I’m on exemestane and have terrible hip pain. I’ve tried everything from Motrin, new mattress, stretching, etc. Has anyone else experienced this. It’s pain deep in hip. Pain happens when I lift leg to get into car, get up after sitting, laying on that side. Any tips are greatly appreciated.
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I had this on letrozole and had a 6 week break and swapped to Exemestane. The pain is still there. I also had some neck pain and had an MRI and it was two bulging discs a consequence of getting a bit older and need pain killers to keep at bay. I have had some hip pain over the years and wonder if my treatment has just exacerbated it. But then it could be spread as I’m HER2+ which can spread to the bones.
I’m debating now whether I should mention the hip pain, like you it affects my day and sleep. I had read that some cancer treatments can trigger immune diseases such as polymyagia rheumaticawhich affects hips, shoulders and neck.
I believe it’s a blood test to check so I think I will ask for that aswell when I speak to my oncologist this week.
It’s all such a worry, maybe call, your breast care nurse and chat it through. You can call the BCN nurses on 08088006000 to chat about it.
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Hi Jaye1971, I’m on tamoxifen and was suffering from terrible hip pain. I got a “body pillow” for bed. It’s basically a full length pillow that goes between your legs if you sleep on your side. This has helped me a lot.
I did have a scan to make sure there was nothing sinister causing the pain.
Hope you get some relief!
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Hi, I’ve been on exemestane for 5 years. I suffered hip and leg pain and then terrible leg cramps at night. From reading posts on forums somebody suggested to note down the brand of exemestane I was taking and the side effects from it and to keep trying different brands to find one with the least side effects. I eventually found 2 brands that give me little to no side effects and these are Glenmark and Kent. Quite often my local chemist does not have these brands so I just call around lots of chemists in my vicinity till I find somebody with the brand.
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Having had chronic hip pain for over three months this thread is a real eye opener. I saw my rheumatologist last month as I also have lupus and she thought the prosthesis from my hip replacement had moved but X-rays proved that wasn’t the case. I have just started a break from letrozole to see if that was causing the pain and waiting to see. But reading @silversilver ‘s reply I’ve just realised I’ve been on a different brand since Christmas as my normal one hasn’t been available. Now it all makes sense and after all the struggles I’ve had with letrozole I think this break could become permanent. Thank you for starting this thread and to all who respond, I was seriously considering the breast cancer had spread to my bones and been getting myself in a state.
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I’ve been on Letrozole since 2023 and have recently been diagnosed with polymyalgia.
GP diagnosed it and has told me it’s been triggered by the Letrozole. Now on steroid which has cut pain by 95%.
I had no support from cancer team, they just kept calling it aches & pains!
My advice if you’re suffering badly go to GP and insidst on blood tests.
Hugs
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You have my sympathy as I suffered as you are. In the end I am afraid I gave up on both this and Letrozole. The effect on my life was just too awful in comparison to the 2-3% protection these drugs supposedly give.
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My advice from years of living with arthritis would always be to ask for a physio assessment first. I find that my treatment has exacerbated my pains, including hips, however a physio opinion and resulting exercises helps so much. Your oncology team may include a physio, if not, your GP can refer you. Do you go to any activities at your local hospice? They usually have a physio.
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Whilst on letrozole I had problems with muscle & joint pains - I phoned the BCN’s in tears! They advised to stop & got me an oncologist appt & I am now on Examastane and much happier. So, contact the BCN’s is my advise!
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Hello! Having had my 'op a year ago, I think that the operation itself, let alone the treatments, aged my body hugely. I now find that I have (straightforward, just like anyone else would get, but still goddamn painful) sciatica. Nothing to do with BC, as such. Is it possible you have that? In which case I’ve found doing some regular, specific exercises for the hip is really useful. I’m sorry if that’s wrong, just think it may be worth considering? Try this: but you have to do it for at least a week to see results https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YXglW9kvH4
I too suffered severe hip pain and my GP referred me for a MRI scan
Lots of things are going on with my pelvis/hips but nothing sinister
I have realised I have joint and muscle flare ups on Letrozole…not sure what Ibandronic acid adds to the mix…I have found chair yoga and pilates does help
Hi Jaye
You have my absolute sympathy!
I was soooo fit before treatment but have ended up with all kinds of side effects one of which is extreme hip pain. Oncology have been no help whatsoever. I’ve struggled on for five years but have now booked to see a hip surgeon as I’m ending up with secondary scoliosis. The problem started with Achilles tendinitis linked to Letrazole. I believe that it affected my hip tendons in a similar fashion. I also have bulging and degenerating spinal discs which I also think are linked to BC treatment. Possibly chemo or maybe bishosphonate. I have done a lot of research on my own and am convinced that they they are linked to treatment. I haven’t found absolute solutions but will post if I find any and am happy to discuss if I can help others who feel that their symptoms are being dismissed. It’s important that we speak up! Best of luck. X
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