Joint pain

[Nola1957]

I am 50 and have had breast cancer this last year 2007. I too have joint pain following six x three weekly chemo followed by bilateral mastectomy and saline tissue expanders implants. I had two lumpectomies prior to the chemo and even though I have returned to work when able, I haven't been able to exercise much all year. I wonder if the swollen knees and painful joints are due to muscle weakness. Has anyone else had this problem. Is hydrotherapy the answer?
Nola1957

[Twocapes]

P.S.  All tests for metastases came back negative - bone scan, brain MRI,  liver, etc.

[Twocapes]

After my lumpectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation, I was placed on Arimidex as my tumor was 98% estrogen and progesterone positive.  I've been on it for almost four years and the muscle and joint pains are awful.  My oncologist tried an experiment and told me to stop the Arimidex for one week - WOW what a difference - I felt back to normal!!!  I could get up off the sofa or a chair without pushing myself up, I could stand for longer periods of time, etc.  I was not given the choice to stay off Arimidex and did go back on and the same problems occurred,  but I want to give myself every chance possible so I am continuing.   I take two Advil every day (some people cannot) and also take glucosamine/chondroitin.  I try to walk every day.  I'm sure some of it is age related (61) but it just seemed to come on so suddenly - one day I was young and not achey and the next I was old and achey!!!  Good luck.

[often]

The tamoxifen and Arimidex gave me joint and bone pain so bad that I had to cease taking....see what the onc recommends for pain...if it doesn't get better, or if it continues to get worse, talk to the onc about switching to one of the other meds.....

[Diana C.]

Are you taking any of the Aromatase (sp?) Inhibitors, ie. Femara or Arimidex?  I am on Femara (first started with Arimidex) and they both cause joint pain to varying degrees. I'm not a doctor, but I hate to think of you being scared by the mention of metastasis at this point! Of course your doctor will consider whether that is likely, but I'd be willing to bet, based on my own experiences and what I've read, that your joint pain is due to your treatments, and/or age. I'm 56 and I know my knees, etc. can become achy and sore just from a lack of exercise, not to mention all the BC related drugs, too much time lying around, etc.  I use Glucosamine with Chondroitin daily, twice a day and I really think it's helping my joint pain, along with trying to walk and exercise as much as I am able and taking other supplements to build up my body in general.  My story is similar to yours...starting in '06 two lumpectomies, chemo, then mastectomy with saline implant. Once you get the permanent saline implant in it's a world of difference. Hang in there!
Diana

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
What medicines are you taking as a part of your chemotherapy? Read up on the side effects of the medications you are taking and see if any of them has joint pains and knee swelling as side effects.
You could be having the pains due to possible breast cancer metastasis. Breast cancer is known to reach the brain, bones and liver by metastasis - these three being the most common sites. You should watch out for any abnormal features that would alert you on any of these systems getting involved. Report any such symptoms or signs to your oncologist immediately.
At this point it would be advisable to ask him whether a bone scan should be done. Also ask him if pain relief medication and physiotherapy / physical therapy would help you with the pain. Try local application of some analgesic gel and warm compresses.
Also ask him whetehr the other causes of such symptoms like anemia or kidney function tests need to be done. Maintain a healthy diet plan, exercise regularly, take vitamin and mineral supplements in consultation with your physician.
Hope this helps.
Good luck.

[often]

Are you taking Tamoxifen?