Hello Chezzer, you are definitely not alone on this one . I had bilateral mastectomies in July of last year followed by chemotherapy from December til March . I have been on Letrezole since then. Went onto Vencarm ,which is an antidepressant,but also used for menopausal sweats ,before I started my chemo,as this also seems to increase the sweats.It helped a little but during the summer months the sweating was just horrendous . I asked my Gp to put me on Clonidine which also helps . The sweats are now a lot less but I still have the odd moments in the evening ,I have a handheld fan now too .

As a deodorant I use Dr.organic without aluminium,from Holland & Barrett. It comes in a few different fragrances and you won’t smell.

Regarding the joint and bone discomfort, things have improved ,been on Letrezole for 8 months now . I do take Glucosamine and Collagen as well .

Hope this has been helpful ,let me know how you get on . Best wishes xxx

When my joint pain was really bad ,I would take Panadol or Brufen 

Thank you. I’ve found research a minefield & obviously most refer you back to your doctor / consultant but my appointments are now far apart so need advice in between. I’ll try glucosamine and your suggestions. Much appreciated 

Hi Chezzer,

A very warm welcome to our forum. These are all fairly common side-effects of Letrozole. I had a double mastectomy 14 years ago and can confirm this. I used Mitchum roll-on anti-perspirant and found this very effective. They do this in a spray too, but I found the roll-on more effective. Like Rumpelstiltskin, I used Venlafaxine (also an anti-depressant) for the sweats.

I had a lot of bother with my joints when I was taking Letrozole, despite taking Glucosamine. I also took alternate doses of Ibuprofen and Paracetamol. Unfortunately, nothing really helped and I ended up having both knees replaced. Despite having stopped taking Letrozole in 2017, I continue to have a lot of joint pain. I am now 74, so it's hard to say whether this would have happened with the natural ageing process or not.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on.  We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hello Jolamine & thank you. Mitchum is probably the one I haven’t tried yet. This forum has certainly given much clearer advice than simply googling & galloping into the myriad of answers. I’m sorry ou are still suffering the wrath / leagavy of Letrozole.. I have to say having read a post on Google some patients have given up on it as the side effects out way the benefits but I will continue & y & get these pains in check. The bonus is , as there always is one, I now make the same noises getting out of a chair as my 93 year old mother does …..  take care 

Hi Chezzer,

I must admit that there were times when I was tempted to throw in the towel, but I was determined to persevere to the end. I took Tamoxifen for my first bout and when that didn't keep the cancer at bay, I changed to Letrozole. I had already lost my Mum to secondary breast cancer, before my diagnosis, so I was keen to fight it  with all I had at my disposal. Despite my current limitations, I don't regret having given it a go, as I feel that I have done all I could to keep the cancer at bay. So far, it seems to have done the job, as I am fortunate enough to still be here 14 years on.

You will find this forum a great support from people who really know and understand what you are going through. My new knees make some cracking noises too. I hope that the Mitchum helps you.

Regards,

Anne xx