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I have had a left mastectomy and I did not have to have chemo or radiation. But I've been prescribed Femara and from all the research I've done it seems to be a pretty wicked drug. Has anyone else taken this and if so, were there any dire side affects?
Hi Louise. It’s great we have already had a chance to discuss this privately. I’m posting a bit of info here as well.
Femara (or Letrozole) is one of the Aromatase Inhibitor medications that may be prescribed as part of ‘Hormone Therapy’ treatment for hormone-positive breast cancer. Reading reports and comments on the net does give an impression that most women experience severe side effects with AIs, however this can be misleading as the people who comment are more likely to be the ones who experience problems. Unfortunately it is well established that usually those who don’t have problems often don’t comment!! Anecdotally I have found most women have only a few mild side-effects. Some have more severe side-effects and may then consider changing to a different Hormone Therapy tablet, or discontinuing the treatment. One advantage of a tablet is that you can ‘stop’ taking it.
These tablets work by lowering circulating oestrogen in post-menopausal women. Studies have been done on large groups of women taking AIs, with varying reports of side-effects experienced. Common side effects when starting aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are menopause symptoms in ~30% of women (hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings), and 'joint aches & stiffness' - in around 25-40% of women (number varies in different studies). This is mostly in knees, hands and wrists, but can usually be relieved with exercising, taking glucosamine and possibly some mild analgesia such as Ibuprofen & Paracetamol. One lady I knew told me she noticed 'stiff legs' each morning, but would just 'walk it out' and then felt fine. Other reported symptoms may include weight gain, fatigue, headaches – the list does continue but these symptoms are less common.
As oestrogens help retain calcium in the bones, calcium loss is a possible consequence of taking AIs. A bone mineral density scan is usually done to check bone strength, and repeated at intervals during treatment. Taking calcium, Vit D & exercise help to strengthen bones. If signs of bone weakening (osteopenia), then measures may be taken to strengthen bones, e.g. commence bisphosphonate medication.
The course of tablets is usually 5 years, although optimal length of treatment is the subject of ongoing studies and may be altered in due course.
Taking any form of treatment is a very personal decision for each person, and an important aspect is the difference the treatment will make to the risk of cancer returning. Unfortunately it's not possible for any treatment to give 100% guarantee of this, but an approximate 'risk-reduction' can be determined. If the treatment provides only a small benefit in reducing the risk, and the side-effects are considered to outweigh this, then some people may decide not to have (or continue) the treatment. Believing you have made the right decision for you is what matters most Louise. Gaining accurate and reliable information to help you make a decision you are comfortable with is hopefully going to be helpful.
This link provides further information on Femara that you may find useful: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/about-cancer/treatment/cancer-drugs/letrozole
Would love to hear other comments. Some have posted their thoughts on deciding about treatments in Blogs (e.g. SueB, Jodi) – you may like to have a read.
All the very best Louise! Please tell us how you go when you are ready.
Love G xx
This post was edited by Glenys at April 17, 2013 9:35:33 PM WATime"The Click Breast Care Nurse 
