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Letrazole

SMOR
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Hi I have been taking letrozole for almost 2 years now, since November 2023.  I had a double mastectomy with immediate diep reconstruction in February 2024. My cancer was highly hormone receptive and in fact the letrazole considerably drunk my tumour prior to surgery.

During this time I have tried anastrozole and exemestane and none of them helped with the constant aching, joint pain and fatigue.  I had a dexa scan in January 2024 which was fine and take calichew and magnesium supplements. Although I am so grateful for my treatment I feel like I am 88 and not 58 and it is really getting me down.

I was taking sertraline, and have recently tried to stop taking this (using the slow reduction/withdrawal method discussed with GP).  Since stopping I genuinely feel my pain is considerably worse, which is not helping my mood. Is there a connection between sertraline and pain relief ? I have read that duloxetine is good for letrozole associated pain ? Would duloxetine be worth a try for low mood and pain ?

The only other alternative i think is to switch to tamoxifen. I am 58 post menopausal. would this be suitable to try ?

Thank you

  • Hello SMOR, and thank you for your post,

    I am sorry to learn that you needed treatment for breast cancer, and that you are now experiencing a lot of joint pain. This must be not easy.

    The best person to discuss this with would be someone from your breast cancer team or your GP.

    Some types of antidepressants can help with chronic pain relief, particularly a group of antidepressants called tricyclic antidepressants, for example, amitriptyline. Another group of anti-depressants known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can also help, such as duloxetine. I have searched but have been unable to find much information specifically linking sertraline with pain relief. Sertraline is an antidepressant which belongs to a group of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI).

    Your doctor can advise you a bit more about whether it might help to change antidepressant or whether Tamoxifen is an option for you, as they know your individual situation.

    On the Breast Cancer Now website, they have information on joint and muscle pain during breast cancer treatment, with some helpful tips, which I hope will be useful.

    I hope this helps in some way. If you would like to discuss things further with one of our nurses on the helpline, you can call us on 0808 800 4040 between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

    Jemma

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Jemma

    Thank you for your reply Jemma

    I have also seen that tart cherry supplements can help. Is it OK to take this supplement whilst on hormone therapy. I presume it contains no estrogen.

    Thank you

    Sharon

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