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Aizenev55's avatar
Aizenev55
Member
10 years ago

Guidance sought!

I have recently been diagnosed with "hormone receptive" breast cancer and am scheduled for surgery this week. I am likely to be treated with an aromatase inhibitor due to being 60 and menopausal and on blood thinning medication. I have read much about the side effects of aromatase inhibitors in various references and blogs and note joint soreness is very common. As someone unable to take anti-inflammatory medication, for the past 9 years, I have kept my joints with stiffness/arthritis free of pain by regularly attending the gym and doing moderate aerobic exercise and weight training at least 3-4 times per week. I realise I will be need to be guided by my doctor on a future exercise regime but so far have not found references to exercise / weight training as a potential reliever of joint pain associated with aromatase inhibitors. I would sincerely appreciate if anyone with knowledge or experience in this area could assist with information or references. Cheers. Kym

  • Aizenev55's avatar
    Aizenev55
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thank you Diana for your sound advice. I will certainly give all treatments my best shot. Keep well. Kym

  • Dianne_Radloff's avatar
    Dianne_Radloff
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Kym, I had a partial mastectomy Rads and Arimidex for 5 years, yes I got stiff and painful joints, a feeling of not feeling well, but would take this medication again if I had to. I believe your  thinking about exercise is correct, but do speak to your Drs. I kept active, continued to work, on my feet, and took up walking.  Make sure weight training is acceptable especially with your arms, get the O K from your Dr before going back to this as you will do well.

  • Diana_rae's avatar
    Diana_rae
    Member
    10 years ago

    I have been on aromatise inhibitor since early October 2014. I had a lumpectomy for DCIS but surgery found it had become invasive. A week later I had 2 lymph nodes removed with both being negative.  I commenced Arimidex before I had Radiotherapy as I am on the (Star Trial). My side effects have been aching joints, stiff hands, feeling not myself and some bone pain particularly in my left humerus bone.  I have taken to the last month to settle down and I am now side effect free.

    Good luck and give the little white pill a good chance, you may not have any side effects.

    Diana

     

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    10 years ago

    Hi Kym, I'm just about to have some radiation, and then will also be on aromatise inhibitor. My Oncologist suggested that I take glucosamine and fish oil as a natural way to support my joint health. Hope that this helps, Tracey B ??

  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    10 years ago

    Dear Kym

    While you are right to be prepared, aromatase inhibitors don't always cause joint pain. I have been on them for well over two years and have not had any pain at all (I am also on blood thinners) so good luck.