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Bone Pain

LindaLempert
LindaLempert CSN Member Posts: 5
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I'm currently on tomoxifen and have been for two years. I am 57 years old. Had a mastectomy but did not have to have chemo. I had some back problems before surgery but lately it feels like my lower back is coming apart. Onc did a bone scan and x-rays and said I have osteoperosis and digenerative arthritis. I know a lot of people who take tomoxifen have bone pain, I'm just wondering if taking tomoxifen can cause that much pain. I also have some trouble with my knees. I'm thinking about changing to arimidex to see if that's any better on me. Has anyone out there tried that with any sucess?
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  • SusanAnne
    SusanAnne CSN Member Posts: 245
    #2
    Hi Linda. I definitely had more bone pain (mainly in my knees) while on Tamoxifen vs. Arimidex. All I take now for the aches is Glucosamine & Chondroitin. Did the onc. put you on fosamax and calcium & vit. D for the osteoporosis? I think you'd have to be if you want to switch to one of the AI's. Also weight bearing exercise will help with the back pain if it's OK with the arthritis. I've laid off the exercise during the holiday rush season and I definitely have noticed a difference. I have to get back on "the plan"! Good luck.
    Susan
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  • DebRoa
    DebRoa CSN Member Posts: 31
    #3
    and headaches...and who knows what else. I have been on it for 10 months, and my back and hips are hurting. Dr thinks its the tamoxifen. I am not 100% sure about this. Had a bone scan and x-rays yesterday to rule out the 'unthinkable'. My pain is bearable for the most part-I will continue the tamoxifen most likely. My headaches are of more concern-they appear to be migraines-and the migraine meds are working-so they may not be caused by my tamoxifen. The dr was mentioning alternatives to tamoxifen-I am not a candidate for arimidex or femara-those are intended for post menopausal women-which I am not. Plus I need the help with my bone density-tamoxifen is more forgiving on the bones.....
    I hope you start feeling less pain-I totally understand what you are going through!

    Hugs,

    Deb
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