Saw my oncologist this morning. She is giving me two to three more weeks to heal from the BMX & reconstruction and then it's on to Letrozole for 7 - 10 years.She said it makes no difference which AI I start on and alternates with each patient! She said seven years but it may be 10 as there are three clinical trials due to mature in that time.She said that it will almost certainly give me stiff joints which I'll have to manage with exercise & supplements like krill oil. She reported that other women have had success with turmeric and other supplements. I will work through all recommendations in my own clinical trials. Suggestions welcome!As I'm only (ha!) 51 and was still menstruating when I was diagnosed, she'll monitor my ovaries with blood tests every three months to see if they show any signs of trying to get me to do so again. If they do it's a monthly injection of Zoladex into the belly. Oh joy...The exercise physiologist at the BCNA Life After Breast Cancer information night was very interesting and informative. So I'm starting to plan what my exercise regime is going to look like. I think maybe something like yoga once a week for stretching and stress management, weights twice a week for warding off the osteoporotic side effects of Letrozole and improving my metabolism, and walking for at least an hour six to seven days a week for cardio health, fat burning and joint stiffness. Does that sound about right? Apart from being a massive time and money soak that is...

Ladies my kids were 15, 17 and 25 at home they have come through this resilient and I know it was through the sharing of information as they needed it and also the cuddles and times for them ... THEY have a better understanding of what really matters in life... it caused my 15 to knuckle down into her studies she is now in 3rd yr uni to be psychologist etc. boys had some ups and downs with it but partially due to autism Love your kids and do what you are doing they will come out changed from this but with help and supports from you and others they will continue to blossom into beautiful young adults. Hugs girls

If I sit still for more than two hours I seize up. Yoga daily, stretches every couple of hours. Throwing things is good for cardiovascular fitness and stress. The term 'things' is the key, tantrums don't really count though they do get your heartrate up. Chunks of wood work for me; beat them with an axe, heave them around, save some for sculpture, just avoid contact with the windows.

I have on Letrozole 10 months and yes there have been some side effects more evident earlier on but manageable and now I think my body has adapted..I too was very nervous at the outset as I have osteoporosis and had has already an osteoporotic fracture before bc diagnosis.I recommend a bone density test at the outset so you have a baseline for comparison as all AIS thin bones.I was put on 6 monthly Prolia injections to counter this problem.I read Prolia has synergies with Letrozole further reducing recurrence risk.I also take Caltrate Bone and Muscle Health two daily - the calcium and vit D conforms to the standards set by the Australian Osteoporosis Society for my age and situation.It also contains Magnesium that many on here have found helpful though probably in a lesser amount than others take.I did initially also get joint stiffness/discomfort most noticeably in the morning. I found walking daily for 1 hour helped a lot with this as you can walk thru it after10 minutes.I also joined a gentle exercise class for 1 hour twice weeklyinvolving light weights. I am hoping the exercise also helps with osteoporosis.Weight bearing exercises are being researched by the Bone. Clinic and Griffith Uni in Qld.They have had remarkable results with their program reversing bone loss.I do have the occasional hot flush which can be both inconvenient and annoying but having that twice before it’s not too much of a problem,You may also find increased facial hair as well as hair thinning on the head as Letrozole aims to knock over any remaining oestrogen - these effects are usual side effects of menopause and manageable. The hair loss that upset me most was eyebrow thinning but eyebrows are big in the makeup world these days and there are better products on the market these days than the old eyebrow pencil that give a natural look - I use Modelco More Brows available from Woolies around $14..You can go for a permanent fix with eyebrow tattooing as some on here have done .My biggest concern is the more than doubling of my cholesterol . I take daily low dose aspirin and eat rolled oats for breakfast daily - the latter does reduce cholesterol.My oncologist suggested Krill Oil tablets if I had joint pain and it has the additional benefit of thinning blood as does aspirin.I think Letrozole plus Prolia is my best chance of preventing recurrence so persist and try to resolve any issues that crop up either with my onc , gp , people on this blog’s advice or just. common sense.I like natural supplements but always check with your doctor before starting as some may conflict with your treatment. Eg Curcumin is popular here for arthritic pain but not wise if on warfarin or chemotherapy.All the best - there are many on here who will step to help if you have any issues including me - just ask when you need helpPs There has been a lot on this topic the past 18 months or so - you can research past entries on the blog.

And so by dawn's early light the next ten years begin...Dramatic much?!

