@jeannej I’m slightly better on Anastrozole but I really think that might be due to the Magnesium and Evening Primrose Oil I started. It’s only been a week but my hips and knees are easier. Feet and hands are yet to improve. My oncologist also suggested Zinc so I will give that a go too. When I had a short break from Letrozole, my side effects didn’t really go away. Wishing you all the best xx
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Please can I recommend everyone to read the book Oestrogen Matters? It’s very informative re breast cancer and the importance of oestrogen
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@loies-mum Thanks for your response. What type of Magnesium do you take? I take 400 mg of Magnesium Citrate for constipation. I could add Evening Primrose Oil and Zinc, too. Do you prefer the Anastrazole to Letrozole? I am going back to my Oncologist very soon. Thanks!
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It’s very difficult to make up your mind about AIs. I have tried Letrozole and Exmestane and although the immediate side effects are not that severe, the long term effects combined with the other sides effects have persuaded me to take the small risk of breast cancer returning. I was struggling with difficulty sleeping, hot flushes and muscle pain. However I am even more worried about my cholesterol levels increasing and the effects these drugs have on your bones. Apparently I already have osteopenia, so I don’t want to aggravate it any further. I am 72 and have opted for quality of life over quantity. It is purely personal choice but I feel so much better after 3 weeks without taking the tablets. For me it is worth the small risk of breast cancer coming back. This is the second time I have had breast cancer with a 25 year gap between the two diagnoses. If I was to make it into my 90s I would be delighted but something else will probably come along first. I would always recommend going with what you feel is best for you.
sleeping
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Holland and Barret do a combined magnesium and zinc and it’s half price at the moment. I’m definitely better on Anastrozole than I was on Letrozole. Everyone is different though. Or it could be the addition of the supplements. Either way, I’m much less miserable so I’m going to try and stick with it for now.
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Thanks. I will add zinc. I went back to my Oncologist and she prescribed exemestane, not Anastozole. I think I may try it and if the side effects are intolerable, I will take my chances of reoccurrence. Apparently, there is a small risk since I am 70 and had Stage 1. I am afraid of Urinary burning, listed as a side effect, since I already have Interstitial Cystitis.
I was on Letrozole for 14 months. For 8 months I had no side effects. Everyone is different. I hope you are one of the lucky ones.
Well done to you for getting on with your life, meditation can be harsh for some of us.
However I think we all need love and support to get us through our hardest time, when we don’t know what way to turn.
Tili 
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