Stopping Letrazole-washout period?

Posted by judithgrossman @judithgrossman, 1 day ago

Does anyone know how long a time period or "washout "period is necessary to gauge whether much exacerbated rotator cuff pain is attributable to Letrazole? I had pretty painful rotator cuff problems prior to starting Letrazole ( and worse MSK pain in general after starting letrazole - though none of that pain was serious enough to make me consider stopping letrazole). But after having been on it 4 months, the rotator cuff problem became so painful it became unbearable. In fact it interfered with radiation treatment ( I am 2/3 of the way through) to the point where I could not tolerate holding my arms over my head for the radiation therapy appt without taking naproxen 500 mg which is raising my BP .... Any thoughts about how long to wait before trying another AI or Tamoxifen?
Thank you

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briarrose | @briarrose | 1 day ago

I am on my 3rd AI within one year, changed due to side effects, mostly daily terrific headaches.
Now taking exemestane. I am on my 2nd breast oncologist and both previously ordered a wash out period of 3 weeks when stopping one AI and starting other.
My feeling it's the Letrozole that has increased your rotator cuff problem (unless you reinjured it without realizing it ??),
You will only know for sure if you change up the AI - but not sure if the 3 week wash out time will even give you answers. This is an issue you must further discuss with you oncologist and whoever you are seeing for your rotator cuff injury.
All the best to you!

lifetraveler | @lifetraveler | 6 hours ago

Hi! @judithgrossman:

I am so sorry for what you've been through! I couldn't help but feel the pain upon reading your post and visualizing you trying to raise your arm with the issue of rotator cuff pain...

Unfortunately I am not a medical expert and I don't know how long is the proper break time in between taking different AIs; however, based on my own personal experience I do know having a rotator cuff problem is a severe painful issue:(. More than 2 decades ago, way before any of my cancers' issues started I suffered a rotator cuff injury, thus I couldn't even put on my own coat - let alone trying to raise my arm over my head - because my left arm was completely unfunctioning back then! It took me 4 months to completely healed, and luckily for me that it never acted up again - even after I started taking one of the Aromatase Inhibitors medications 2 & 1/2 years ago. Please talk with your care team - including the physician that treats your rotator cuff injury - to find out what should be the best treatment plan for you under the current circumstances, because I am really worried that you may reinjure yourself during the radiation treatment. I am so sorry for all your suffering, Judith!

Wishing you a better journey ahead with hope!