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lfillmore's avatar
lfillmore
Member
4 hours ago

Suffering with Letrozole side-effects weeks after coming off it…

I think it has been discussed a lot already.. sorry… 55 y.o stage 2 ILC with mastectomy, preventative mastectomy on other side, radiotherapy. Finished all by end June this year.

But I just need some HOPE that Letrozole side effects will wear off eventually… After 5 months of taking Letrozole, and going ok, I suddenly had burning pain in my wrists, hands, knees, thighs, many tender to touch, was hobbling around plus on sore feet, not even being able to clear up the kitchen after hubby cooks.. Not able to complete a shift at work.. 

I tried exemestane six weeks after stopping Letrozole. But for only 2 days as my wrists burned even more.

I’m now 7-8 weeks post Letrozole and trying to at least go to stretch classes three times a week, and go for walks. Still relying on regular Panadol/Nurofen,  can’t clear the kitchen up in the evening or go to work. Just about collapse into bed at night to make everything stop burning. When will it ever end?!!

letrozole
side-effects

1 Reply

  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    1 hour ago

    So sorry you are having these side effects to your AIs, lfillmore​  .... I started on Letrozole, after 6 weeks - changed to Exemestane, then after 6 months, changed to  Anastrozole (which I was on for the following 6+ years!).  I had a couple of months 'off' between Letrozole and Exemestane - and the same between Exemestane and Anastrozole!   That 'break period' is very important, to allow the previous drugs to 'leave your system' before starting the next one!

    I don't think it really matters 'which one' you start on, to be honest  - it is an assault on your body - and there WILL be repercussions!   :(    Letrozole is considered the 'gold standard' treatment for BC ..... but eventually, Anastrozole worked better for me.    You can also try 'alternative' pain control methods - I used Medicinal Cannabis Oil to address the pain issues (and lack of sleep!)  Don't be afraid to give it a go!   I was on it for 6 years!    Check out the search area on Medicinal Cannabis for lots of different posts!  

    Take care & I hope you are able to find a pain control that will help you thru this xx