Hi Everyone, Im Shirley,
I live in Spain, I was diagnosed here and had treatment here, all the care etc has been very good. But we dont have the same system as UK so I dont have a BC nurse to call on for advice.
I finished 6x Fec, a year ago now this month. Then 18 Rads, also now taking Tamoxifen. My BC was 100% ostrogen postive so I have had too go straight into menopause. Im doing really well energy levels are up and Im back walking dogs, gardening etc, and feel very positive for the future. I have to see my ONC every 4 months but that ok with me. I would like some advise on what I can safely take to help ease my joint aches pains. I wake up at night with sore knees toes, even fingers, and very stiff achy in the morning. I have read many posts and can see that it one of the most common side effects of our treatment. If anyone can advise me on what vitamins etc they have been advised to try by Dr or Bc, I would be very grateful.
Thank you and have a good Easter Weekend
Shirley XX
Hi Shirley,
I am interested to see what responses you get to your query as I am in an identical position. I was diagnosed in May 2009 and had FEC and radiotherapy. I have also been put onto Tamoxofen. I hadn’t connected the treatment with the stiffness in my fingers during the night, but now you have made me think.I see my Onc on the 13th and will ask for her advice. Will let you know what she says.
Hope Spain is a bit warmer than the UK at the moment.
Have a good weekend
Jan x
Hi Ladies
There are quite a few links on here re side effects of Tamoxifen which may be helpful to you.
I started taking Tamoxifen 10th Feb this year & along with other SE my knees have been very painful.
I looked for advice on previous posts & found out that others were using cod liver oil which i started a few weeks ago, this has helped a bit. Two weeks ago I saw a thread which also recommended Glucosimine & Chondroitin, I checked if ok to take these with my BC nurse & she confirmed yes. I have noticed a big improvment the last few days, still a little stiff but much easier so would recommend.
Just in case I also take Evening primrose oil to help with flushes, I have tried taken them at different times of the day but have now started taking one in the morning & one at night, this has helped reduce flushes so I can sleep & function better during the day.
Best Wishes
Susan
Hi everyone,
Thank you for answering my post so quickly. this website has been such a great help to me, through all my treatment.
Susan did you check with your BC nurse about taking evening primrose oil, and are you oestrogen postive like me. I worry about taking anything thats going too set off my oestrogen levels again, because that was my poison, I was 100% postive!!
Many Thanks for advise Happy Easter to you all XXX
Hi
I’m another who is wary of taking anything after my treatment for ER+ BC. However I’ve been on Femara for nearly 18 months and also had stiff joints etc as a side effect and was looking for a supplement which I could take that would make a difference. After checking them out with my onc I started glucosamine and chondroitin tablets about a year ago. They really do make a difference and if I miss for a few days then it’s noticeable.
Can’t help with Evening Primrose Oil though.
Take care
Mal
Thank you Mal,
I think our paths have crossed on this site before, when having treatment. Glad your ok, thanks for advise.
Shirley
Hi Shirley, sorry we seemed to have lost contact somewhere down the line, this i apologise for.
Which hospital were you being treated at was it Carlos Hoya? Malaga… The reason I ask this is my onc has told me while I am receiving treatments, inc the drugs for 5 yrs i can call on him at anytime… on your day chemo was given ie. mine is on Thurs so I can see him anytime on that day even when my treatment is finished with any concerns…
Just wondered it may be worh your while going to see him again?
Take care, I´m still going through my chemo had my 3rd Fec last Thurs…
Love Teresa xxx
Hi Teresa,
Thank you for advise, I will be seeing my ONC again in two weeks for my 4 monthly check. I like to chat to people in the UK too see what information and sdvise they are told as well. My ONC is D Carabantes, very nice chap, he works in Carlos Hays in Malaga, but I see him at Croasa at Limonar, near Malaga.
Good luck with the rest of your treatment, how many chemo are you going to have?
Have a good Easter isnt the weather lovely here at last,
best wishes Shirley
Hi Shirley, the weathers fab, just a shame we can`t sunbathe…
I`m still not sure if it is 6 or 8 sessions of chemo, still waiting on more results…
I normally have my chemo at Velez Malaga, but due to Semana Santa this time i had to go through to Carlos hoya.
Happy easter to you too, we should see if we can meet in Malaga for a day, I am also organising a trip for some of the BC girls to come out here for a weeks holiday in Sept,
Take care love Teresa xxx
Hi Teresa,
Where do you live? it must be close to me, as I am near to Velez Malaga. I live nr the village called Alcaucin, I would love to meet up, that would be great. September sounds good !!
Have a good weekend
Shirley XX