Dupuytren Contracture

Mez_BCNA

Moderator moved @jaynie_000 comment to dedicated discussion post:

This is my first post on this platform. I see my oncologist tomorrow, but I have developed a painful and growing nodule on my ring finger / knuckle on the underside of my palm. It’s getting larger and more painful. I am on femara since 2020 when I got diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer at age 53. 

My first / initial diagnosis with early breast cancer was in 2009 and I was 42. I took Arimidex for 9 months but couldn’t cope with the pain in my feet. I changed to Aromasin and it ultimately dissolved my Achilles tendon. I required it to be grafted after it broke. I was on Aromasin for 6 years and gave up on AI’s due to their effect on my tendons and continued pain in my joints and feet. Fast forwards to now and I have had plantar fasciitis (pain in arch of foot) and now I’ve discovered the nodule on my palm. I can’t hold the steering wheel of my car well or open a jar with a tight lid. Any action that requires grip hurts. My oncologist has previously said that Femara can cause tendinitis so I’m ready for her to say give femara a rest for a while. But she has also told me that aromatase inhibitors essentially are the only drug that holds the cancer at bay. Because my cancer is hormone receptive. Ultimately my cancer will recognise an AI and work a way to get around it. When that happens it’s a whole new approach to treatment. So I’m not keen to go off Femara for any period of time. I will put up with side effects. 

I live in Sydney close to the CBD. I have most of my treatment and appointments through the Mater hospital at north Sydney. I have huge trust for my onc. a professor and specialist when it come to MBC. I am keen to know how you have found the radiation treatment. Did it work? I know an excellent hand surgeon but if I can avoid surgery then I will pursue that option. And my biggest question is …Femara the cause of your Dupuytrens

arpie

So sorry to see you join us here with your latest diagnosis, @jaynie_000 xx So Sorry to read of your Stage 4 diagnosis ... they are getting so much better at treating it now ... in a way they almost treat it like a chronic disease now ... Does your Onc believe that your Dupuytrens may be a result of your treatments?   Most of my friends with it have had it at the base of the fingers & into the palm of the hand, causing the hand to 'claw' ... they all had surgery & have been fine now for 10+ years now.

You sure had a tough time with your first treatment, too.    Is your achilles still ok now?  I hope so.  I've had random severe pain in my feet with my AIs (on all three that I've tried - Letrozole, Exemastane and Anastrozole) ... now & then I just have to stop in my tracks & wait for the severe pain to pass ... 

take care & all the best xx