Ladies I hust wanted to let you know I had really really stiff ankles on ketrizole initially. I used to do rotation foot exercises in bed before attemoting to standing and initial steps I was waddling. I have an internal step heading to the loo and it was hell getting down that step first up. Thumb pain was an issue. But 6 months on...it settled. I was having fush oil and regaular panadol but with ibcreasing my exercise and dropping weight I need none of it now. I notice my ankles now when swimming....flippers make them ache more and if I try to use swimming gloves for extra resistance. But mostly....i can leap out of bed now...get yp and down steps with no issues and just swim without flippers. I'm 2 years since chemo and wonder now if some issues were taxol hangover stuff. Our body might well adapt too. Kath x

It's Letrozole For Me | BCNA Online Network

310 Replies

Kattykit
Member
8 years ago
I am waiting to hear back from the onc physio as I have already had a titanium nail inserted in my femur from bone mets, and also have mets in both hips and scapula so I am not game to do anything more strenuous than walk at the moment. And this happened despite doing weight training for the last 3 yrs.
Patti_J
Member
8 years ago
Exercise and calcium supplements will have limited value when you are older if you have not had sufficient calcium when younger as most calcium is laid down in your bones when young.
Exercise and calcium may prevent osteopenia from getting worse.
primek
Member
8 years ago
Because the water takes your weight in aquafit it doesn't help bone health. But it will improve cardio, muscle strength and agility. It can be an intense program that is fantastic but it won't help reverse osteopenia or prevent it.

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/osteoporosis-and-exercise

My program for osteopenia reversal was set by an exercise physiologist.

There is also an online program you can do through the bone clinic if interested.

https://theboneclinic.com.au/onero-online-home-program/
Patti_J
Member
8 years ago
Mmm...I think it depends on the equipment you use for aquarobics classes whether it helps osteoporosis. Also, how intensely you exercise.
primek
Member
8 years ago
I do aquafit and although it is a great cardio muscle building program (and helps with joint mobility) it does zilch for osteoporosis so I am doing weights at least twice a week as well ...well that is my target (hopefully 3 times eventually). Probably 30 minutes walking would be adequate with those other sessions spattered throughout your week or if you can manage ..zumba is fabulous. ..lots of steps but it includes jumping which really helps with osteoporosis. With weights for spine health you'll need free weights /kettle bell type stuff not resistance. An exercise physiologist can plan a program. I've just started bodypump classes which apparently covers it all. Joining a fitness centre that offers all types of classes might be an option as you can keep changing what you do to avoid boredom.
I do mine on way home from work and always on weekends. With walking you could do shorter more frequent walks ..before work and in lunch break...it all adds up.

Not sure what they said...but I thought 150mins per week of exercise is adequate. Which is 30mins 5 days a week.
If you do classes like pump, zumba and aquafit it includes cardio with strength so unless you have lots of time on those days you wouldn't need to walk as well.

Just remember it's important to find something you like and the routine doesn't feel like punishment or it sure is hard to stick to.
Sister
Member
8 years ago
I never thought of a tanty as a cardiovascular exercise! Whaddyaknow? I'll have to get my arm working better in order to throw things - at the moment I've got the weakest throw imaginable and everything goes sideways!
Zoffiel
Member
8 years ago
If I sit still for more than two hours I seize up. Yoga daily, stretches every couple of hours. Throwing things is good for cardiovascular fitness and stress. The term 'things' is the key, tantrums don't really count though they do get your heartrate up. Chunks of wood work for me; beat them with an axe, heave them around, save some for sculpture, just avoid contact with the windows.
Sister
Member
8 years ago
It's a plan @kmakm...the only thing I'm wondering is when you're supposed to fit it all in!
Kiwi_Angel
Member
8 years ago
@kmakm sounds like a good plan all those exercises are good and I find yoga great for my mental state too.
Patti_J
Member
8 years ago
The exercise you are going to do sounds doable but I would try to do a couple of aquarobics classes every week rather than the weights sessions. It is much softer on your body and, in my opinion, much more fun. I have been doing aquarobics for 13 years. I had to give up a very enjoyable self defence class, which I had been doing for two years, when I was into my I.V. chemo. after being diagnosed with mets in my bones, spine, neck and liver. I have to avoid contact sports. I was just about to start doing my belts.
Walking of course is the essential exercise.
I also do at least three yoga sessions per week. My son and daughter-in-law gave me a year's membership to the yoga studio for my birthday.
Just listen to your body.

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