It's Letrozole For Me

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 help

Ps There has been a lot on this topic the past 18 months or so - you can research past entries on the blog.

One lesson I have learnt is don't take it on an empty stomach!  I settled into Tamoxifen and from today Femara early afternoon, just after lunch

Copy and paste from the Femara website

How to take it

Swallow the tablet with a glass of water or other liquid.

If your stomach is upset after taking the tablet, take it with a meal or after a snack.

https://www.nps.org.au/medical-info/medicine-finder/femara-tablets

It's the thought rather than the actual that is the problem, you will settle into a routine and your body will adjust.  

Oh gosh. By the time I start taking it (two weeks today) I shall be sick with dread...

@tigerbeth
Goodness - I would like to think that comment was tongue in cheek but somehow I doubt it - the list is quite extensive and your Onc should've  been pointing out the most likely on all options so that you are aware.  I saw mine yesterday and after 3 years on Tamoxifen, aching bones, hyperplasia et cetera he has changed me to Femara (Letrozole) and the main concern that he mentioned was the possibility of Osteoporosis.  I had a bone density test about 18 months ago and all normal.  He said some of the side effects are similar to what I have been experiencing on Tamoxifen...................so it feels a little like "out of the pot and into the fire", now that is very pessimistic and I do hope that I am proven wrong and that I stand a chance of being one of the lucky ones minimal side effects on Femara

Hopefully you'll get on a more even keel with your Onc as upfront information is what is needed so we are on the same page

Here is the sheet I was given by the chemist to read ....... you sure wouldn't want ALL the side effects!!  :(   
https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/pdf?OpenAgent&id=CP-2012-CMI-01872-3&d=2018051716114622483

@tigerbeth
Like you, I already have hip and hand pain (and knee & foot) - hands in particular tho - maybe because we've already 'got it' it won't get much worse, as we are already 'used to it' to a degree?  Those who aren't used to it would think any pain as being HORRIBLE!  

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@Joannie it must've been Tamoxifen ,because he had mentioned the issue of bone density relating to Femara

@tigerbeth Maybe not, keep the hope alive!

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