Is it even possible to develop bone mets if I’m taking ribociclib and ibandronic acid? I have started getting a pulsing strong pain in my right hip. I’m 20 months post chemo and 18 months post diep and mastectomy, 15 months post radiotherapy. I’ve been taking ribociclib, ibandronic acid and letrazole since radiotherapy. I’m unsure whether to bother the doctor or just assume it’s hip pain from general exercise.
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Hey @bluesatsuma
I tend to err on the side of caution with these things and bother the doctor.
Most healthcare professionals expect people who’ve had cancer to be on the extra vigilant side anyway and are understanding of this.
Hope this helps!
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Bother the doctor. It may not be mets but something bone related as your meds increase the risk of osteoporosis. Might not even be starting in your hip but transferred pain from your spine. Even if it is just from general exercise you need to sort it out.
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Thanks @mssteel and @bluetit11. I feel like my dr is sick of me but I will go. I think I’ll wait and see if it gets better by monday.
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Actually I don’t think giving it a little time to see how the symptom behaves if it’s not obviously needing urgent attention is a bad call myself.
A couple of weeks ago I had a small swelling under my arm that popped up out of nowhere. I was going to mention it at my already scheduled onco appointment but it completely resolved itself before this, never to be seen again.
But don’t not get it checked because you’re worried about what your doctor might think. I almost didn’t get a mole that turned out to be melanoma biopsied because of this.
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Hi ….My advice (you may already be doing this ) is to make a note in your diary when your symptoms started etc …. Before I was diagnosed (Bone mets in my left Hip) , I did not want to bother the doctors and was compensating for hip pain/walking difficulties .when I did go the doctors/physiotherapy I was advised it was a pulled muscle from WFH!!
Eventually I had to push for a scan when my hip deteriorated further. ..you are not bothering your doctors by seeking advice ……if your doctors advise you to rest but your symptoms continue you will now have a timeframe of your symptoms if you need to go back to your doctor….hope this is helpful
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To echo everyone else - bother your Dr. I’m not sure if you mean your Breast Cancer Team or your GP but I think if you get hold of your BC team . I think it’s more likely to be a side effect of medication and gan bone nets but you can’t be too careful. I know Ibandronic Acid is supposed to protect the bones but I think it’s still possible to get bone damage while you’re on it and if you haven’t had a Dexa scan they should definitely be doing one . I rarely see a Dr. ( GP) and in fact it’s usually a phone appointment if I do - and I still often feel like a nuisance or somehow I’m made to feel that way . They’re all short of time but your concerns are genuine and you are as deserving of their time as anyone else and probably more so than many. Xx
You should be on the open access until 5 years post surgery, so get in touch with the BC nurses, and voice your concerns-I had similar, and more or less demanded a bone scan, which was done, and fortunately nothing showed up, and it was decided it was bursitis, so I slept with a pillow between my knees to keep the hips level and did exercises to strengthen the hip muscles, and it has cleared up. But don’t ever assume it’s nothing, it’s much better to be safe than sorry!
Hi @ bluesatsuma,
Thanks for posting asking about your ongoing hip pain.
You ask if it is possible to develop bone mets whilst taking ribociclib, ibandronic acid and letrozole. It’s difficult to say what may be causing the pulsing strong pain in your right hip, but as @mssteel, @bluetit11, @tappin, @jenifert74 and @joanneN have all suggested, it’s important to contact your treatment team or GP to let them know about your symptoms so they can assess you.
Some people can develop bone mets while still on treatment, however, it’s also important to remember that there could be a number of other reasons for your symptoms such as the general exercise you mention but also joint aches and pains are a very common side effect of letrozole and bisphosphonates.
We hear from many women who experience joint symptoms such as pain and stiffness and have questions about this. Symptoms may affect the pelvic and hip bones, as well as hands, arms, knees, feet, or back. It’s always important to talk to your treatment team or GP as soon as you can if you experience joint symptoms which have an affect your daily life so you can discuss options for your individual situation.
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