I took it until I could not tolerate the side effects. I developed tendinitis & trigger finger in my right (dominate) hand and up the arm into my right shoulder. I was sent to PT. I tried all the recommended AI’s and they each attacked different parts of my body. When my muscle tissue deteriorated so much my skin hung from my body, I could not easily climb stairs in our home any longer, and I was nursing pain all the time I chose to stop after three years. I honestly felt the medicine was going to kill me before a recurring cancer had a chance to return. I’m 76 years old and want QUALITY of life over a MAYBE the cancer would come back.

Every case is individual and needs to be approached as such before deciding to continue the usual prescribed routine or not. AI’s are not comfortable because the body needs estrogen to run at its intended best and these meds reduce its production. Fear keeps many patients from taking that risk. Nobody leaves this earth without dying first, with or without cancer. Therefore, weigh your options carefully before abandoning the treatment plan. Live life the best way for you.

@A MyBCTeam Member My hands have been very painful especially the fingers and knuckles.I attributed it to doing a lot of weeding and pulling, but it has been several weeks with no let up. I see my oncologist soon maybe she can refer me to have it checked out. The tips of my fingers also get numb and tingly at times. It's been 10 months since I started Letrozole.

Mentioned Users

A MyBCTea...

After 10 months on letrozole my thumbs into my wrists started to hurt and feel a burning sensation. I thought it might be arthritis. I went to a hand specialist.He told me it is tendinitis very common with taking letrozole and lose of estrogen. He recommended cortisone, I opted for acupuncture. I don’t want to go down the drug fix for a drug rabbit hole. The acupuncture is working very well, still a bit stiff but very tolerable. Hair thinning and some sleep issues have come about but a different hair cut and herb tea sure does help.

I feel we totally underestimate the effects of AI'S...i know i thought I'd have menopausal symptoms, which are horrible but bearable..
It's the breathlessness, and feeling 10 years older with joint pain, that's so tough..
I get you Alita, its debilitating for some of us...

I am not taking Letrozole, but I am taking Exemestane. Ever since I started taking it, I developed plantar fasciitis, and my carpal tunnel syndrome has exacerbated exponentially. My doctor explained that because the removal of estrogen causes tendons, nerves, and muscles to lose the hydration normally provided by estrogen, they become irritated and inflamed. Acupuncture has really helped me manage the pain and inflammation.