I’m not sure where to post this really. I was diagnosed with ER/PR+ HER2- Breast Cancer in June 2022 and am now on Letrozole, Zoladex and Calci-D to support my bones. The thing is, I’m now back to the heaviest weight I’ve been after having lost weight during my treatments and I’m honestly scared that it’s increasing my risk of recurrence or metastasis. I’ve have tried dieting and exercise but the weight doesnt seem to budge. I know someone who is having amazing results using Mounjaro after many years of weight fluctuations and I’m really interested but I’m wondering if anyone else has had these types of treatment approved by their oncologist post Breast Cancer?
I dont want to ask the question to my Oncologist without asking here first because I get the distinct impression from my Oncologist that they’re a bit old school about things. For example when I mentioned my frequent hot flushes his suggestion was to try Evening Primrose Oil but then I saw so many people here talking about things like Gabapentin. On the other hand when I mentioned frequent UTIs and that I was trying D-Mannose he seemed to not really be that supportive.
I can’t help you with your query - I’m in a similar position to you as regards weight but I’m very reluctant to try a weight loss drug. I do know people who are on them and doing well in themselves and have lost weight . My friends brother was on one of them ( he’s diabetic ) and had a dangerous episode of hypoglycaemia . As regards interactions with cancer medication or how they would affect the risk of recurrence I’m not sure that anyone could say for sure as they are so new that it may not have been studied at all though losing weight is obviously beneficial. I’ve read a post on here from someone saying that Oncologists are pretty conservative even by medical standards and you can see why really - may not even have heard of DMannose for example . I remember mentioning that to my GP on the phone and he said “What?” so I repeated it and could hear him furiously googling in the background .
It might be a good idea to speak to your GP about them or your BCN who may be able to make inquiries of a friendly Pharmacist ( one did this for me re something ) or they might take it to your Oncologist in your behalf. The Nurses on the helpline here may also have more information for you. Xx
Hi, I was on Wegovy and Sandrena hrt gel prior to the diagnosis (12 Nov 24) ER and PR+. I was told I had to stop Sandrena immediately. I was booked in for double mastectomy and diep flap reconstruction 5 Dec 24, but got covid at the end in Nov. my surgery got put back to 19 Dec, and I was told to stop Wegovy 3 week prior (as anaesthetists can be abit funny about it). Post surgery as a result of the tumour size being greater than double the initial size (30mm) I was told I would commence chemo (TC) 6 Feb 25. My oncologist said I could recommence Wegovy a couple of weeks prior to this date. My GP said to recommence on .5, she said Wegovy supported, in particular the reduction of peri menopausal weight gain especially as I can no longer have Sandrena. I start my second chemo cycle next week.
I am from England but live in Melbourne, Australia. The medical systems are very very different. Hopefully you get the support and answers you want and need.
I’m currently on Wegovy, and going through radiation. I’ll be starting letrozole at the end of the month. I discussed my concerns with my doctors and they all think staying on the wegovy while taking letrozole is actually a good idea. They said Wegovy is actually good for any cardiac issues that could arise. This may not apply to you but because I have high blood pressure, I was very concerned about the effects of the letrozole on my heart.
Is anyone using these drugs? I found a very interesting Reddit thread about them being given to breast cancer patients in the USA to reduce metastasis risk from obesity (lots of reading on how AIs impact our ability to metabolise food properly; hence the weight gain and difficulty shifting)
I’m 42 and have put on almost three stone since starting on AIs and Ribociclib (for stage 3 to prevent reoccurrence) my oncologist is pretty high up at the Marsden and he had no issue with me starting a GLP-1 to help with the weight gain. So I bit the bullet and started Mounjaro yesterday. I’m staying on the lower doses for a while as I’m not looking for a quick cosmetic fix, I just want to get my system working again; the weight around my stomach in particular just doesn’t move.
Anyone else on these meds and has any experience to share? Thanks
Hello everyone,
I just wondered if any of you had an update on taking the weight loss drugs and if you have felt ok while using them? Really interested in your experiences. I also heard that they can help with the symptoms of menopause along with assisting weight loss. Also does anyone know how over weight you need to be in terms of BMI to qualify for these drugs?
I‘ve been taking Mounjaro for 6 weeks now. I think we all know excessive weight does not help for re-occurrence and that was may main concern. I did quite allot of research and on balance decided to go for it. My thoughts have been that if I take M for say a few months and reduce my weight to be within the healthy BMI range (I was just shy of 30 BMI) then in relative terms of taking letrozole for 7 years - a few months on M will be relatively immaterial but with a significant health gain.
I’ve had no side effects, and I feel much better both mentally and physically. It’s given me that breathing space to get back into the gym. My eating habits have already completely changed. I have it via Lloyds Pharmacy (not the cheapest) as I wanted to get it from a reputable source and I was completely open with them about being on Letrozole post BC. Their pharmacist did a review and there were no issues.
Weight doesn’t just “melt off” - but if you need that “breathing space” to just fix those things (eating habits, activity habits etc) - so far it’s really worked for me. As an addition I really also feel less “inflamed”.
Just sharing a v open and honest view so far. I’m done 3kg’s so far in 4 weeks and honestly that slow but steady rate is fine for me. I have no intention of going up to the max pens but staying at 2.5-5mg range as an assist to changing and maintaining good habits and nothing more.
Hi Claire - how are you getting on? I’ve just started Exemestane ( second AI as I couldn’t tolerate Letrozole) and will be starting Ribociclib. Do you mind telling me your consultant’s name so I could tell my oncologist he was happy for you to have it xx
Hey! I agree completely with @strollingby s experience.
