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Al's avatar
Al
Member
12 years ago

Tamoxifen to Letrazole!

Hi all,

I hope this finds you all well. I finally started Letrazole today after 18months on Tamoxifen. I was a little scared as I heard through a number of people that the side effects on Letrazole were worse than on Tamoxifen. I was able to tolerate Tamoxifen and I found the side effects quite minimal and liveable. I've read up on all the side effects of Letrazole ( Femara) so hopefully I'm as informed as I can be. Still scared though!!

I'll keep you informed as to how I go. I see my onologist again on the 24th.

Hope everyone is travelling ok. Thinking of you all and your journeys. Stay positive and enjoy those around you. Happy Father's Day too to all those wonderful dads out there!

Love Al xxx 

tamoxifen

5 Replies

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    12 years ago

    It's standard practise to give Tamoxifen for 5 years at the moment.However, there is research going on to possibly give it for 10 years.When you start this drug,can I suggest you take 1/4 of a tab for a few days then 1/2 a tab for a week and then go to full dose.That way your body gradually adjusts and there is less chance of pv spotting/discharge.My oncologist said it was good to start it this way.Along with hot flushes,it can also cause night waking and irritability.If these side effects don't settle down then there are other drugs that can help. Good luck with radiation-it's nowhere near as hard as chemo. Tonya xx 

  • Jackie50's avatar
    Jackie50
    Member
    12 years ago

    I was so interested in what you all had to say about the various treatments girls. My oncologist discussed his plan for me after I finish radiotherapy in 6 weeks, he will be putting me on Tamoxifen for 10 years...i was a little gobsmacked...seems such a long time. But he told me the latest research to prevent reoccurance is his recommendation for my particular case.

    So as you could imagine I am definatley putting it out there to have not too many side effects. After reading the side effects I was a little put off but I was very lucky through chemo with side effects so Im hoping it will the same. At 51 and being premenopausal Im not too keen about all the talk of hot flushes and possible pain in joints etc.

    Regards and take care

    Jackie

  • Al's avatar
    Al
    Member
    12 years ago

    When I had my original path results and he gave me my treatment options he said that I would most likely be on Tamoxifen for 2 years then Femara for 3 once I went through menopause. Not sure why really - my BC history, age? I am definitely postmenopausal. The blood test confirmed it.

    I'll let you know how I go.

    Take care too,

    Love Alison xxx

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    12 years ago

    How come you've changed to Femara?I've been on Tamoxifen for 3 years now and I had my oncology check up last week.My oncologist wants me to stay on Tamoxifen-doesn't want to rock the boat cos it sort of agrees with me.He said he doesn't want to see me now for 2 years which is always a good sign.He will review me then.He also said that if I got really desperate in the summer heat then I could drop to 10mgs aday for a few weeks or so.Most women I've met on Femara say they get joint pains.I guess you can only try it- maybe it will agree with you. Take care and let us know how you fare.   love Tonya xx

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    12 years ago

    How come you've changed to Femara?I've been on Tamoxifen for 3 years now and I had my oncology check up last week.My oncologist wants me to stay on Tamoxifen-doesn't want to rock the boat cos it sort of agrees with me.He said he doesn't want to see me now for 2 years which is always a good sign.He will review me then.He also said that if I got really desperate in the summer heat then I could drop to 10mgs aday for a few weeks or so.Most women I've met on Femara say they get joint pains.I guess you can only try it- maybe it will agree with you. Take care and let us know how you fare.   love Tonya xx