Hello everyone
I would really appreciate any help regarding Letrozole.
Have been recommended to take this as I was allergic to Plaxitaxil chemo.
The thing is having researched Letrozole I have heard nothing but bad negative comments about all the joint and bone pain
And how much people have suffered and then actually stopped treatment.
I am a very active 59yr old who helps to look after 4 grandkids and the thought of being unable to move due to joint pain over the next 5-10 years sounds like a prison sentence.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated before I make a decision on it.
This whole treatment thing is such a minefield.
Love to all 
Hi Carol,
I’ve been on letrozole (Accord brand) for over a year now, just four more to go! I am also a grandmother and look after my grandchildren a lot and am very active. I was put off by the descriptions of side effects, particularly the joint pains. I waited for them to kick in but the haven’t. Think I am a bit more tired than before but that could also be the after effects of surgery and rads. I feel more positive now that taking it is the right thing for me to do. It reduces the amount of oestrogen converted by fat (post menopause) and that reduces what hormone positive cancers or potential cancers depend on to grow for primary breast cancer. If you’re not able to have the chemo because of your allergic reaction then letrozole can be a good backup treatment on its own. It doesn’t agree with everyone and some women do get badly affected but you may not be one of them. I think the most common side effects can affect 1 in 10 users but that means that 9 in 10 are okay. There are also different types of similar drugs that your team can prescribe if letrozole doesn’t suit you.
There is a thread “Is anyone doing OK on Letrozole?” recently on here - around Jan 20 - there is quite a lot of feedback if you check. You could also ring the breast cancer nurse helpline on this site and/or contact the "Someone like me’ service.
Hope this helps.
Take care.
Sandpiper
x
Carol
I only started taking Letrazole last week but so far haven’t noticed any difference to my poor body (I am an active 50 yr old but recent surgery is limiting my doing so!). I’m taking it in conjunction with zolodex (have an injection every month) and will also, in due course, be having biphosphates infusion to counteract the impact on bones.
As with all cancer treatments you’ll only know how it impacts you when it does but there are always lots of untold good news stories out there!
Good luck
Sam