Hello everyone.
My wife's had increasingly severe shoulder and knee pain over the last
month. She began on Arimidex in September. I've read that about 30% of
patients on Arimidex experience joint pain. She's had a bone scan, chest
x-ray and bone density test... all are normal. She's tried ibuprofen, no
relief. Tried Celebrex, still no relief.
Does anyone have any ideas/suggestions? At the risk of sounding like a
homeopath, what about condroitin-glucosamine?
Thanks to each of you for being here. Have a blessed Christmas!
Scott
Kaye301 - 19 Dec 2003 16:57 GMT
Scott, how long was she on Celebrex and at what dosage?
I started to get stiffness and joint pain about 6 mos. after being on Arimidex
(I think it was 6 mos--felt like a little old lady whenever I changed
positions).
That improved with 200 mg./twice/day but have upped it to 400 mg/twice day (max
safe dosage which may help with tumor control). That took away joint pain, and
I have the movement ability of someone much younger. I am still experiencing
shoulder discomfort but both a PET scan and MRI are showing increased uptake in
those areas. I am concerned that a metastatic process is taking place. The
only sure way to know that, though, is through a bone or bone marrow biopsy.
Has your wife had a recent bone scan. She might check into that to verify. I
read one article that indicated that 18% of all women with breast cancer got
metastases to their shoulder area. One private oncologist I saw, who does 2nd
opinions only, negated that based on his past experience and said he had never
seen that. However, the article I saw was a teaching article--for
radiologists, and I am inclined to think that is more accurate.
Scott, I hope I don't come across as negative in any way, but I think it would
be best to further explore--either with MRI and/or PET scan. Both those showed
increased uptake. Knowing what I now know about breast cancer (and my
extremely high risk for metastases--9 positive nodes, 3 aggressive types of
b.c. dx'd at time of dx, and extensive lymphovascular invasion), I think the
likelihood that my shoulder pain, based on the scan films themself, are more
likely suggestive of metastases going on, than not.
Now, if there is just an arthritic process going on, you might have her see her
regular dr. or an orthopedist to look into having a shot of cortisone. I was
also given physical therapy, which for me did not seem to have much impact.
The combination shot of cortisone, increased Celebrex, and an osteoporosis
prevention dose of Zometa through IV infusion (all around the same time) helped
bring relief, although the discomfort has never completely gone away, although
it doesn't interfere with my activities or quality of life at this time.
A. P. Thorsen - 19 Dec 2003 19:16 GMT
> My wife's had increasingly severe shoulder and knee pain over the last
> month. She began on Arimidex in September.
> . . .
> Does anyone have any ideas/suggestions? At the risk of sounding like a
> homeopath, what about condroitin-glucosamine?
Has she been checked out for other possible causes, such as hypothyroidism?
Have you considered/tried remedies other than medication: Warm baths
(epsom salts?), professional massage therapy, chiropractic or
osteopathic manipulation, moist heat (there's a *great* kind of heating
pad called a "Thermophore"), stretching/yoga, other exercise? These are
not panaceas, but may reduce the discomfort. They have helped me,
though my joint problems are not so severe as your wife's.
I haven't tried condroitin-glucosamine, but have heard & read mostly
positive things.
Ann T.
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