Starting Letrozole: Seeking Advice and Support

The only think that I can tell you is that you have to be positive. Stress is not going to help and if mentally you can’t cope you might bring side effects to your body. It will be good if you put yourself in the frame work that Letrozole is going to stop those cells receptors for fueling estrogen for the development of a recurrence of cancer. By minimizing the amount of estrogen, those cells are going to die because they can not survive without that hormone. In other words you by taking the medication are killing those cells. So first be positive, second exercise tends to help, taking care of you by doing something fun for you!! You can do it!!!!

Thank you Mayra.

How was it? I’m currently taking exemestane and so far so good. Just some hot flashes but that could also be from the Lupron.

So far, so good. No side effects after the first 3 doses other than interrupted sleep. I took the pill earlier on night 3 which may have helped.

If you get side effects, change the time of day you take the pill. For me, taking at bedtime and with food minimized the nausea and joint pain

No no b by

I start mine Jan 1. A bit nervous. I finish radiation Wednesday.

First 3 months are the toughest. Hang in there, many of the side effects will not last.

Thank you Lori! So far my side effects are minimal, with one exception - it has wrecked my sleep. I am going to switch from taking it at night to taking it in the morning. I need to get back to consistent exercise and increase my protein, too. One day at a time.

Remember not only high protein but high fiber as well. Your body needs consistent fiber to clean out old dead cells. The Spice Rack book by Rachel Beller writes about how important it is for breast cancer survivors. Highly recommend the book. I have been on Lestrozole for 5 years. The last few months that have have incorporated the Spice Rack into my diet I have had less fatigue. Yes I exercise, walk daily, lift weights, yoga, acupuncture and red light therapy. Love to all of you and stay strong 💕

@Paige B I have been on Letrozole over a year now. I have trouble getting to sleep and have a hard time to loose weight. Hot flashes a quick and not often. I met with dietitian to learn what I should be eating and not eating. Protein is a big part of the meal whether it is plant based or meat.

I am now taking Letrozole in the morning, and my sleep is so much better. My hot flashes are like yours - infrequent but intense. I added 1000mg of Metformin a day thanks to my PCP, and I can now lose weight. There are studies that show further decreases in recurrence when combining Metformin with an aromatase inhibitor. I am so grateful to all of you for sharing your experiences. Thank you!

I did not have the same results as you girls at all with lethrozole. My skin looked like it had dandruff, legs, arms. My hair was coming out by the handfuls. I took it 10 weeks and all that happened. Decided against it

Starting a new medication can bring up many worries, and those feelings are completely understandable. Many community members have shared helpful tips about managing medication experiences, and connecting with others who have been on similar treatment journeys can provide valuable insights and reassurance during this time.