Hi ChocDrop, thanks for your reply, it didnt occur to me about the different brands, so yes that might be the reason for the side effects this time, i'll look in to it. One other problem i'm having, unrelated to the Letrozole, is 'cording' in the left arm. I dont know if you've ever had this (I didn't have it last time) but its extremely painful and does restrict full movement of the arm. Its a visible 'cord' which stands out in the skin and goes from the armpit down to the wrist. Its just manifested itself this past week so i'm going to have a word with my breast care nurse in monday. Having googled it, I've learned that there are some physio excercises available to try and improve it. Its just a very different experience I'm having this time, compared to last time. Also with this side, having radiotherapy has potentially some risks to the heart, so I'm practising the 'holding the breath' technique ready for starting the treatment.

Hi [@Cassieg]‍ 

We seem to be following a parallel path. I'm practicing the 'holding the breath' too, as left boob to be zapped.  I'm not sure I can hold my breath the full 20 secs they are suggesting.  I can count to 15 and that's my limit.  However, I do think I'm counting slowly so it could be I'm managing after all.  I'll have to use a timer to check ;)

Interesting that you mention 'cording'.  I had cording 9 yrs ago and, yes, I agree it's painful.  I mentioned it when I went to clinic for post-op check but they just ignored me.  I wonder if they thought I'd been consulting 'Dr Google' and/or made it up.  Well, the 'cord' was very clear to see.  So, seeing as they weren't interested, I was on my own so, having read that massage and stretching was helpful, that's what I did.  Funnily enough, it felt and instinctive thing to do, so I continued.  I'd massage the 'cord' downwards and sometimes feel a 'ping', which then felt kind-of good.  As time went by, I remember the cord working it's way down, feeling better at the  upper arm, ending up only in the lower arm.  It just seemed to move down gradually and 'went' via the tip of my thumb.  It all sounds surreal now  but that's what happened to me.

Just be discerning as to what you read on Google as it could be a load of rubbish, of course.  However, there is some very good stuff out there too.

I'm sure your cording will go but I can't say how long it will take.  Out of interest, how many lymph nodes did you have removed?  I had 7 removed, (5 identified by SLNB plus a couple of 'dodgy-looking' ones, which were clear)  This time I've only had 2 lymph nodes removed (both clear).  I understand techniques have improved.

I hope that helps.  I'll be interested to follow along with your journey, as we're so similar in so  many ways ;)

Take care

Hi Csssieg

I've been taking Letrazole scince 27th February, and was fine for first 7/10  days. But I have pains in my feet ,legs ,hands  shoulder and body.  I am feeling extremely tired all the time ,and dont sleep well ,but then I never did sleep well.  The pain is worse first thing in the mornings, does subside a lot, but comes back in now and again during the day.  My oncologist has asked me to give it 3 months, as it takes your body a good 3 minthes to get used to it,and in  was told it should all settle down given time. So although its tough,some days worse than others, that's what I'm doing, I'm waiting to see if it settles down . I know from on here and a friend who took them ( she gave them 2 mths) not everyone  continues with them for the duration of three months, and give up and try another medication, but I am willing to give it the 3 months, and hopefully my body will get used to the Letrazole, as I was told  it is the preferred tablets by most oncologists ,as it has a slightly higher success rate. And we are all different, what I experienced ,you may not, and hopefully even if you do it will settle down in the given time. Goid luck with evetything X