I saw Dr for the awful pains I’ve been experiencing in my arms, wrists and fingers since second infusion last July. I’d had aches when first taking Letrazole but nothing like this and felt there had to be a connection to my having infusion (I also had flu like symptoms which I hadn’t with first infusion). Anyhow cut long story short… I had gone armed with my pre infusion blood test results. I was told they were all OK. I asked Dr what they meant and they broke down into 3 areas, liver, kidney and bones. I asked why most were higher than 6 months (preninfusion) results. I didn’t get a specific answer but when I asked specifically about calcium results the Dr said it was a but Hugh and said I could cut down to 1 x Adcal a day rather than 2. I kick myself as I didn’t ask what my Calcium levels/blood test should ideally be (so I can monitor it against future blood test results). So over to you. Does anyone know? I realise you can Google but given we’re all generally in the same boat (with BC experiences) it is a bit different I’m sure from the norm. Forgot to say In June 2024 my Calcium readung was 2.46 in December 2024 it was 2.71.
Basically, the outcome from meeting the ONC Dr was it’s likely the infusion and Letrazole interacting and causing the increase in pain to my wrists, arms and fingers. As it is not as bad in the day as it has been, and because Dr said I’m on best recommended treatment, I’m sticking with it. Dr also acknowledged my saying about the raise in my Chlorestrol levels (5.1 from 4.9) .Dr said common, because of Letrazole and similar with raised blood pressure. Pre BC neither had been an issue.
Some of you might think I should talk to BC nurses. I did! Three times. Always same, give it time and likely go. I couldn’t ignore any more and needed answers, so why I requested seeing ONC Dr. I just kick myself for not asking about blood test readings and what good levels to be at. Hospital i go to is NHS and been 2 yrs since diagnosis, 21 months since surgery, followed by 5 radiotherapy. You get discharged to BC Nurse and dont see ONC Dr again. But knowing all you wonderful people know what its like, as youve been or going there, I’m hoping you can give me some answers about Calcium levels and what good. If anyone knows about good liver and kidney function readings too that would be amazing. Take care everyone. Xxx
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Hi Bluebell22,
Thanks for posting.
It sounds as though you have been having a difficult time with pains in your arms, wrists and fingers. Zoledronic acid can cause flu-like symptoms including joint and muscle pain, this usually improves within a few days of having the infusion. Letrozole is also known to cause aching in the joints and muscles in some people. You don’t say if the pain has improved, but we would always suggest speaking to your treatment team if you are continuing to have trouble with pain.
Adcal is often given with zoledronic acid to supplement calcium, as zoledronic acid can cause calcium levels in the blood to drop too low. Sometimes the calcium levels can go too high and the dose of Adcal needs to be reduced. Now you are taking a lower dose of Adcal you could speak to your GP about an appropriate time to get the calcium levels re-checked.
Liver and kidney blood tests are done before the zoledronic acid is given to make sure the liver and kidneys are working well enough to process the drug. The bone blood tests are done to make sure the calcium level remains within the normal range.
It’s difficult to be specific about the normal ranges of blood tests as ranges are dependent on many factors, including age and sex, and test results can have different meanings in different laboratories. If you have a copy of the blood test results, you may find they have a reference (normal) range written next to them.
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