My Mom having problems

rmap59
rmap59 Member Posts: 266
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi Girls,
I have posted before about my Mom and you all have been soo helpful. She had a mastectomy about 4 months ago with stage 1 breast cancer. Her onc recommended femara therapy for 5 years for extra assurance that it wouldnt come back in the other breast(it was invasive lobular). She has been on femara for about 6 weeks and is now experiencing some joint pain and most disturbing is the fact that her knee has been giving out on her when she stands up. She is 77 and has some health problems but always gotten around good. She is thinking about stopping the femara because she is afraid of falling. Has anyone tried another therapy that didnt bother their joints or do you think the oncologist would lower the dosage, would it be as effective?? I want her to have the best chance of no reaccurance but quality of life means a lot too. Any replies, advice, experience would be much appreciated.
Have a blessed day,
Robin

Comments

  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #2
    God bless your mom and you.
    I have not taken femara, but have heard others talking about the joint pain. What occurs to me, however, is that since only one knee is affected it might very well be a problem not connected with the drug. Maybe she should ask her onco to recommend her to a specialist? You don't want to blame femara to the point of stopping it if it will significantly increase her chances of not having a reoccur. In the meantime, has she considered a knee brace or such to help prevent falls?
  • lfly
    lfly Member Posts: 50
    #3
    Does your mom take an anti inflammatory med. like ibuprofen. 800mg is what i take 3 times a day. sometimes my ankle locks up so at times i where a support.
    Discuss with Onc. the symptoms and he should help with suggestions.I agree with quality of life being priority.

    Hope you get answers. Thank you for being such a big part in your moms treatment. Having support is part of the recovery.
  • kbc4869
    kbc4869 Member Posts: 159
    #4
    Hi Robin,

    I was talking to my onc a couple of weeks ago about what happens after Tamoxifin and he told me that Femara might be a possiblity for me. I told him that I had heard and was worried about the side effects of joint pain caused by Femara. He told me he treated the joint pain with Vitamin D suppliments and that in most cases it helped those with problems.Might be worth talking to your mom's onc about it. Would hate to have her go off of it if it is fixable.

    Love,
    Kim
  • toninasky
    toninasky Member Posts: 102
    #5
    Hi,
    I took both Femara and Arimidex. I stopped both because of the side effects. Joint Pain, Trigger fingers, Leg cramping that forced me to have testing for blood clots. I am 66 and want to live the rest of my life, whatever that may be in peace and as much comfort as possible. I cannot accept the effects these drugs have on a body, and also that they do not guarantee no return of the cancer. I will have my second year mamo since treatment in July. There are so many side effects from these drugs. If you go to ASK A PATIENT.COM type the name of the drug, and read other remarks about this drug. It is your mom's body and she should make the final decision on whether to take it or not. When I stopped side effects went away and I feel fine again.
    Blessings, Toni
  • cruf
    cruf Member Posts: 908
    #6
    I took femara for 8 mos. and had terrible joint pains, trigger fingers, dry eyes, wt gain etc. I switched to aromasin and the side effects continued. I also developed high cholesterol. I quit all meds last Sept. and I have to say, my joints still hurt but I am functioning.I don't know if the meds did permanant damage or if it's now arthritis. I am now 56 and an 8 year survivor. Yes, I think it was worth the discomfort because I'm cancer free. There are other drugs that might not affect her so she needs to talk to her MD. Good luck! Let us know how she's doing. HUGS!! Cathy
  • seof
    seof Member Posts: 819 Member
    #7
    I agree that quality of life is important, and I understand the fear of falling and worse injury. I agree that talking to the Dr. is the best thing to do, and I believe there should be other drugs that would help decrease the chances of recurrence with fewer side effects. Talk to the Dr., and maybe seek another opinion if you don't get good answers. It may not be what your Mom would prefer, but there are many styles of walkers too, that help people walk with more confidence. Maybe she and the Dr. could discuss the pros and cons of using one just while she is on chemo? I have seen patients younger than her use them at the center I go to. When the chemo is gone, the person gets stronger and quits ueing it.

    I am proud of you for being such a good advocate for your Mom.

    I hope y'all can find a good solution. seof
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #8
    Hello, Robin!

    Sorry this is late, my laptop gave out...lol!

    I am on Tamoxifen, even tho I was 'allowed' to take arimidex. I requested a bone DENSITY scan before I would start, and, sure enough, I was osteoporotic...arimidex and the other aromatase inhibitors can cause bone density decline. You might want to check it out...

    I have few sides with the Tamoxifen. I am surgically post-menopausal (with my bowel resection I had a total hysterectomy). I have mild hot flashes, but that seems to be it. I am also taking Actonel for my osteoporosis...interestingly, some of these biphosphorates (?) are now in clinical trials to see the effectiveness of use as a reoccurance inhibitor, too!!! (I think it's Fosomax in the trial).

    Hugs, Kathi

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