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Ibrance and Letrozole: Newly Diagnosed Treatment
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Jan 22, 2023 | Replies (104)Comment receiving replies
Not sure where I fit into this. I am 79 years old. In April, I was diagnosed with IDC in my right breast and ILC in my left breast. Had bilateral lumpectomies in early July. As well as capsulectomies and reconstruction at the same time. Yesterday I completed the last of five consecutive radiation treatments. My oncologist suggested I start Letrozole Nov 1, allowing my body some healing time. I begin a PT regime next week, with the hope that additional exercise will offset the possible tiredness and bone loss side effects, as well as possible depression. I think the positives of Letrozole (keeping cancer at bay and keeping me alive!!) will/do outweigh the possible side effects. I usually walk 2.5 - 5 miles a day, most days. Strength training will aid this - I hope! Does anyone have experience with Letrozole that they're willing to share?
Replies to "Not sure where I fit into this. I am 79 years old. In April, I was..."
I’m 72 now, breast cancer at 26, MBC at 60, and was on Letrozole for 10 years keeping cancer at bay. I asked to “Take a break” as the neuropathy and bone pain was really getting to me.
A scan 3 months later showed that the localized tumor in my sternum had spread to my liver — oncologist put me right back on Letrozole. A full PET scan done a month later showed metastasis to spine and ribs.
So, off the Letrozole and now on Ibrance pills and and Fasodex and Xgeva infusions once a month.
It was tough getting started: the neuropathy came back with a vengeance and every other side effect at least once. But my energy is coming back, I walk at least 2 miles a day. I’m dealing with the neuropathy using better daily foot care and a good pair of flexible sole shoes and good fitting orthotics.
I was also put on Gabapentin ramping up to a higher dose, not sure yet if it’s doing any good for the feet
I was glad to hear from other 70+ gals. We’re all different but our struggles unite us and there are a myriad new effective treatments with fewer side affects.
Carry On!
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Unfortunately mine is very negative. I'm 81 is pretty good shape (walking and strength training) but I do have peripheral neuropathy in my legs and was scheduled to start radiation in 2 1/2 weeks. Two weeks ago I started Letrozole (took only 2/3 of a pill) and quit after 3 days. Besides an upflair of my neuropathy which was being perfectly controlled, horrible pain in earlobes of all places, pain in jaw, some joint pain which was bearable, but numbness in neck, which has now spread to lips and checks.
But a friend had no side effects. It's very individual.