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

kmakm
Member
8 years ago
After taking me to and from the oncologist my poor husband immediately had to take his dad to hospital to get his kidney stones dealt with. It never rains in our lives, but it sure does pour :/ The surgery went well. They kept him overnight for observation due to his age (85) and my husband has just brought him home. When I was in hospital two weeks ago my best friend was also in hospital for kidney stones. Must be something in the water...
kmakm
Member
8 years ago
@primek *Gulp* OK, I'll be prepared...

I don't make Vitamin D very well so have been taking a supplement for years. When I've been on the Letrozole for a while I'll ask for it to be added to the list. Thanks!
primek
Member
8 years ago

@kmakm
Don't be shocked if your next bone density scan shows a dramatic drop. I have been having them done as I have a pre existing health condition so was being monitored. 2 years post menopause was a huge drop. Terrified me. 1 Year on letrozole showed minimal loss again so I was very relieved. Just pointing out ...it's the initial menopause that can cause the big drop. Also have your Vit D regularly checked by GP.
kmakm
Member
8 years ago
@"Kiwi Angel" Winning!
Kiwi_Angel
Member
8 years ago
@kmakm that is good news about your bone density - good starting place. I wonder what tests I will be put through when my oncologist is deciding what pills to put me on. Ironically I have been wanting to get back into my yoga when chemo is finished to start building up my strength again and I got an email with a special offer of half price one month unlimited that I have a month to take up - perfect timing - thanks universe.
kmakm
Member
8 years ago
Some good news was that my bone density scan came back all good. So at least with Letrozole I'm starting from a solid bone base.
kmakm
Member
8 years ago
Had a teary moment in the car after seeing the oncologist. I get so keyed up about these appointments. It's two months since I've seen her. And then you're in the room talking survival stats... I don't know her as well as my breast surgeon; I don't have a read on whether she's soft pedalling the info or giving it to me straight. We'll see.
kmakm
Member
8 years ago
@Kattykit I hope they come back with some useful and helpful info. K xox
kmakm
Member
8 years ago
@primek From what I recall from the exercise physiologist talk yesterday, five hours medium intensity exercise a week is the optimum amount to reduce your chance of recurrence. That will be what I'm aiming for, but there may be more if I need it to manage the Letrozole side effects, and my stress and anxiety. I'll be much happier in a gym, I like weight work, challenging myself that way.

The exercise physiology chap spoke about the excellence of impact loading exercise, if you can tolerate it. If Zumba includes jumping I might look into it. Killing two birds with one stone appeals. However I've never really been a class person.

@"Kiwi Angel" I'd like to give Tai Chi a crack as well. But yoga's my priority. I used to do it twice a week before I got married. It was actually on my plan for this year before breast cancer.

@Zoffiel If I can change my life completely I might get into gardening. I like the concept but I don't like my chances...

I start my oncology exercise physiology course in early June. I'm looking forward to learning all about it.
kmakm
Member
8 years ago
@Sister That's what I'm thinking too!

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