Fibromyalgia and Aromatase Inhibitors
Hey Everyone! I've been on Arimidex for about 14 months now and side effects have been quite debilitating in terms of joint, muscle pain. I came off as recommended for 6 weeks and kept a diary for my Oncologist, I am yet due to see him but the symptoms reduced dramatically. I know there are alot of women who suffer side effects and there are some women who also suffer NONE! I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia about 14 years ago, as the years went on I forgot all about it and got on with life, lets face it who has time for it right?? My Medical Team said I suffered so badly through chemo due to Fibromyalgia and that for some reason it affects sufferers badly. I didnt think about it as I said I forgot all about it, it doesnt rule my life and I put up with pain. The other alarming thing that has come to light is and why I want to share this is, if you have FIBROMYALGIA any Aromatase Inhibitors such as Arimidex actually make the pain worse. I thought it worth mentioning to anyone else out there who has this and if you are suffering on medication this is most likely why. The answer??? I honestly don't know but will talk to my Oncologist, I know Magnesium is important with Vit D. but since going back on Arimidex the past 2 weeks have been horrific in terms of pain...and finally I worked it out. Melinda xo
Recovery lumpectomy
Hi Lovely People At the end of November I had a lumpectomy for 5 invasive carcinomas and or as I refer to them, the bloody mongrels. It was not the NST kind and they were ER++ PR++ HER2--. The combined tumours were approximately 196g so I have a long and deep scar from nipple to my underarm and I completed radiation a couple of weeks to go. So far my recovery has been “as advertised” and I still moisturising, massaging and exercising. I also got migraines due to the change in weight. This week or so though, I have experienced significant increase in pain. I’m assuming it’s the dreaded nerve pain I’ve heard about and my lymph nodes were tricky to remove. It’s just seems that the pain is everywhere in the breast not just the surgery site and arm. I’ve returned to regular paracetamol and ibuprofen routine but can’t stand the thought of a cool compress. Are there any things other people have tried for nerve pain? I would love to start hormone therapy with better health so I can monitor its side effects. Thanks for your help.
Radiation Itch
Hello wise ones, I’m 9 treatments down and of course at the start of the weekend I’ve developed an itch and my breast is starting to get tiny red dots on it. I’m using StrataXRT twice a day as recommended but I’m wondering if there is anything else I can put on it to ease the itch. Thank you in advance DebBone and join pain side effects of chemotherapy
Hi, I’m new to this group and have only just started chemotherapy. I’m experiencing strong bone and joint pain from the chemo and wondering if anyone could suggest ways to minimise this. I’m taking Panadol but it doesn’t cut through. Im also doing the scalp cooling treatment. I’ve been advised to wash my hair only once a week. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to keep it looking fresh? It looks very greasy and bedraggled.
Pain meds post mastectomy
Hi everyone, I’m 2 weeks post mastectomy and wondering how long you needed your pain meds for? I’m still taking 2 Panadol & 1 Neurofen every 8 hours & still getting pain/tightness in arm/chest is this normal or should the pain be easing off now? I have my follow up appointment with surgeon tomorrow
Pain after breast cancer
I am almost 2 years post breast cancer diagnosis and omg the bone pain is horrendous. I’m currently on Letrozole, Gabapentine, vitamin D and calcium my pain is 24/7 from my feet to my head and I’ve had a continuous pain in the middle of my back. I have an appointment to see a rheumatologist this week… but omg I just need some relief from it….I have looked in to medicinal cannabis what are everyone’s thoughts please
Tamoxifen side effects
I've been taking Tamoxifen (exemestane) for 3 weeks now. The hot flushes are manageable but the pain in my joints and muscles has been pretty bad. I was told it usually peaks at 4 to 6 weeks? Does it get easier then or just plato? Circulation seems to help but by the end of the day I'm sore and tired and the last thing I feel like is exercise. Nights are the worst, I'm not sleeping well and after a while laying in bed because pretty painful too. Does it get better or do you get used to it? It started mostly in my legs (feet, ankles, knees then into my calfs) and then my groin. Now my chest, elbows and wrists have started? My journey has happened quickly, 8 months since diagnosis, chemo, surgery and radiation. Stage 3. They said this is my best shot so I want to make it work. Does anything make it easier? Hemp oil? Vitamins? Anything?
Ongoing issues
Greetings all from Adelaide. Just wanted to ask you all quick question about any ongoing issues any of you might have after going through your BC journey. I was diagnosed in 2015 and had a mastectomy (with lymph node removal) and reconstruction. I have been luckily been given the all clear by my breast surgeon every year since. My concern today is that yesterday i started having this aching pain underneath the left arm. This was the arm that had the lymph nodes removed back in 2015. It feels like there is a bruise (there isn't - i checked) or that I have strained the muscle. It is still ongoing as of this morning. I did have a recent check up a couple of weeks ago where the breast surgeon gave the ok - noticed a little fat necrosis in the reconstructed boob, but otherwise ok. Is this something I should be concerned about? I understand that I will have these occasional 'twangs" ongoing - but this is different. It feels "raw" under there/side boob area. I dont have a breast cancer nurse (I got my BC early and went the surgery route) and had no chemotherapy/radiotherapy. I am thinking about ringing my breast surgeon and at least speaking to the nurse. Thanks all for your assistance/suggestions. Cheers Rachel H
Docetaxel pain
Hi All, I'm about halfway through my chemo. I've finished 3 cycles of FEC and have just started on Docetaxel. I thought the Docetaxel was better at first, since I didn't seem to get any nausea (a relief after the FEC which made me feel very ill). But now I've started getting strong all over body aches and pains. Even my finger nails hurt. I'm taking panadol and ibuprofen and going swimming whenever I can (which seems to take the pressure off). But has anyone else had this? Any tips on managing the pain? Will it go away or am I just going to feel like this for the rest of my treatment time?
