i have been getting worsening pains in my knees ankles and legs and am finding them so horrible I am thinking of stopping letrozole. I have also been getting hot flushes which I did not get at all diring the menopause. It’s all making myquality of life worse although being an active gardener helps as I find gettomg totally absorbed in physical activity distracts me from thinking about other thins which miraculously reduces the pain to nothing. So worth a try to reduce dependence on pain killers. it annoys me that I have to payfor boxes and boxes of paracetamol and ibuprofen as the GP isn’t prescribing them.
I am thinking of putting in a request. I reallydo rattle and boil rather than rattle and roll.
@Seagulls I know what you mean about paracetamol, every time I’m in a shop I pop two more packets in my basket. Those two packs don’t last long.
I’m sorry you are experiencing hot flushes that you didn’t have through menopause, I’ve been told it’s because the letrozole stops all oestrogen in your body not just ovaries. It affects our brains, joints, skin and so much more that we have all taken for granted over the years. I really wish the oncology teams talked about these side effects more and discussed how they can be helped. My GP is so reluctant to prescribe anything, even my Calichew D3 are not in my repeats, even though the oncology team wrote to tell them to do so. I have to put in a special request each time. So frustrating.
Gardening is something I enjoy also, but I find it so much harder. I ache much more after doing some ‘simple’ tasks.
Please talk to your oncology or breast team before stopping Letrozole. I have read that others move onto Anastrozole or exemestane which have reduced side effects. I talked about this several months ago and I was told it was too early to change and may need the options later on.
Hi @Seagulls sorry for not replying earlier…having some problems at work and my husband is probably having another MS relapse.
About the knee pain I am doing acupuncture privately but it’s very expensive and also my oncologist referred me to see a rheumatologist and I had a MRI on my knees waiting the results and seeing him again in November but he mentioned maybe having steroid injections for the inflammation as my oncologist wants me to continue with the Letrozole. I’ve got another 4.5 years.
Before all of that my GP prescribed naproxen for the pain so worth exploring this as well as the paracetamol/ibuprofen combo wasn’t working for me. I am doing exercises as well but some days is really hard. The knee pain can be horrendous and I am getting fed up but the thought of the cancer coming back is even worse.
those are exactly my symptoms and I am also finding ibuprofen and paracetamol don’t work. so thanks for the tip about naproxen as I have an appointment coming up on 15 October on the phone to talk about my health issues with the oncologist.
i am also weaker now so i keep falling over and banging my head when the springer spaniel / dalmatian rescue dog we have suddenly lunges sideways. I could moan for England but my hisband has decided his problems are far worse than mine and he is forever sending me off to get urine samples given in for a prostate problem he isn’t prepared tohave surgery for.
I need help and I have had a call from my GP who has referred me to the social prescriber team. He did suggest I book in to a travelodge with the dog if I need a break. I am looking forward to booking in soon for a week of freedom!
thanks naughty boob. iwould complain about adcal not being on repeat. that can’tbe right as you have totake it to counteract effects of oestrogen depletion on bone strength.
Hi @Seagulls that’s a great idea of just having a week off everything and everyone that’s absolutely up my street…my son is in year 11 and doing GCSEs this year so I can’t do that but one can always dream…innit…
Please let us know how you get on with your various appointments.
that’s absolutely up my street…my son is in year 11 and doing GCSEs this year so I can’t do that but one can always dream…innit…