I have always taken Femara/Letrozole made by Novartis. Just over 3 years on it now, following 2 on Tamoxifen. I had initial body aches and dreadful hand pain when I first changed to Femara. Have also had trouble with bone density and dryness. These issues were almost instant but have settled or been managed through various actions etc.
But just in the last week I have a new issue with pain in thumb, wrist and arm. Pain is worst in the thumb and is affecting my ability to do everyday tasks. Yesterday I had what I think is nerve pain in the side of my thumb near the nail. It was a burning pain that felt like a green ant bite. Resorted to Nurofen which thankfully settled it. I am off to the GP on Saturday to see what’s up. I have a feeling they will suggest carpel tunnel issues. I have read this is common and maybe linked to Letrozole. I did have hand pain and stiffness early on with Femara but taking Curcumin seemed to fix this. I am still taking Curcumin.
I am due to see my oncologist at the end of the month. As I had been coping very well on Femara it has always been the plan for me to stay on it for a further 5 years making it 10 years altogether. But this hand pain is so sudden and so severe. I cannot even hold a glass of water! Just a week ago I was weightlifting more than my own body weight for goodness sake! I love my weightlifting program which is also very important for counteracting my bone density (Femara caused) issues. Hopefully there will be a solution to this latest complication!
I hope that you find a solution to your issues too @Romla. xxx
