Letrazole what's it like to take?

Question

Hi everyone - I've been looking at my box of Femara (letrazole) for the past 3 weeks. I had a bone density scan a week ago and I have osteopenia which I'm dealing with by doing weight-bearing exercises and taking Vitamin D3/Calcium and drinking more milk. I went to my GP to voice my concerns about why I wasn't having a blood test before starting letrazole. Oncologist just says to get bone density scan and that's it - good luck. I had a blood test last week - waiting for my results so there's at least a marker for when I start the letrazole. Hmm...glad I thought of it but why isn't it mandatory? Anyway, just wanted to know if there are any good benefits of taking aramatose inhibitors besides stopping breast cancer recurring which is obviously a good benefit! What supplements do you ladies take and what is your diet like and exercise regime to alleviate any side effects?

cath62 · Answer

Your oncologist has assessed your risk and recommended this drug for you. Take it. Give it a go. These doctors has studied for many years and they don't recommend treatments for no reason.&nbsp; Side effects can be addressed and there are other AIs you can take if this isn't right for you.&nbsp; You don't want the cancer returning or metastasising. There's no return if you get metastasis.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

arpie · Answer

Erika888&nbsp; ... What is causing your reluctance to take Letrozole?&nbsp; Your medical team is making decisions that will hopefully benefit you in the long term.The main reason for taking AIs is to try &amp; prevent a cancer recurrence&nbsp; ...&nbsp; &nbsp;So it would probably be in your best interests to give them a go as your Oncologist has prescribed them for you, for a reason.&nbsp; If you aren't comfortable talking to your Oncologist about it, maybe chat with your Breast Care Nurse?&nbsp; Or even ring our Helpline tomorrow on 1800 500 258.&nbsp;&nbsp;Having a bone density test prior to starting AIs is pretty standard - and continuing exercise is always good, as is watching your diet.&nbsp; Some supplements can inhibit&nbsp; the AIs - Tumeric/Curcumin has been mentioned - so always put any supplements past your Onc.&nbsp; &nbsp;Excess Vit B6 can cause neuropathy and additional aches &amp; pains ..&nbsp; &nbsp;;)&nbsp; (Copy &amp; paste this link)https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussions/general-lifestyle-and-wellbeing/peripheral-neuropathy-aches-and-vitamin-supplements--caution-about-b6/Very Regular blood tests are usually done for chemo patients re red/white cell counts before every dose ....&nbsp;Most GPs won't order 'excess' blood tests unless there is a specific reason.&nbsp; Many won't 'do' Cancer Markers either.Take care &amp; all the best.