Any experience of Letrozole? My mum is half way through her second-line chemo of caelyx/carbo but it was stopped today. More info below

[BarD7]

So as stated, mum was on second line caelyx/carbo chemotherapy and it has been stopped today, reasons being two-fold; she had a stroke a few weeks back and would be deemed at risk of possibly have another stroke. Also, the cancer evident in the CT scan of abdomen before chemo started, some of the disease had got smaller and regressed, but there were new areas of disease also, despite 3 cycles of chemo being issued.

They are now going to start Mum on Letrozole for a few months and then review mum’s chemotherapy plan again thereafter. They said that risks are minimal with Letrozole and that it would allow mum’s body to further recover from the stroke. Any experiences like this or similar? Has Letrozole helped anyone?

Full thoughts and views on all the above? Anything else that I should be doing or could be doing? This has flattened me/s today and I don’t know what to think any more. If any questions or require clarity on any matter, please do let me know.

[gwyn64]

Hi BarD7 I was on Letrozole for about 15 months and did quite well. The only real issue was with arthralia which just seemed to affect the top right quarter of my body. Arthralgia being a cross between arthritis and neuralgia. It didn't stop me doing anything. However, I know some ladies had more difficulties with it. From memory Letrozole kept me stable for 15 months but then had to come off it due to some progression. Good luck to your mum. Xx

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[Tillymint61]

Hi BarD7 although I don't have experience exactly the same I did have similar in that my Treatment had to change for my own safety and wellbeing. My initial reaction was panic! Where they doing the right thing etc? I had put so much into the belief that the pattern of my Treatment was the best option I found it hard to accept andhave faith in the changes the oncologists were advising. Eventually I rationalized that they had my best interest at the heart of their descion making and agreed to the treatment changes. I have subsequently had treatment with variations due to my blood results and have become a lot more relaxed about accepting that so much about this disease and treatment for it, is unpredictable and being lead by my team and their suggestions is less stressful for me. Wishing you and your Mum well. Xx

[Di16]

I had Letrozole for about 2 years & coped quite well

[Maus123]

Hi there. I can imagine it was quite a shock to hear that chemo had to stop for your mom. Hopefully though, the planned Letrozole break will work and it will create new treatment options later on.

I've been on daily Letrozole as maintenance therapy after a low-grade serous OvCa recurrence, since fall 2018. Plus some experimental ASS/Aspir*n, in alignment with my oncologist's recommendations. So far, my ca125 has been holding fairly steady (albeit still high at somewhere between 65 and 85). Is it the Letrozole that keeps the tumour marker (and potentially progressing disease) in check? I don't know.. but I choose to believe so.

Side effects for me are possibly somewhat more severe than for other women.. in that I experience severe fatigue under Letrozole. That said, side effects from chemo or even just Avastin felt worse.

So I hope your mom will cope well with Letrozole and recover as intended, and improve soon. xx. Maus