Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Cumbrian and Surrey: Having this forum shows that treatments and monitoring vary across the country.  Also, treatments are individualized. I did have one telehealth visit shortly after the first Covid lockdown, but my medical oncologist recommended an in-person visit a few months later with Covid precautions in place. Notwithstanding the variations in doctor visits, research shows that Vitamin D and Calcium are necessary to prevent bone density deterioration. No matter how healthy we eat, with Letrozole known to negatively impact bone density, supplementation is recommended to combat the effects, so we can have good bone health at the end of the treatment. Additionally, we have to advocate for our care especially when we have concerns. Expressing these concerns does not mean we not thankful, it means we want optimum care to promote our overall wellness. Recently, my 82-year old mom was sick with pneumonia (not Covid related) and was on a ventilator for about 5 days. She survived and is recovering. I can't begin to tell you the number of times I had to speak up at the hospital, and at the Nursing Home where she had rehabilitation before coming home.  Best wishes to you all as you continue your treatments, and seek the best solutions for your care. Blessings, always. ... View more

Hi Rosemarie: I am surprised too that you were not told about Vitamin D and Calcium. Letrozole negatively impacts bone density. You should have had a bone density test prior to the beginning of your Letrozole treatment. The medical oncologist renews the test about every 2 years to see how your bones are doing from the last test results. The goal is to avoid osteoporosis. I see my medical oncologist every 6 months to monitor my Letrozole, and my surgical oncologist every 6 months as well. I believe that is standard care for breast cancer survivors, so please look into it. At this point, Covid should not be an excuse to see your doctor in person. I hope you are able to take care of this, and I wish you the very best. ... View more

Reabarnes: Thanks for your information, I did not know they have magnesium vitamins prescribed. I will speak to my medical oncologist about it. I do have severe joint pain from my shoulders to hips, thighs, feet, and hands. In an earlier post, I had shared how massage therapy and exercise had helped greatly. However, with the Covid Pandemic, I had to stop my massages, and it shows. I was happy to hear your story about vitamins that work, and even though our bodies react differently, it is still good news. Best wishes to you, and thanks very much. ... View more

Can you share the milligrams you are taking for the Magnesium? Or, do you have 1 supplement that has all 3 ingredients you named. Thanks! ... View more

I had a lumpectomy for non-invasive DCIS 10/2018, followed by 6 weeks of radiation (Post-menopausal). I started Letrozole at the end of January 2019. My manufacturer is Apotex. A couple of months later, the joint pain started in my hips, thighs, shoulders, and lower back. Later on, I developed pain in my feet and hands also. My primary doctor recommended physical therapy, which was very helpful. I continued the exercises after completing therapy, and I started massages twice a month with a licensed massage therapist. My symptoms slowly improved. Recently, I tried Dr. Motions compression socks, and I notice three weeks later that I had more improvement in my joint pains: hips and thigh especially and feet. My massage therapist has been working on my shoulders and lower back and both areas are much better especially during the night. I am continuing with these efforts as I decided not to take pain medicine to protect my stomach. I still struggle with fatigue, and I have to rest more after I come home from work. I am sharing these efforts, though I am aware people respond differently to treatments. I encourage my fellow survivors to try a variety of strategies to see if any will work to provide a better quality of life before making the big decision to quit. Letrozole is tough, but hopefully, more of us can stay the course.     ... View more