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Hello,
i was on letrozole for about 1.5 years but the joint pain etc... was terrible. i switched to Anastrazole but had terrible stomach issues so back to letrozole only after 2 wks. Recently switched to Exemestane but after 3 weeks, i stopped everything. just couldn't catch a break, every part of my body hurt.. hands terrible with arthritis and then feet starting to hurt. i am struggling with this decision but the quality of life was poor and im worried that many of these issues wont be reversible once i complete the 5-10 years of these drugs. Im 61 so i do worry that not being on drugs is a bad decision.? I dont see a lot of comments about Exemestane and wonder if after taking a break from all drugs and then starting Exemestane again wont make me as painful ?
Replies to "Hello, i was on letrozole for about 1.5 years but the joint pain etc... was terrible...."
@karenzm
Perhaps switching too fast?? I think you have to give yourself a little bit of credit and time to get over the last medicine you were on! I just started with Exemestane, it seems like a better alternative than Letrozole. I will keep you on my radar and will let you know. Ask someone about the switching parts. That might be the culprit here. Ask you one oncologist, breast surgeon or plastic surgeon. They should be able to give you a heads up. Stay hydrated, and try propel water with electrolytes in it. Ask your doctor, but switching too fast is not clearing the medicine from your system before starting with something else. Time of day also might the key.
Again ask you three doctors.! Good luck!
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@karenzm
I had terrible joint pain also. Told my gynocologist (who is also a breast cancer survivor and an older lady like myself) and she suggested I ask my oncologist is I would be a candidate for Tamoxifen. I am now taking Tamoxifen and having no leg cramps. Of course there are side effects but nothing as bad as before. It is important to take our hormone replacement because if it comes back, it is automatically stage 4. Tamoxifen is usually given to women that have not gone through menopause but is a good alternative for those of us that have and can't tolerate the other. Good luck. Stay strong! You can do this!