Letrozole: When will I start feeling/seeing side effects?

@sparklegram I use turmeric capsules which are anti-inflammatories and take my pain down a notch for my stenosis and other spine problems. I will also use extra-strength blue emu cream on my hips, lower back, and shoulders as I've figured out some of the pain I think is back really is from tight muscles. I don't do pills very well so I've had to find alternatives. I'm trying to start up walking again as all the posts do mention exercise in helping alleviate pain. We just have to think out of the box and be persistent.

Hello francine6829 - I live in Colorado. I have had two different oncologists (due to health insurance changes).......both agreed to check my estrogen levels. I had my levels checked during menopause well before breast cancer and I was heavily estrogen dominant. In fact, most of my life I must have had huge amounts of estrogen and virtually no progesterone to keep it in check. I have even less progesterone than I have estrogen, even now. There was my problem through the years. A dominance of estrogen not checked by the progesterone. That is a very simple explanation (hormones are complicated) but logically........too much estrogen, hence estrogen positive breast cancer. I also had my testosterone levels checked because it can convert into estrogen they told me (on a much smaller scale).
I suppose the hormone link is strong but not the only reason for breast cancer because there are hormone negative breast cancers....it's just one element.
I have tried to naturally reduce my estrogen by losing weight and body fat (fat converts to estrogen), eating better, exercising and reducing stress (ha ha ha ......that last one is the real trick).
Hormone blood tests aren't as accurate as urine tests but they can give you a guideline. There are much more sensitive hormone tests that you can get at homeopathic doctors. I did that once and really did find out a lot about my body chemistry, what to eat, supplements etc. If we're willing to put up with all the chemical and invasive treatments for cancer I think it's worthwhile to do as much naturally as possible as well. It's harder to find a reputable doctor and there isn't as much oversight....but.....I don't do anything 'crazy'. All the changes I made were considered 'healthy' by my oncology docs as well.
Hugs!

Pain Killers are tricky. I don't even take motrin and just deal with the pain. It really sucks. I really want to get my estrogen levels tested

@francine6829 - Norco is Hydrocodone and Tylenol and was prescribed as a pain killer. It isn't a great one I'm afraid!

What is the purpose of Norco? BTW, I have herniated discs in my back which are not bothered by the letrozole at all. I do Yoga and exercise a lot and my back is fine.

Cindy, I love your post and AGREE about the levels. How do the docs know if we are taking too much or too little. This is ridiculous. Interesting fact, my oncologist says for prostrate cancer, they do take and monitor progesterone levels. Cindy, where do you live and was it your oncologist who took the estrogen levels or a different doctor?

@trixie1313- I'll let you know, Trixie. It might take awhile to get an appointment at the spine clinic. For now, I'm taking Norco which I don't like to do!

Hello Francine 6829 and sprklegram.........
I was unable to take Letrozole or Arimidex due to side effects (every one the list and then some) but I did experience joint pain from the second pill (of each). I found the pain worse with Arimidex but the depression was greater for me with Letrozole (who knows). My pain was primarily in my wrists and fingers and as a piano player and teacher....that was unbearable. The pain from the AI's seems to be pretty common for many women. Depending on the stage and extent of the cancer recurrence, I guess the choice is either not to take them and take that chance or find ways to make the joint pain bearable. Not much of a choice but all that is offered now.
Regarding testing of estrogen/progesterone levels...............I requested that my levels be checked (simple, affordable blood tests) before I started the AI's and now without AI's and guess what.........my levels are practically non existent (I am post menopausal).....although my oncologists say I still have estrogen (somewhere?) it's so low that they are not recommending the AI's, which I can't tolerate. It should be a requirement that oncologists check your hormone levels periodically and certainly before starting AI's..........I believe some women are taking the AI's and perhaps don't need them as much as they might think they do. I've never understood doctors not checking and trying to manage hormone levels. I'm the poster child for every hormone problem throughout my life and never, not once could I get real support on hormone regulation. I do wish doctors would be more proactive about helping us with hormones before they cause serious problems (breast, uterine cancers, miserable periods, menopause, etc). In my next life (and maybe a little in this one) I'm sounding the alarm............women should have better care and follow up for their hormone issues and as naturally and healthfully as possible.
p.s. Having no estrogen for me has meant that some of the AI side effects have happened naturally - thinning hair, a bit more joint pain, wrinkles (oh my) and the rapid drying out of every part of my body.......that's just getting old I guess.
I love your online name btw - Sparklegram!

@sparklegram I'd be interested in hearing what you find out as I have severe stenosis in my lower spine as well as osteoporosis there.

I've had spinal stenosis for years that has caused off and on pain in my back and hip, but never down my leg and into my knee. I haven't had an episode of pain from that for a couple of years. I want to have an evaluation to see what is the culprit, Arimidex or stenosis!