Thanks, Claire. I've got an appointment in July.

Nora 

Hi Nora,

Have you mentioned your side-effects to your consultant or breast care nurse? I was on Tamoxifen for a year before I developed a second cancer and was changed over to Letrozole. I have had side-effects from both tablets, but hey, I'm still her 10 years on.

My breast care nurse advised that I took a low dose anti-depressant early on. This was to reduce the terrible night sweats that I had. The other thing that she suggested was to change to a different manufacturer of the same medication, as some people find that this helps. It might be worth trying these changes before giving up on Letrozole altogether.

I completed my course of Letrozole in 2017 after taking it for 6 years and, I still have to live with some of the side-effects. Life has changed from my pre-cancer days, but it's still pretty good and, I feel that the side-effects are worth it for me to still be here and, living with a quality of life that is still acceptable.

Please let us know how you get on. I hope that you find a solution.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thanks, Jolamine. I've got an appointment in July.

Nora 

Hi again, I’m still following this discussion, Tamoxifen didn’t suit me either and my consultant moved on. A new locum was happy to leave me taking nothing but a new consultant in December moved me to Aromasin, also called Exemestane and it suits me, no muscle aches etc,  a few hot flushes. My new consultant was keen to have me taking something so you have to listen, I was a little worried about my bc returning so I agreed. Have seen her twice now and she is very supportive and I see her again in September so that will be 3 times in a year, I expect it will settle to annual appointments then but I feel I am being cared for. 

I have tried 3 different drugs, Anastrozole, Letrozole and Tamoxifen before my current one but seem to have one that suits now and I feel a little relieved too. Persevere, there will be something that suits you, talk to your consultant.

sue 

Hi Nora,

You might find it helpful to write down a list of questions for your consultant. That way you won't forget to mention anything important.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Sue,

I am glad to hear that you are now happy with Exemestane. We are all different people and we don't always react the same to any drugs.

It sounds as if you are being well looked after and I am glad to hear that your new consultant is being very supportive.

I hope that things continue to go well for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thanks, that's a great idea. 

Nora 

Hello Claire and Nora,

I'm new to this forum and counting myself fortunate to have reached 74 going on 75 before getting a breast cancer diagnosis!  

I do have problems with Letrozole and am not sure what to think.  The main problem is a VERY itchy rash that is getting worse and spreading, despite being off the drug three months.   I realise the drug can take a while to clear the body, but why would my symptoms be getting worse?

Thank you so much for your thoughts on this.

Viv

I had to take antihystamines (Piritese) whilst on it to stop itchy urticaria (rash).  When I stopped it & moved onto Tamoxifen it took about 3 or 4 months before I saw an improvement.