Switch from letrozole to exemestane

I’m on letrozole and have a trigger finger ( which is bearable) but I’m likely going to get it sorted with a steroid injection
I’ve had horrendous leg cramps in bed , quite often if I stretch my foot out
I saw a physical therapist who said I had spasm of my calf muscles and showed me how to do stretching exercises which really help
My pain isnt persistent so I know it’s to do with muscles and tendons so if you are sure your pain isn’t sinister ( leg cramps aren’t usually) might be worth doing some stretching exercises

Cost is sometimes a factor as well. I had read about some people using only brand name and not generics and doing well so I looked into it. Not covered by my insurance so I would pay out of pocket. Cost for brand name arimidex is 3-400.00/month and for aromasin is over 1300.00/month. So generic it is. I can handle the 70.00. I have read about the every other day dosing and may consider that. The half life is 24 hours. So every day means you are staying pretty much at full dose (take the next pill when 1/2 of first one is gone), every other day means you are kind of pyramiding it (take the next dose when the first one is completely gone. So zero start, to 1/2 dose at 24 hours, back to zero at 48 hours then next pill). Will do more research but definitely in my question list for next visit.
I just want to say I appreciate the responses. Just to know we’re not in this alone and NOT CRAZY. Friends and family either don’t want to talk about this or feel like since primary treatment is done, you should be back to feeling normal. They don’t understand that I still have side effects from the chemo and radiation even at 18mo (and maybe for years). The doctors often either don’t admit or don’t understand that what we are feeling now may be due to this medication even if it’s not a typical side effect. So thank you for everyone on this site for your help and input. Hopefully I am contributing helpful information as well.

Thank you so much, I will try that!

Hi MistyMar, I am taking some other “non conventional” things, such as Pectasol, a modified fruit pectin that has had a number of studies done on it. Also take powdered Cordiceps mushroom daily.
Hard to prove what has had the most effect but my doctor claims the Letrozole. Maybe not just the Letrozole…my blood cancer markers have decreased though. One was in the normal range, one has continued to get lower, but not normal. I understand your hesitation about stopping the medication! It is all pretty scary. Thanks for your reply.

I have the same problem which is why I’m hesitant to stop medications. Did chemo because oncotype positive. Tumor marker dropped about 20 points (needed to drop 50 to hit high normal), then after 3 months started back up again almost to start level. At that point, he ordered brain MRI and pet scan. Neither of which showed new tumor growth. Then it dropped back to where it was before, then another 10 points and that’s where I sit. He said it can happen and as long as stays stable, monitor but not considered a problem. Easy to say but sits in your mind that maybe there’s a reason. And yes, I’ve read multiple articles about tumor marker specificity and that some feel they’re worthless but my doctor still uses them for monitoring and I have to feel he knows what he’s doing. I’ll look into the Pectasol (haven’t heard about that before), already researching other naturals like mushrooms.

I’m on Anastrozole and it’s the best so far. Takes 6 weeks to 2 mos for side effects to lessen. And some physical therapy

have you tried magnesium supplements? f not, it's worth a try. Take them before you go to bed.

Thank you! I started it two nights ago and have not experienced the awful cramps so far 🙏

I was on Letrazole since my mastectomy about a year ago. I could barely move with the joint pain and I had edema really bad in both legs--but especially my right leg along with constipation at 79 and weight gain. I mistook side effects for old age which is true 🙂 - but after reading about the side effects and moving became increasingly difficult- I stopped to see if a change off it would make a difference. It wasn't even 2 days that my joint pain, edema cleared up dramatically... Losing weight and constipation are still a work in progress but much better. Walking 4-5000 steps, and 10-12 glasses of water daily didn't touch the side effects! I was hesitant to stop. but so glad I did. 4 more years of pain, swelling. My Dr wants me to try exemestane- I hesitate with looking at side effects.. but will give it a try.

Natural estrogen's blocker is suggested by NutritionFacts.org Dr Greger who is a Vegan but will you follow him using plant base food, he shows you research papers but not sure if they do trials like the pharma do when they develop drugs. Really not sure, the world is pro pharma who at the end produce drugs that save lives and makes tons of money but you have to spend more money on side effects, rather producing drugs with natural ingredients which has no side effects so we don't need to spend more money to buy drugs to treat side effects!