially! And despite protestations, it was my husband and I who did the cleaning up...I was pleased with the food delegation this year. Note to self: next year lay down the law re cleaning up!

@SoldierCrab and @kezmusc, yes, yes and yes. How old is the eldest? Get this, he is 52! He doesn't live anywhere permanently, works in rural horticulture and so comes to his Mum's at Christmas. Nowhere for him to host us. Older daughter has another Mumsy, my ex-husbands third wife who she regards as a much better specimen than me, so she goes to her at Christmas, or to her step-sister's. She herself never hosts anyone. Granddaughters are hilarious, especially the 21 year old. She did her level best to help but couldn't find out where anything was kept and as a vegetarian objected to being anywhere near the turkey. My youngest daughter really did try this year, brought lots of salads and dips and nice things but arrived having already enjoyed some Christmas libations with her new boyfriend and somehow couldn't stop. He was rude and obnoxious. They finished up watching the most disgusting movie I have ever seen and what was it called? Bad Moms 2, of course. Wonderful way to show respect to the poor old matriarch with BC.Oh Kezza you are so right, especially "feeling like a slave". I do love your list. It is a wonder, you should patent it. I thought I might print it out. I think the thing is, they all feel I have set the rules and they no longer feel they should have to abide by them. Who said there should be turkey and ham? What's wrong with hummus and cold tofu? Who says we shouldn't drink all the wine we can find in the cupboard when it turns out we didn't bring enough of our own? What's wrong with watching disgusting movies after lunch? I just don't know where I went wrong. They used to be nice, pleasant, kind children but they've got worse with each passing year. You've got to laugh sometimes.

I started Letrozole a few weeks ago. Aches aren't too bad but seem magnified when I want to go to sleep. The oncologist said if my finger joints get involved, have a month off. It's no biggie.

I'm on holiday... from Letrozole!

50 Replies

kmakm
Member
7 years ago
@Sister I'm deathly allergic to bee stings... :'(

And today while stomping round the house doing endless housework I've been rather uncomfortable with dryness in the below ground lady garden irrigation system... Gargh!
Afraser
Member
7 years ago
My surgeon is more concerned about prolapse, another little joy possibly on the horizon! Any sexual advantage will be coincidental.
Sister
Member
7 years ago
Re: vaginal dryness - I have been advised by the sexual health consultant to use a product called Olive and Bee (possibly not good if you're allergic to bee stings??). 0.5ml inserted every 2 to 3 nights. No nasties or hormones in it.
tigerbeth
Member
7 years ago
Good luck Kate ! hope it is a welcome relief to let you enjoy your trip :)

xxxx
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
@kezmusc Thanks Kezza!
kezmusc
Member
7 years ago
Yeeeha K. Enjoy lovely.
The first time I had a break it took about a week to feel pretty close to normal. Hope it wears of quick for you. It is hard to start back on them after feeling so good I must say but you know it has to be done so you just do it. Albeit grumbling and swearing a lot 🙄

xoxoxox
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
@arpie This time next week I'll be in the air!

@Blossom1961 True!
Blossom1961
Member
7 years ago
@kmakm Excellent Christmas present. May be hard for your hubby and kids to beat that one!
arpie
Member
7 years ago
Enjoy the break, @kmakm! I wonder how quickly you will feel 'better/less' side effects?? Keep us informed!

Vaginal atrophy is no fun. :( I've had it 20 years now. Even having a speculum for my Pap Smear is excruciating! (AND she used a kiddie sized one!)

When is your trip to India??
Afraser
Member
7 years ago
Good luck - although if you get instant relief, it'll take great willpower to start again. Which you have! The dryness thing is annoying - I have vaginal dryness (adopting a very low dose cream with my surgeon's encouragement, let's face it, at my age my oestrogen level is scarcely variable) but nose sniffles at the drop of a hat.

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I'm on holiday... from Letrozole!

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