Hi everyone, I was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in March this year. I’ve been on Letrozole for four months and apart from menopausal symptoms thought I was doing quite well, but have now started getting really bad lower back pain. I take paracetamol but wondered if anyone could suggest anything else to help. I should say the last six weeks have taken a toll too. I was also on Ribociclib but it caused me to blackout when I was in the garden and I fell and broke my wrist, so that’s not ideal and just when you think things can’t get worse my husband was rushed to hospital this week with a heart attack, fortunately he’s ok. I wonder if the pain is my body just giving in to stress etc. sorry folks for the whinging.
Hi there, I was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer, twenty years apart, and I also am on letrazole and started withribociclib too. This was causing bad diahrrea so changed to pablociclib. The main side effects are tiredness and my lower body joints getting a lot of pain. I have to take codine for this when it gets bad. I wonder if it is your hips that are giving you pain as that’s what I have and walking can be very painful. The consultant was going to take me off them but they were working so I said no and would rather pop the of pill if pain gets too much. I’d tell your consultant that you have that trouble and maybe he can find a way to help you. Good luck xxx
P.s. I was told not to take ibuprofen or paracetamol while on my medication hence codine. Perhaps one of the nurses on here can explain that and maybe you will be ok on it
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Hi Julies52 I was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in May as well, I was diagnosed with breast cancer which has gone to my spine, I am also on Letrozole, I couldn’t cope with the Ribociclib couldn’t take it so I am now on Abemaciclib which so far so good seems okay. I am having the hot flushes with the Letrozole and it gave me really high blood pressure but that has settled down now with BP tablets. I haven’t had back ache with the tablets but I suppose we are all different
It sounds like you have had a rough time of it lately so it could be stress related.
I am still getting used to being told it’s treatable not curable, treatment has only just started for me in the last couple of months but still feel scared how are you dealing with it
Sending positive thoughts and hope your back feels better soon, maybe speak to your nurse xx
Sorry to hear that. I would let your nurses know. You can ache due to the letrozole, but it shouldn’t cause pain.
I have regular massages and reflexology. I do see a chiropractor, but my onc wasn’t keen on that. I’ve always seen them though and they really help me.
I’ve tried acupuncture but that didn’t do much for me but lots of people swear by it. I’ve also seen a physio through the cancer team. I do use a heat pad too.
I hope you find something that works.
You poor love! You’ve got a lot to deal with here. Definitely speak to the BCN. I was on Letrozole for a short time but the depression and pain it caused were just too much. I’m now on Aromasin. I’ve also stated taking vegan Omega 3 which has been amazing for the pain in my joints. Praying for much less pain, quick healing of your wrist and complete and speedy recovery for your husband. 
xxx
Not a helpful reply really, I’m afraid, julies52, because I didn’t manage to stick with AIs for my primary cancer adjuvant therapy.
I just wanted to send sympathy and some ‘universal love’ your way. What a shit show you’ve had. Glad hubby is okay.
It’s never whingeing, just reaching out for support, and you’ll find it on this forum in bucketloads, so keep checking in whenever you need to 
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Hi, thanks for replying. I think the vegan omega 3 sounds a good idea, but I guess I better speak to my BCN first. It has been a tough time, but somehow you get through these things don’t you.
Hi rascal, I think it takes some time to actually believe you have cancer. Mine has spread to my lung, sternum and femur, so we have no choice but to rely on the experts, but I know the treatment can be brutal. Having been taken off the ribociclib because of blacking out I will be going on an alternative in a couple of weeks, but the whole thing is scary isn’t it. I must admit I do have the occasional meltdown so I’m now considering getting a bit of counselling. Sending you strength and positive thoughts.
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Hi, the idea of a massage sounds appealing, so maybe I’ll look into that, but also speak to my BCN about painkillers.
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The Omega 3 was recommended to try by my BCN. I just looked for a vegan option and one that had the right combination of types of Omega 3. This is the one i use. Hope that helps. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CC31Z7R6?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details xxx
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Counselling is definitely worth a try. I had 6 sessions through the NHS. It was all on Zoom, but really helped me to see how I can live with this and feel valued/have purpose. Also learning to pace myself and saying no to stuff I don’t want to do. I then had counselling a couple of years later through MacMillan. Again on Zoom. I didn’t click so much with the lady, but it was good for thinking about friendships and managing relationships. Also how people can help me and I can ask for that. I did see a non cancer person locally once, but that wasn’t good at all. She didn’t get it, just sat and listened and then I bumped into her in Waitrose!
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Definitely talk to your BCN about your pain. You are going through a lot and pain is something that can be controlled to help you.
From my experience I find that stress makes me more painful. Specially when I then worry about what the pain might be caused by. When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer I could not sleep from the pain so phoned the BCN the next day crying for help. She said it’s quite normal for people to feel pain when under such enormous stress. Having said that, don’t ignore your pain and get help from your BCN to get to the bottom of it.
Hope your husband continues to recover well and you can get pain relief and treatment that works for you. Big hug
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Ps counselling highly recommended. If they have it at your local cancer centre in the hospital that can be very good - as they will also be experienced with cancer patients and aware of what people are going through. Ask your BCN
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As I understand it Zoledronic acid is helpful for post menopausal women but not for pre menopausal women.
I have aching legs and lower back pain too, I now always sit with a cushion in my lower back and it’s helped a lot (obv you need painkillers too)!! Even have a cushion in the car too! Sounds simple but it’s worked so thought I’d share it with you. And try hot water bottle too. Xxx
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