FEMARA

I don't have IBS, but I have not had normal GI function since I have been taking AIs ...Tumeric just makes my GI processing more interesting!

Yes 2Fun, we have discussed our similarities. I had DCIS close but not in the margins and the BS and RO decided that the rads should take care of it rather than going in again for another lumpectomy or total mastectomy. My MO did suggest trying Tamoxifen. He said there are drawbacks though with increased risk of blood clots and endometrial cancer. So, I opted to try letrozole again instead. The literature shows tamoxifen with the same side effects as all the other AIs.

Lula73, yes it was Solgar that I was going to purchase until I read about high concentrations of turmeric causing issues with IBS. And now I can't find where I read that! But I've also seen articles about it actually helping IBS, It's all so confusing. I'm glad to know you haven't had any issues. It also contains Polysorbate 80 as it's second ingredient....have not heard good things about that either. I'm still on the fence.

AND then I read this and really had to stop and think: Hormone-sensitive condition such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Turmeric contains a chemical called curcumin, which might act like the hormone estrogen.

nancy, since tamoxifen works differently on different tissue, my MO thinks I might not get the bone and muscle pain. I think it actually helps against bone loss. I could be totally wrong too. This is all such a blur for having a small, not a big deal, cancer.

Tamoxifen does help with bone loss however, Arimidex attacks the bones.

Diane

Faith-840 CTCA is very much into naturopathic medicine. The main hospital is in Zion but I believe they opened up a smaller location in Chicago. I was a patient at Zion and now Philly. I see a ND every trip and have been put on various meds that help me quite a bit.

Gail Mary, I take letrozole in the morning. I also take magnesium and a whole ton of other supplements!

And I have to say that after using the Mo Maggie lotion at bedtime, I am no longer having leg cramps or hip pain at night. I think the pain probably kept me away. My sleep has been much better.

Wondering if the SEs will come back like there were before I took the 4 week vacation from the letrozole. Hope not! But only back on them for a week.

brenda, I am a PT/manual therapist, so my hand and foot pain is a concern for me too. I saw a hand therapist and he is having me do contrast baths, wear compression gloves, do some exercises and he gave me a soft thumb splint. I would think a OT/CHT could help you figure out how to modify your work . I am considering doing instrument assisted manual therapy and potentially making a built up handle.

thank you 2FUN and Lula!

2Fun I am going to talk to my MO about a referral for help with this

Lula - unfortunately curcumin is contradicted with Ibrance. It can be a wonderful antiinflammatory and I am so glad it is helping you!

I’d say within the first couple weeks to 1 month. It can’t hurt to get a jump on the curcumin. Definitely take one that stays in your system 24 hours (the Solgar brand does).

Ah yes, the pains....I had been off letrozole for a month because I didn't want to spend my vacation in pain. Went back on it 2 weeks ago and I thought that maybe I was going to be lucky this time and not have the pain like I had. Well, it started yesterday again. I can hardly get up from seated position, I'm so stiff and sore. I went to Yoga this morning and was once again unable to sit cross-legged because of the hip. The hot flashes are tremendous again, I mean wringing wet "I feel like I'm going to pass out" hot flashes! Hair is falling out in greater amounts again. And worst of all, my mood. I am back in the "I don't care" mode. I don't want to do anything or go anywhere. Besides yoga today, I did NOTHING but sit on the computer looking for recipes and adding them to an online recipe box.

Just a week ago, I was wanting to do things and go places...we went to Green Bay to watch the Packers practice and had a great time. We were talking about going to State Fair this week, and I just don't want to. Everything seems like a big chore. Even making meals.

I'm willing to try the Solgar curcumin, but that's not going to help my mood, which I consider the worst. Although it may have to do with not getting enough sleep either. Off the letrozole, I was getting 6.5 to 7.5 hours. On it, I'm down to 5.5 to 6.

Ugh! So, I see the MO on the 17th and will yet again discuss. I'm getting closer to stopping it altogether. Going to ask him if there's any harm in going on two weeks and off two weeks. Maybe it would help me stay on it at least to some degree. I've got another 3 years and 9 months!

nancy, sorry you are in pain again. My MO was saying that I may decide to chose no AI s. Especially since my risk factors are so low. That may be an option for you too. The pain is bad, but the depression is horrible.I have found that an hour of vigerous aquatic exercise every day this summer has kept my mood stable, but I really have to push myself to get off the computer and do other things. Let us know what your MO says. Hugs!

nancy, do you live near Holy Hill? Thats one of the only places in WI with hills!lol

Sorry if I am being bossy, but do you have a gym near you? Sometimes the treadmill or a bike is nice to do, esp. With weather and hills. Some places open up the pool and gym of the local school early morning for community folks to use. Heck, I'd even say walk part way up the hill!

I have been back to my 60 to 90 minutes of moderately vigerous exercise every day, and if I miss a day I really can tell my mental health suffers! Try to find things you can do! Also, there is a thread here called "post your daily exercise " join us! There are people just starting to exercise, and some that are ding marathons, but we all help keep each othergoing!

so nancy, you need to remember that most of wisconsin is pretty flat !!(at least where I grew up) DH said he could never live where it is so flat. Lol I know the ski hillyou are near. I love Holy Hill in the fall. I understand it's hard if you don't like to exercise....Maybe dog walking?

I grew up in wisconsin. Appleton. The north east part of the state is very flat. Pre-historic lake plain. I know a lot of the state is hilly, but compared to the "hills" in western NY, Wisconsin is relatively flat. Our ski hills are 3,000 ft vertical. Once you get toward holy hill and then to Madison the earth gets curvy, just not enough for my husbands liking!

Nancy, I hope this switch takes your pain away and leaves you feeling like your old self. Good luck and keep us posted!

Lanne