Letrozole. 2.5mg

[Gillian80]

Hello again to all you lovely brave ladies.

Is there anyone that is on this tablet, Letrozole, or has been taking it . My Oncologist is not willing for me to have any more of the intravenous chemo, she said that it was putting too much strain on my body. I have been taking the Dailey tablet now for 2 weeks,The only side effects I have had are occasional hot flushes and joint pain, not a problem for me.

BUT, I am now physically aware of where some of the tumours have spread to and have been having slight pain. This is the 1st time this has happened. and naturally I am anxious How do I know if it really is stopping the Cancer from spreading? My next appointment with the Onc isn't until the end of March, with a blood test before it.

It would be great to hear from you if you are on this regime.

Lots of hugs to you all. Gill.

[HelsW1]

Hi, I've been on Letrozole since August 2014 after second line chemo. Since then like you I've had hot flushes but otherwise felt fine, my CA levels have gradually risen over the time from 16 to now 67. I do have ct scans every three months to keep checking progress and in December a few more lymph nodes seem to have increased in size, so put on Medroxyprogesterone as well with the view that if this continues then more chemo will be necessary. For me Letrozole has been really good, yes I've been tired but on the whole able to get on with life.

If you are concerned or worried at all call your specialist nurse, they are a great help. It will help with your anxiety and its better to sort things sooner rather than waiting till our scheduled appointments.

[Gillian80 in reply to HelsW1]

Thank you HelsW1 for your reply. Interesting to note that your CA125 had risen from a low number. My last blood test it was 26.But to be honest I don't really understand what it means when it Rises. Yes, like you I feel stronger, and able to do more than when I was on Chemo,which is a bonus .Sad to say I don't have any confidence in the specialist nurse.

However next Monday I am joining an exercise in breathing class at our local Hospice, and hope for some advice from her, also there is available the chance to make an appolntment to talk to a Hospice Dr. Whatever happens I shall keep on pushing for anything that will keep me going for as long as possible, not just for me, but for my lovely husband and daughter. I am sure all our ladies think the same way. So keep on fighting the evil big C.

Lots of hugs......................Gill.

[Beth25]

I was put on Letrozole after first recurrence to slow the progression of the cancer. At that point my oncologist estimated that I'd be back on chemo within 6 months but in fact it was 18 months before I had to start 2nd line. I've just finished 3rd line of 12 sessions of weekly carbo taxol and will ask about going back on Letrozole when I see my oncologist for my follow up appointment in a couple of weeks. It seemed to work well for me and I had few side effects other than hot flushes but, as a friend said when she was going through the menopause, hot flushes are the reason why cardigans were invented! As Letrozole works by reducing the amount of oestrogen in the body I also decided to cut back on my dairy intake at the same time. I'm not sure if that helped but I felt that it did which is maybe beneficial in itself. It didn't make sense to me to reduce my oestrogen levels with a tablet and then top up with foods that contained it. This might be bonkers, and I know it's not for everyone, but some books advocate this approach. Things I miss? Cheese and ice cream! I used to eat a lot of both so now they're an occasional treat - life would be just too boring without a little of what you fancy!

Good luck whatever you decide to do,

Beth x

[Gillian80 in reply to Beth25]

Thank you Beth. 25, for your reply. perhaps you will be able to read my reply to HelsW1.Going back on Chemo is no longer an option for me. Must I really give up Ice cream? It's my regular after dinner dessert!!! Cheese only occasionally. Oh well onwards and upwards !!

Lots of hugs. Gill

[Beth25 in reply to Gillian80]

No no, not at all! That's just how I've chosen to deal with it but I absolutely think you should do what feels right for you. X

[Bobbyo1]

I have been on letrozole since November alongside avastin I still getting hot flushes but I am not having any other treatment at moment and the flushe seem worse at night I had a bit of nausea so they brought forward my scan and review now to start more chemo this month if you are worried either see go or specialist nurse and they will check to see if it's working

[Gillian80]

Thanks for your reply Bobbyo,I really appreciate hearing from you.If you are able to see my reply to HelsW1, you will know what I am going to do next. Hope you tolerate the new Chemo and that it works for you without too many side effectsL

Lots of hugs, Gill.

[HelsW1]

HI Gillian, that sounds like a good plan, If you get no joy you could always try ringing the Ovacome specialist nurse who may be able to help.

Good luck.

Helenx