Letrozole, insomnia, CBD oil
Hi everyone, This is my first post. I am struggling with weight gain, insomnia, bloated feeling, low mood and joint pain. my breast surgeon has changed me from tamoxifen then letrozole now I have a...
Forum Discussion
Hi @MJ04. I am on Letrozole and have had/am having a devil of a time on it. I am determined to continue, and after just over two years, this is where I'm at with coping.
I work with a very supportive GP. She is not an expert in BC survivorship but she is open to hearing me, researching, and thinking laterally. I feel supported by her. You say your BS has prescribed you the hormone supressors. My understanding is that this is usually done by an oncologist. Is there a reason for this? I ask as oncologists can be better placed to make suggestions on what can help.
For the aches and pains (particularly bad at the moment in Victoria's cold damp weather), I am prepared and able to take paracetamol all the time. It doesn't get rid of the pain but it often takes the edge off. I have a reserve of stronger painkillers for when paracetamol doesn't cut the mustard. In non-Stage 4 lockdown times I see an osteopath once a fortnight. This helps manage the pain, giving me some relief for a few days. My GP writes a care plan for me that helps with the cost of a few appointmennts. I tried acupuncture, which some find great, but it did nothing for me.
I am on an anti-depressant. I started on it during chemo and have since increased the dose twice. I have never had depression before but have resigned myself to not even trying to come off it until I've finished taking Letrozole. I still get very low, so I can't even imagine what I'd be like if I didn't take it! I strive to do the other things recommended for depression: regular exercise, regular sleep, healthy food. I don't always succeed but I keep trying. It helps to spend time doing what makes you happy. This is often a struggle for me, particularly at the moment (Covid19 🙄), and with a large family to care for I often feel guilty for taking time for myself, but I'm getting better at it. I also see a psychologist. I don't always feel better after seeing her but it always acts as a release valve.
Weight gain?! If I had the answer to that one I'd be rich! I only have to look sideways at food and I gain... The best I've got is cut out the sugar, don't drink alcohol and fill up on vegetables.
I have struggled with sleep since I was diagnosed. Letrozole has been a disaster for it. It's a long story (involving a menopause clinic, tears, waiting lists, a resignation, and a registrar...) but I've ended up on a drug called Syquet. It's actually an anti-psychotic but has the happy side effect of acting like a sleeping pill. But without the addictive properties. I don't think I can be on it for the duration, but when my anxiety skyrocketed during the first lockdown I was awake until 2 or 3am, and it was making functioning normally (not that I know what that is anymore!) impossible. Syquet has been a godsend. I still get low but most nights I get some sleep and I always fall asleep quickly.
It's taken me determination, persistence and a ton of research to keep ploughing on. I hope some of this (a very short version of the last two years) is useful to you. All I can say is hang in there. K xox
I work with a very supportive GP. She is not an expert in BC survivorship but she is open to hearing me, researching, and thinking laterally. I feel supported by her. You say your BS has prescribed you the hormone supressors. My understanding is that this is usually done by an oncologist. Is there a reason for this? I ask as oncologists can be better placed to make suggestions on what can help.
For the aches and pains (particularly bad at the moment in Victoria's cold damp weather), I am prepared and able to take paracetamol all the time. It doesn't get rid of the pain but it often takes the edge off. I have a reserve of stronger painkillers for when paracetamol doesn't cut the mustard. In non-Stage 4 lockdown times I see an osteopath once a fortnight. This helps manage the pain, giving me some relief for a few days. My GP writes a care plan for me that helps with the cost of a few appointmennts. I tried acupuncture, which some find great, but it did nothing for me.
I am on an anti-depressant. I started on it during chemo and have since increased the dose twice. I have never had depression before but have resigned myself to not even trying to come off it until I've finished taking Letrozole. I still get very low, so I can't even imagine what I'd be like if I didn't take it! I strive to do the other things recommended for depression: regular exercise, regular sleep, healthy food. I don't always succeed but I keep trying. It helps to spend time doing what makes you happy. This is often a struggle for me, particularly at the moment (Covid19 🙄), and with a large family to care for I often feel guilty for taking time for myself, but I'm getting better at it. I also see a psychologist. I don't always feel better after seeing her but it always acts as a release valve.
Weight gain?! If I had the answer to that one I'd be rich! I only have to look sideways at food and I gain... The best I've got is cut out the sugar, don't drink alcohol and fill up on vegetables.
I have struggled with sleep since I was diagnosed. Letrozole has been a disaster for it. It's a long story (involving a menopause clinic, tears, waiting lists, a resignation, and a registrar...) but I've ended up on a drug called Syquet. It's actually an anti-psychotic but has the happy side effect of acting like a sleeping pill. But without the addictive properties. I don't think I can be on it for the duration, but when my anxiety skyrocketed during the first lockdown I was awake until 2 or 3am, and it was making functioning normally (not that I know what that is anymore!) impossible. Syquet has been a godsend. I still get low but most nights I get some sleep and I always fall asleep quickly.
It's taken me determination, persistence and a ton of research to keep ploughing on. I hope some of this (a very short version of the last two years) is useful to you. All I can say is hang in there. K xox