Letrozole

Hi ladies.   Sorry for the delay in replying to your helpful posts. The first two days were hell and I went back to my doctor she suggested taking anti nausea tablets before the letrozole for a few days and I am pleased to report they did the job. However I will get some ginger just in case it comes back when I stop the maxolon. The hot flushes have started I did not think that would happen quite so soon. I am well past menopause so was not looking forward to that aspect but not too bad so far. No aches and pains yet! I have been going to the gym for a while so hopefully that will help. Romla I will keep the krill oil in mind it is good to have some back up ideas and that it is ok to take while on letrozole. Anyway thanks again, time for bed for me. I hope you all have a great day tomorrow.

Try with meals. Maybe in the evening.

PS Ginger is great for nausea and there are many ginger products available today from , tea , to biscuits to ice cream to chocolates etc. I buy from Coles uncrystallised ginger in the dried fruit section - it’s yum.If I ‘m feeling wicked Buderim make ginger bear Jubes
 and nothing like dark chocolate around ginger if you’d like an indulgence.

@MayII have been on Letrozole 2 years 3 months after lumpectomy and radiotherapy for ILC. For most of this time I have walked daily for an hour which I believe has helped a lot.

I have never been keen on exercise but was also very worried about hormone therapy.It was not easy as I had aches in my legs and lower back but found once I got going mostly I could walk through it.I walked regardless of the weather and I live in the Hills but felt it was my  best shot.I got my kids to put music on my phone , bought a runners band and earplugs to tune out from exercise and focussed on the music .Gradually it became easier and I looked forward to it as it also helped with my emotional health given me time out from a busy family life and time to think about things.

My oncologist recommended I take Krill oil tablets daily - I have no idea if they worked but still take them.They are a blood thinner I discovered and needed to be off them prior to some minor unrelated surgeries.

I would urge good shoes as paramount. I wear ASIC sneakers. I’ve recently come back from a lengthy trip where much lengthy walking was done on hard surfaces in not the best footwear and have had a few problems with my heels.Touch wood I think things are improving by having a rest , buying orthotics from a supermarket ( around $20) and have discovered the sublime joy of Birkenstock Arizona sandals which are recommended for spurs and other related foot issues.( mind you I think my feet look like they belong in a convent)

Please note I have not had chemotherapy and from mycasual observation from being on the blog 2 years it seems that those who have had chemotherapy may have a tougher time adapting physically  to hormone therapy as possibly the chemo drugs knock around bone/ muscle.Also many years post menopausal - am now 65 - so hormone therapy that prevents oestrogen being created from my fat cells may be less of a shock as my oestrogen levels have been low for many years and all the menopausal side effects I went through 20 years ago ie I’m used to it.

I hope something of the above helps.I’d say touch wood I’m doing ok and my body adapted after 6 months or so - I have been lucky I guess.

Ginger travel calm tablets help and drinking a swallow or two of ginger ale is good. Cut down portions of meats and dairy a bit and drink plenty of water.
Exercise, just gentle walking will help  the bone and muscle pains. It doesn't feel that way when you first start but by the end of the walk you will feel better.
Keep up with your GP checkups more often and get your heart checked from time to time.
If the tabs arent enteric coated, try cuttting them in half and try that. Half is better than nothing. You can always increase it as you get used to it.

I have I have been on Letrozole now for 7 months. I had muscle & joint pain together with mould nausea initially. After reading up lots on this site and anywhere else I could find anything, I increased my water intake (always carry a water bottle and sip constantly through the day) and slowly built up my exercise regime (walking, cycling & Pilates classes) and these symptoms slowly subsided. Was it just my system getting used to Letrozole, who knows?? At this stage though I don’t have any of these side effects although my blood pressure has now increased somewhat. GP doesn’t believe 5his is linked to Letrozole but I do wonder! 

So sorry May. I was a bit queasy the first few days but it settled quickly. Try to take it easy on yourself for as long as you can manage. Rest up, gentle exercise and some distraction. You could try some anti-nausea meds if it gets too much.

For many, including me, Letrozole is a hard drug to take. Some of the side effects I had in the first year (currently in the second year) have stopped, while new ones have appeared. The doctors say that for some the side effects settle down after about six months.

For me, sheer bloody minded determination and the oncologist permitted two month drug holiday that I am about to take is what's keeping me going on this wretched drug. I wish I could offer something more useful! Hang in there, K xox