Letrozole

Hi

Firstly, in my experience the affects did settle. But I do think it is very individual (just like pretty much all of the side effects of treatment) and the types of effects and there on-set and duration can differ a lot.

I have been on letrozole (femara) since mid October last year. Before that I was on Tamoxifen for almost 2 years. 

At first I had no effects from Femara (except feeling a lot less moody than on Tamoxifen) but after a couple of weeks I noticed stiffness and pain in my wrists and fingers. This got worse over the next couple of weeks until it seemed that everything that had ever hurt on me, was hurting!

I also had trouble sleeping but found taking it in the morning rather than the evening helped with this. This slowly improved over a 3 month period until I felt it was ok.

The aches and pains also improved to an acceptable level during this time. I find exercise helps with both of these side effects (sleeping and aches and pains) and at least I am enjoying being a little less emotional!

My oncologist told me that I could expect improvements for about 6 months with this drug. I have found that to be true for me and have an ok quality of life now. But I do look forward to the day I can stop it (7.5 more years for me, I am told)!

Hope it helps to hear that it should get better for you as the weeks go by. You are right when you say this drug has a lot of benefits as far as recurrence is concerned. :) Deanne xxx