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
