Hello Dear Chat Members, I wanted to tell my story regarding my experience with Letrozole, in case it helps inform anyone else about whether to take it. Earlier this year the oncologist switched me from Tamoxifen to Letrozole, after I underwent a hysterectomy (and so was postmenopausal.) I was on Letrozole for 4 months and had terrible side effects. I am 50 years old, 120 pounds and big into yoga. After about three months on Letrozole, I couldn't get into lotus position anymore due to terrible knee and ankle pain. Even daily activities were painful: taking my shirt off hurt my shoulders, getting out of bed in the morning, I would limp like I had arthritis, due to the pain in my feet and legs. I know that Letrozole is more effective than Tamoxifen in protecting people like myself from recurrence (Stage 1 breast cancer, hormone positive), but I was getting seriously depressed from the pain and the oncologist agreed to switch me back to Tamoxifen. Good news! The side effects have slowly diminished and I am able to do yoga again without pain. It took about a month for the effects to wear off. Tamoxifen has its own side effects (hot flashes) but much more manageable. For me, the slight difference in effectiveness between Letrozole and Tamoxifen is worth it for the quality of life improvements. I wish everyone on this group health and peace.
... View more
