treatment options Becky Graves treatment options Becky Graves

This week’s question - Lupron

It’s been tolerable.

Many friends have asked, “So, how’s it going with Lupron?” I want to keep track of any side effects here, just like I did when I started taking Letrozole in June of 2023.

For the first seven days after taking Lupron (and continuing to take Letrozole), I did find myself feeling emotional (read: weepy) quite a bit and at times feeling a sense of dread (read: anxiety). Neither of which is normal for me, but I have had a lot going on. So, it could be the buildup of stress - or it could be the Lupron/Letrozole combo - or it could be both. The other potential side effect has been fatigue, but again. I’ve had a lot going on, and we had the return to Eastern Standard Time this weekend. That could explain the fatigue, as well.

Regardless, it has been tolerable.

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treatment options Becky Graves treatment options Becky Graves

Reclast infusion - Sept 2024

Yesterday I had a Reclast infusion. In July when the DEXA scan revealed significant bone density loss in just one year due to the use of Letrozole, I had a choice: stop taking Letrozole or do something to counter the negative impact Letrozole is having on my bone density. Since my August CT scan was clear (which we will assume is due in part of Letrozole), I chose to stay on Letrozole.

I then had another decision to make. Would I choose to take a weekly bisphosphonate, a monthly bisphosphonate, or a yearly infusion?
After careful thought and consideration, I chose the Reclast infusion because it seemed to fit in best with my lifestyle.

I was warned that this weekend I could potentially experience side effects, including:

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Arthralgia

  • Back pain

  • Bone pain

  • Dizziness

  • Fever

  • Fatigue

  • Flu-like symptoms

  • General weakness

  • Chills

5:30 am The only issue I am really dealing with is back pain, which although significant, is not keeping me from going on my beach walk soon

7:30 am Back from the beach and not feeling great. Back pain. Shoulder pain, Abdominal pain. Nausea. My calves feel like they do after a marathon.

9 am I feel I have the flu.

I spent the rest of the day in bed and never finished this post, but I woke up today (Sunday) feeling basically back to normal, so I hope the worst is behind me.

I’ll know in a year if this infusion and the discomfort that came with it was worth it.

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