Hello - diagnosed Nov 23, 2 x lumpectomy, 6 rounds chemo, left smx June 24, 15 rounds radiotherapy- now on letrozole, abemaciclib, Adcal and zometa infusion (every 6 months). Recently the ache in my left leg has become more noticeable and it’s making me anxious- I know the meds can cause aches and pains but I’m also spinning into what ifs. I just wanted to share and ask for anyone else’s experiences- I rang the GP but after waiting for over an hour gave up. Im not sure if this is something I could talk to the BCN about as I don’t really have any contact since my active treatment ended.
As I understand it (correct me if wrong) you should be under the remit of your BC team for at least 5 years after your treatment regardless of when your 'active treatment ’ ended. Ongoing hormone therapy is still active treatment.
With that in mind, try contacting your breast cancer nurses. They should be able to at least advise you and may be able to refer you more timely than your GP. Good luck x
Hi, after chemo I had bone pain in my thighs and lower limbs. I finished chemo in the July and was given a bone scan the following April which was clear. This is my experience but if you are concerned about pain I would get checked out by your breast care team. I do take 1 adcal a day and 10u of vitamin D which I feel may have helped the bone pain. My treatment plan has been very similar to your own. I am now 21 months post chemo and the bone pain only occurs infrequently now and is milder. I would describe it as an ache now rather than pain.
You will be getting your bloods checked regularly if on Abemaciclib and my team informed me if bone meta are developing alk phosphates and calcium levels increase in your blood, but alk phosphates can also increase if you have a virus or are taking antibiotics as mine have at times been the top end of normal levels following a illness.
My advice would be talk to your team as this will be the most effective way to reduce your anxiety. I describe cancer as a silent stalker it lurks in the background and causes us stress. Sending you my best wishes.
Thank you - I will try the BCN team and also you are right I to have monthly blood tests too. Thank you this is helpful advice
Thank you I’ve phoned and left a message - hopefully I’ll get a call back so I’ll he able to ask them.