Forum Discussion

Stayinghopeful's avatar
6 years ago

Arimidex, radiation and neuropathy

I was diagnosed with BC nearly three years ago and have been taking arimidex for nearly 2.5 years.  Over the past couple of weeks, I have been experiencing PN which is starting to get worse with a severe burning sensation after walking.  Is anyone else suffering with PN and if so, have you been able to link it back to either radiation and/arimidex?  Thanks in advance for your help....
  • Hi @Stayinghopeful  - welcome to BCNA - sorry to see you here, but it is the best place for support and information on any stage of your treatment.  If you need a laugh - jump onto the Friday Funnies Thread!  If you are into craft, we have a craft thread!  If you have pets, we have a pet thread!  If you have difficulty sleeping & would like to chat to someone else - jump onto the Night Howls thread xx

    I've been on Arimidex for about 6 months now (after 6 months Exemestane and prior to that, 6 weeks on Letrozole.)  Like you, I also had 4 weeks of radiation, but no chemo.  My surgery was in Jan 2018.

    A couple of months ago, I experienced what I can only describe as PN in my left leg/foot in particular - so much so that I thought I almost had 'dropsy' as my foot would just dangle after each step, tripping on the floor with each step.  The foot/leg was also numb/tingling.  I told my (locum) Onc about it & he set me up for an MRI on my sacrum/thoracic areas.  All clear, tho I do have slight bulging discs & arthritis.  

    I was fearful that it could be mets.

    My right foot has been incredibly sore in recent weeks - almost debilitating.  I am taking oils & that has lessened the pain to 'reasonable'.

    My left leg is appreciably 'weaker' than the right leg - with 'resistance tests' confirming this.  This is ongoing, but the 'dropsy' in my walking gait has improved.  Only time will tell if it improves.