@Bethbee

Hi,

There are many of us here familiar with Letrozole and the side effects taking it produces.

The aches and pains in joints and your body are very common.

I was on Letrozole for about a year, prior to that it was Tamoxifen.

I found it very difficult to be honest. I didn't realise fully that it was the meds either for a while. But I spoke to my oncologist who suggested I change to another one and see if things improve.

I began Exemastane last September, so far, things have slowly improved, as in not as bad as they had been. I still have horrendous aches and pains, just less.

How long have you been on the meds now? I would suggest you speak with your oncologist and explain how things are. There may be an alternative suitable for you.

I have been learning to do life 'little and often' not all in one blitz. I try and rest my feet and legs as much as I am able, with them raised off the ground. Unfortunately I don't have a magic remedy to suggest. I take pain meds, to cope with the pain, sometimes it doesn't always work. As much as resting I do also try to keep moving each day. Getting up off the chair, or out of the car for example, is becoming a little easier. I don't have to brace myself as much as I did previously, except if I am in the same position for a long while then I do.

I am not sure whether I am sounding helpful or not! I am sorry.

I guess many of us are just trying to live with it, knowing the alternative might have been worse. But it is frustrating when quality of life has been diminished, that is when I have to find a new way through it.

You are in the right place here, to find support, and understanding of your situation. Welcome to the community.

Hope to chat with you soon,

Lou x

Hi Tallgirl.

I too suffered with sore, swollen feet when I was on chemo.

I found that soaking them in cold and hot (as hot as you can bear it without burning yourself) water alternately, finishing with cold, gave my feet a lot of relief. I also used Cooling Foot Balm lotion which I bought from Quinessence Aromatherapy: https://www.quinessence.com/cooling-foot-balm.

Finally, I always elevated my feet when sitting down and in bed.

Please note that these methods didn't cure my swollen feet, but they offered a lot of relief and made it mire bearable.

You should discuss the problem with your oncology nurse and oncologist.

Best of luck with your treatment.

Dee

Hi @Tallgirl

Feet swelling for patients is quite a common feature. You didn’t mention which specific chemotherapy you had but many of the regimes do have side effects of water retention which can be distressing.

I agree with Lou’s advice and making sure you keep your legs elevated and cool will really help. Bathing feet in cold water for example at the end of a day.

Reflexology can also be a very useful alternative therapy for those with feet swelling.

I wish you well with your ongoing recovery

best wishes

Liz 💕

Sorry in advance. Just felt like a bit of a moan. Why don't Oncologists, Doctors etc ever mention the long lasting after effects of chemotherapy? I am still having big problems with my legs and feet (Peripheral Neuropathy) and my final cycle finished last October. I have read in a couple of blogs that these problems can last for 2 or 3 years, so it's not like it's just a little thing. I am one of these people that want to know EVERYTHING, but getting information out of some of the medical profession is like pulling teeth. Having said that, the staff at Addenbrookes, Cambridge are second to none and have looked after me very well.

There we are. Hot flush over. Maybe time for a glass of Malbec.