Letrozole and hand pain

pp729

Hi all, not sure if this is the place to post this, but I will start here.  My mom has been on 1.0 mg Anastrozole since March 2011 and switched to 2.5 mg Letrozole about 7 weeks ago due to side effect (constant diarrhea).  Within the past few weeks, she has experienced problems with her left hand (her BC and unilateral mastectomy was on the right breast) -- including 1)  drawing back of her pinky finger and 2) shooting pain from the first joint in her thumb.  The shooting pain has developed within the past 2 weeks.  Saw the MO and he wants her to go off the Letrozole for the next 3 weeks until he sees her again and to have an xray of the hand as well as a bone density test and a blood test to check her Vitamin D levels.

 So, can someone tell me what the Vitamin D test will tell us?

And, have any of you experienced these types of side effects with the meds?

caaclark

Not sure about the vit. D, however...

I have been on Femara for a couple years now and I definitely have some minor pain in my left thumb.  I have been attibuting it to normal wear and tear.  It is more of an arthritis pain than a shooting pain-although I feel way too young to have arthritis.  I have just been ignoring it thinking that it must be a side effect of something.  I also lift weights and it seems to be worse when I increase weight.  Your post makes me think it might be a side effect.  If it makes you feel any better I just had a bone density done and after being on Fosamax my bone density has increased.

Racy

I have mild joint pain in my hands and other joints on initially getting moving. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to BC and other illnesses. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium for bone health.

I take a vitamin D3 tablet, 1000 mg, daily. I was taking more when my level was low but now that it is normal I just take the one tablet for maintenance. I also take 5 ml of fish oil and my joint pain has greatly reduced subsequently.

pp729

Thanks Racy.

stephanie82510

Hi pp729.

The letrozole has a lot of possible side effects and before i get out of bed i have to stretch. there are days i cannot walk unless i imitate fred sanford.  haha

My first onc told me to take two years and try out all of the AIs. Keep notes and then return to the least offensive one. He said that we could take it 5 to 10 years. There are women who stop AIs at 5 years and others who are now in their 15th.

you are a great daughter... 

pp729

Thanks ladies.  My mom has just had an X-Ray and is also awaiting a bone density test and bone scan.  She will see the onc when these are completed. 

tlundy

stephanie82510 - I love your Fred Sanford comparison - that is exactly what I look like in the morning!  I also have hand pain - have to stretch and move my fingers/hands around for a few minutes when I get up.  My onc prescribed a small dose prescription of Cymbalta to help with the stiffness and soreness.  An added plus (for me anyway) is that it is an antidepressant and I think it has helped me deal with the emotional stuff a bit better.

Octobergirl

Hi PP and  Ladies,  I've taken Letrozole 2 yrs. and have hand, foot and hip pain. My fingers get stiff and dexterity has deteriorated...not good for cooking and playing piano . 

Re foot pain: I was another Fred Sanford. My physical therapist told me to uncover my feet and write the alphabet with my whole foot/feet each morning before getting up. This moves every part of the foot and is a much easier way to get the feet going than hobbling around.  Please try this - it REALLY WORKS.  BTW, leave your heels comfortable on the bed and "write" using the ankle and toe joints. It actually feels good 1st thing in the morning.