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

SoldierCrab
Member
7 years ago
Annski, I found that I have had to cut back since my diagnosis 6 yrs ago and now I do what works for me. Our new Christmas is laid back ...
Breakfast then presents then off to the dam to enjoy the breeze if it is there.....
Home and another laid back early dinner grandma goes home after dinner and I get to sit and reflect quietly on the day.

Oh how I would love to be in your river Zoffiel
Annski
Member
7 years ago
Hope you had a wonderful trip and that the letrozole treats you better after your break. And that you managed Christmas day ... I found it quite a challenge, not able to manage everything like I used to. Cheers and best wishes for the rest of the holidays ...
Flaneuse
Member
7 years ago
@kmakm Welcome home! I hope you've had some restorative experiences. That's interesting about your letrozole holiday. I must ask my oncologist about curcumin when I see her next. I asked my GP and he was very scathing, but that's not surprising. He doesn't think outside the square and is only marginally younger than I am.
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
I'm three quarters of the way through my Letrozole holiday. The hand and thumb pain went first. I haven't dropped anything for two weeks! Two weeks in the ankle and leg pain disappeared. Oh the bliss!

One more week and then it's back on to the bugger. I'll try taking it in the evening this time, and throw some curcumin into the mix when the pain starts again. Maybe it won't?! Maybe it won't be as bad?! I live in hope...

Still, I'll keep on slogging, and the knowledge that I can have a break once a year will be something I can look forward to.
Flaneuse
Member
7 years ago
Thanks @Afraser. I think I need to have a total review of my medications and supplements.
Afraser
Member
7 years ago
Just for the record, I am on Xarelto too and checked fish oil with my cardiologist, no problem he said. I only take one capsule daily, but don't take glucosamine. I only take it for my creaky (but no pain) knees that predate Letrozole.
Flaneuse
Member
7 years ago
@Brenda5 It would be unwise for me to take fish oil as I'm on Xarelto blood thinners already. I take glucosamine and devil's claw for my knee pain. Don't know if my Letrozole pain would be worse without them.
Brenda5
Member
7 years ago
Fish oil capsules worked wonders with me.
Sister
Member
7 years ago
Yep, for me so far that has been the most debilitating as it's the one constant - no grip in my hands.
Flaneuse
Member
7 years ago
@Emie Thanks. I'm going to try to get to see my oncologist in January and see what she says. I'm definitely "The Claw"!

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I'm on holiday... from Letrozole!

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