I had my max in June 2013 with chemo and RADS since then have been taking Letrozole. Before the op I had busitis on both hips and one knee. Since taking the tablets I have developed other joint pain namely knee elbow and feet and lower back. The feet and back are the worst. The breast nurse told me that the letrozole will do this and also agravate the bursititis. Most days I feel like and old woman (I am 61yrs) I can’t walk far without the feet hurting and then the back starts. I have been to the doctors and they don’t seem to understand what I am telling them. They did suggest physio on the feet but the breast nurse said it would not help. I sometimes feel so down with it all and so frustrated.
Can anyone offer any suggestions for me. Some one said yoga or palates but I can’t get down to the floor easily with the busitis on knee and hips.
I am so sorry to hear you are in pain. If it has been offered why don’t you ask for physio on the feet anyway? Surely it wouldn’t do any harm to give it a try? It might make you feel more relaxed. I do understand how down you are feeling because many years ago I had severe pains in my back and in my neck. My doctor warned me that it would only get worse but I decided to try yoga. I started practising regularly and I still do it occasionally. The good news is that many of the yoga exercises are done standing up (not on the floor) you can do it in the privacy of your own home, take it gently and go at your own pace. I can recommend the Barbara Currie DVD series - she isn’t ‘a youngster’ and she has a soothing voice. The pain I was experiencing then was very bad but after doing yoga it went, never to return. I don’t have a ‘rational’ explanation for this I can only assure you that it worked for me and just in case you were wondering, I am older than you!
I take glucosamine 1500mg a day(max dose)
It was recommended by my BCN
I also take clondroitin ( if that’s how you spell it!)which works with the glucosamine apparently
Seems to work well when taken regularly
Hope you get some relief
Karen
Yes, I have commented on a couple of other posts that my back aches, shoulder, wrist and knee. Life is all about everything we must surrender. Hang in there.
Sue
Hi Melena - have just read your post and can totally empathise. Initially dx in 2009 and was on Tamoxifen for 2 years and the Letrozol for 2 and a half years until dx with recurrence in November 2014. While taking Letrozole I too had pains in back, feet and knees. Already had arthritis and had been keeping that at bay with pilate 's and aqua-robics. certain brands of Letrozol seemed to cause more pain than others, especially in my hands - even tried the expensive Femara but it was no better. When dx in 2014 I was changed to Extresane (sp?) which I took for 1 month before chemo started and started again 1 month ago. I can honestly say that with drug the pains are nowhere near as bad. Still hoping this continues.
May be worth discussing this with your Onc, although it could be that it is not suitable for you.
Hi all,
I’m on Herceptin and should be on Tamoxifen but not taking it. I wonder about lymphedema now. My shoulder has hurt for 2 months and now the pain runs down my arm. Feels like I was punched but wasn’t. My mother in law had these same drugs I mentioned and now had MS and getting worse. I wonder if there is a relation between them. Sometimes I think the drugs may be worse.
Sue
I have been experiencing similar problems following chemo which finished on 23rd Feb 2015.( FEC-T) it started with pain and stiffness in my thighs. This can be dreadful with pains in my knees, lower back etc!! It’s very common after chemo. My oncologist has said I can take Tramadol as Paracetamol doesn’t help and I cannot take non steroid anti inflammatory drugs. Taking the pain killers allows me to make some progress with getting fit again, which in itself should help muscles and joints. Exercise is now recognised as a positive benefit to help prevent recurrence. I am 65 so no spring chicken! I hope you can get some help. I understand how you feel. Lindylou3 x