I’m taking it very slowly, I’ve stayed on the 2.5mg (lowest dose) which apparently a lot of people don’t lose on but I’ve got a stone off now in eight weeks. I feel more clear headed generally, making better decisions and just craving better things. I start the 5mg next week, but don’t intend to go any higher. It isn’t about dramatic weight loss, it’s about fighting the damage the treatment is and has done to me.
My BMI was 28 but I lied about my height and took an unflattering photo and had zero issues.
I’m using Voy, also expensive but I wanted to do it by the books so to speak. I’ve followed all the guidance online about protein, water, exercise etc. so far I’ve no regrets.
I’ve got my first CT scan since surgery next week, so will interested to see how it looks.
My oncologist is Prof Stephen Johnston at the Marsden, he’s basically the lead onc there. He had zero issues with it, but can’t prescribe it. He was almost nonchalant about it! Apparently they get asked about it weekly xx
Oh that’s all brilliant news! Thank you so much for your reply. Sadly, I won’t have to lie about my BMI!!! I’m so happy for you that it’s working and that you are feeling well - what a refreshing change, eh?? I’m seeing my oncologist on the 7th of July and will feel better prepared to fight my corner now - thanks so much and wishing you all the very best xx
Just to update on this - I had my most recent ct scan, all clear for cancer but my oncologist mentioned “mild inflammation around the gallbladder”. He isn’t super concerned and I’ve had no symptoms, however I had just moved up to the 5mg jab on Tuesday so I’m wondering if that had something to do with it…
I’m going to have a break from it just to be safe. Sorry is this isn’t what anyone on here wanted to read, but I really wanted to share in order to be transparent xx
I’m just wondering how you got on as I have found myself in a similar situation that you were in. I’m on exemestane and zoladex, Adcal. I’ve just ordered mounjaro privately as I have put 3 stone on since being put in the menopause and it’s depressing. I eat healthy, but feel I just need a bit of a boost with the mounjaro. I am wondering how you got on and if you started it etc. I’ve searched for answers and your post came up on here. Thanks in advance.
Hi everyone,
How are all getting on with the weight loss drugs?
I spoke to my oncologist about taking them as I have read that many women find that their joint pain and menopause symptoms improve on these GLP-1 drugs. She said I was the first of the patients to ask about the drugs from that point of view. If I wanted it I’d have to go to a private doctor and that was it really. She didn’t seem overly concerned. My issue is finding someone who will prescribe to me! I’m not over weight enough, which seems crazy as my weight is steadily increasing and i have high cholesterol. And I find they are put off by the medial history and that I’m taking Letrozole.
Has anyone else found any issues with being prescribed GLP-1s while on Aromatase inhibitors?
Thanks everyone xx
I posted above as someone using MJ. I have used Lloyds Pharmacy online (not the cheapest and there are other providers). I wanted to go to a reputable online provider and I provided them all the medication I was on ie Letrozole).
So far I have lost about 12kg - which is a boost in itself.
As I mentioned in my earlier post GLP-1 drugs are not a magic wand. But I have found them helpful for giving my mind a break. I have not gone beyond 5mg of strength and it has enabled me to form new habits, break bad ones etc.
I have not found though that they lessen the bone pain I have using Letrozole. I do not have severe pain but I have found under Sun Pharma I had no bone pain, but with Accord I do.
However, whenever you lose weight of course mobility, mindset etc improve and make other things more manageable.
I don’t regret the GLP-1 at all. If you elect to try - don’t rush through to higher dosages - go for the slow but steady approach - form new habits etc.
I just asked about this at my asthma check up. With my weight and health conditions I probably qualify but wasn’t to avoid them if I can as if there’s a chance of having a bad reaction to something then it tends to happen to me. The ACP said that the government criteria for prescribing them on the NHS is very tight and not appropriate - as well as weight and cholesterol you need to have a combination of degenerative conditions (4 I think ) . She said that there are people who have a very poor quality of life and still can’t get them on the NHS because they don’t fill all the criteria. They were initially designed for diabetics and there are diabetics who can’t get them as demand is far out- stripping supply . I really do sympathize in regards to your joint pain which I know the medical professionals don’t always take as seriously as perhaps they should , however it doesn’t sound to me as though you would be eligible on the NHS. I’m sure I’ve read somewhere - perhaps earlier in this thread of someone who is on AI and had an Oncologist who approved her going on them . Xx
Hi thanks for the reply. I know I don’t qualify on the NHS. I am more than happy to pay privately but it seems I am not overweight enough even privately. I was asking on here if anyone had any improvement on the quality of life symptoms because I’d read recent arrived in the New Scientist and online about how they reduce inflammation and this can help those with inflammatory issues. My oncologist didn’t say she had an issue with it just that she didn’t know much about the claims they may help with the inflammatory issues surrounding menopause.
Many ladies in this forum have had oncologist approval and that’s reassuring.
Thanks for this it’s really useful. I’m
Glad you’ve had a positive experience with the GLP-1s.
Interesting about the brands of Letrozole, I’m going to ask to switch brands and see if that helps. Pain clinic were useless and I’ll try anything as my quality of life is suffering.
Thanks again and I hope everything continues to go well for you x
Side effects from Letrozole often differ based on the manufacturer (brand). To the best of my understanding the core ingredient is the same but the “packing” within the tablet and coating of the tablet can effect what side effects you may experience. There are quite a number of mf’s. Accord seems to be the one the NHS has the biggest contract with. Others include Sun Pharma - Femara (brand used by Novartis) and I think Cipla (spelling?). I had least issues with Sun Pharma and now on Accord (bad joint pain). I walked round all my local pharmacy’s and have found one that stocks Femara and I shall try them next. If you are having issues don’t put up with them but ask to try another brand for 3 months. The issue is women are just told “tough they are known to have side effects” without being told the cause and options. My personal view is if a man had to put up with side effects for 5-10 years this would be a very different story. Good luck!
