Thank you I will call Monday

Hi. I think you've done really well to persevere so long on Letrozole. I managed 10 months, started June 2024, but had such awful side effects with pain and fatigue so I spoke to the oncologist who said as I'd persevered so long to change to Exemestane. I've been on them for 6 weeks and although there are still side effects, they're not as bad. I've also been on the national exercise referral scheme for 7 weeks which is helping a lot too. 

I took magnesium for a while when I was on Letrozole but then when I had a blood test the level was too high so I had to stop them again. The hormone therapy has affected my thyroid levels too which has also had a  knock on effect on the fatigue and joint pain so they've adjusted my meds for that too. I've been underactive for about 20 years but now it's going the other way. They're also going to keep an eye on my liver function because of the hormone therapy. 

Have a chat with your team to get their advice is best. They're always happy to advise and support. 

Hope you feel better soon. x

HI Rubytuesday2,

A very warm welcome to our forum I am sorry to hear of the side-effects that you are having from Letrozole. I took Tamoxifen for my first bout, then Letrozole for the second, which I discovered a year later. I took Letrozole for 6½ years. I discussed the effects of alternative medication with my consultant, as I was taking Evening Primrose Oil before I was diagnosed. I was told to stop this immediately, as it interacted with Letrozole, reducing the effectiveness of the drug. He did however recommend starflower oil instead. I am not sure if your consultant would be happy with you taking this, but it would be worth discussing. Discuss the magnesium, collagen and Geek supplements with your care team too. 

Have you left a message for your nurse, when you've been unable to reach her? I find my nurses are busy and I mostly get their answering service, but they are usually very quick to get back to me. You could just leave a reminder that you are still waiting for the information on natural supplements, which she promised to send.

In respect of your sweats, I find the original, non-perfumed Mitchum roll on, very effective. They also have a dry spray, but I don't find that so good.

Some people are lucky with hormone therapy and sail through treatment, whilst others are unlucky enough to succumb to side-effects. You can change to a different medication, but they nearly all have some side effects. Most of these are similar, although some target certain areas more than others. Discuss the effects you are having with your care team, as there are prescribed medications that can help with some of these complaints. There are also some coping strategies for dealing with insomnia. I had all of the side-effects you mention, plus many more, but I stuck to Letrozole and I would do so again, if I had to, as I have been in remission now for 15 years.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx