Hi BlueSatsuma, and thank you for posting.

I am sorry to learn of your situation. This must be very difficult.

I can appreciate that you are concerned about the cancer coming back in the bones, but having the letrozole is also reducing the risk of the cancer returning. I wondered if you are in contact with a specialist breast nurse (CNS) who knows your situation and with whom you can talk through your concerns.

Letrozole can lead to bone thinning over time, and it will vary from person to person. For some people, it may be within a few months, or it can take years to develop osteoporosis. The guidelines for women who have passed the menopause and are on aromatase inhibitors, such as letrozole, recommend having a DEXA scan 3-6 months after starting treatment so the risk can be assessed.

Breast Cancer Now has some useful information about breast cancer and osteoporosis, which I hope you will find helpful. Also, there is information on the Royal Osteoporosis Society website. Having a diet rich in calcium and doing regular weight-bearing exercises can help protect the bones. It would also be worth talking to your breast cancer team about whether there are any particular supplements you should be having, such as vitamin D. There is more information about what lifestyle changes and supplements that may help in the links above.

I hope this helps in some way. If you would like to talk things through with one of our nurses on the helpline, we are here Monday to Friday between 9 am and 5 pm, and the freephone number to call is 0808 800 4040.

Take care,

Jemma