Hips are Good--Femurs not so much
 

After my trip through the world of AI's in an attempt to discover the good, the bad and the ugly of each, I decided to take an AI holiday and try to get my hips back in working order after exemestane basically turned them into non-functioning parts of my anatomy.

Fast forward a year (ok, not fast with THOSE hips) and I felt like my hips were better, but still having problems. I would get to the point of almost walking normally, then any little stumble, hard step or slight impact would send me back to hobbling with pain running down my leg(s). So I finally asked my onc for a referral to an orthopedist. I wanted someone who was familiar with all my treatment and the offending side effects.

X-rayed the hips, consult with the orthopedist, hips are great--YEA!!

I have bilateral stress fractures in both femurs. Major bummer.

Side effect of long term use of bisphosphonate--Zometa. Bone mineral density is good, the fractures are a fairly well known anomaly. Textbook case.

So now I have to figure how best to recover from these fractures. Otho is going to consult with onc. Bisphosphonates out. Maybe add Forteo.

Anyone have any experience with this. Any knowledge you can share?

Re: Hips are Good--Femurs not so much
 

Hi Sassy
Sorry to hear of the problem hips. I totally understand how it feels to have the stress fractures. Last Xmas I had the same issue which was very painful. Unfortunately mine turned out to be due to chemo and ? Herceptin induced osteoporosis so now on meds for this! Hope you get some good suggestions from the docs to help with this.
Ellie

Re: Hips are Good--Femurs not so much
 

O-oh, I've been taking exemestane since November ...

Hope your doctor will figure out ways to heal the femur soon.

Sending you good vibes...

Re: Hips are Good--Femurs not so much
 

Sorry to hear about the stress fractures in your femur. My mother was on Fosamax for years until she fractured her femur (really bad fracture).

All the AIs are tough on the bones. I was on Femara for 5 years and just started exemestane last week due to my recurrence. Not looking forward to the creaking hip syndrome. Especially since I am 3 yrs older!

Forteo is supposed to work really well but I wasn't a candidate (osteopenia vs. osteoperosis)

Re: Hips are Good--Femurs not so much
 

Hi Sassy,

So sorry that you are going through such a painful time. I hope you find a solution soon.

I don't have any experience with Forteo, but thought I would share my experience with my bone health. I was on Tamoxifen for 2 yrs, then Femara for 4 yrs. Due to my osteopenia, I was receiving Zometa every six months. I was not improving so my onc and surgeon decided to take me off of Femara and Zometa and put me on Evista (raloxifene) to strengthen my bones. It is a SERM just like Tamoxifen, but for post-menopausal women. There have been several studies done (STAR, MORE) that show Evista promotes bone health and may prevent fractures. While it has not been proven to prevent recurrence of breast cancer, it has been used in post menopausal women at risk of developing breast cancer.

I did not really have many side effects when I was on Tamoxifen or Femara and the same goes for Evista. I do get leg cramps, which are a possible side effect, but something that I can deal with. I have only been on Evista for a little more than a year so I don't know if my osteopenia has improved or not. I'm sure my onc will order another bone density test at my next appointment.

Best of luck finding a solution to your problem.

Re: Hips are Good--Femurs not so much
 

Shoot! Sassy, sorry to learn of this further complication with your legs. You already suffered a stress fracture in your foot last year. Good move getting a new specialist to see.

The only member here I can recall on Forteo is SuzanW. But I think there is at least one thread on this drug, with others either starting it or interested.

Guess I lucked out with all the Zometa I was dosed with EVERY 3 WEEKS for quite some time! No problems with my jaw or elsewhere.

Re: Hips are Good--Femurs not so much
 

Sheesh!
Life is never easy for us, is it?!!

I hope your docs find a way to manage the pain while you heal. Thank goodness you spoke up!

Sending healing vibes your way...
Denise

Re: Hips are Good--Femurs not so much
 

I have been on some type of bisphosphonate for almost 20 years. I have extensive bone mets. I'm still on the trial of TDM1. Last summer the fifth metatarsal bone in my foot fx. While just walking. I also had a pathological fx. Of the acetabulum in my hip. I am concerned about the long tErm use of these drugs but my onc. Is concerned about stopping them. Does anyone have any experience with this situation?
Kathy T.

Re: Hips are Good--Femurs not so much
 

Well ouch Sassy!

I don't have any sophisticated advice. Maybe eat lots of dark green veggies like spinach and kale. Which you are probably already doing.

I'm glad that you got the problem diagnosed and hope that you and your medical team can come up with a good plan to get you healed up and pain free.

Re: Hips are Good--Femurs not so much
 

I did daily injections of forteo for 2 years. I had (still do!) severe osteoporosis. Arimidex was really making a bad situation worse. In the 2 years I had an 18% increase in bone density. My rheumatologist was amazed. This was an excellent result. I still have osteoporosis in my hips, my spine went from severe osteoporosis to osteopenia. Then I had one infusion of Zometa to «set» the bone, prevent more loss. I had taken oral bisphosphonates for 10 years prior to my cancer dx, also hormone replacement therapy for 10 years.
The forteo was well tolerated. Inconvenient as it needs to be kept refrigerated, and I travel a lot! AND...my insurance co. would not pay. It is very pricey. I paid for it and am very glad I did.

Re: Hips are Good--Femurs not so much
 

Hi there, Sassafras! I'm sorry to hear about your femur problems, but I'm glad your hips are good. That could be a really painful issue to deal with. I'm sure you will deal with this in your usual grab-the-bull-by-the-horns perky go-getter way. You go, girl!

Re: Hips are Good--Femurs not so much
 

Just wanted to say "Hi Sassy!" Sorry you are going through this.

Hugs...

Mary Jo

Re: Hips are Good--Femurs not so much
 

Sassy, Your picture is so cute, I never picked up on the fact you were having trouble with your hips. I am so sorry and I hope they can find a way for these breaks to heal. My best to you. (these drugs are great, but sort of sneaky)

Thinking of you, Catherine

Re: Hips are Good--Femurs not so much
 

Oh my gosh..BOTH femurs? ((hugs)) Im so sorry. I hope they gave you some good pain meds. I don't have any experience with something like this, but Im sure sending you prayers and lots healing energy.

Re: Hips are Good--Femurs not so much
 

Sheesh, Rhonda, this sucks. I recommend a good porter or a nice chocolate stoudt (guessing you still harbor a fondness for a good brewski?). What will the plan be to ease away those stress fractures? Will you have to further limit your activity? If so, I am prepared to recommend a good porter or stoudt (ok, it's summer--throw in a nice light ale), a nice cushy recliner, and a remote with brand new batteries.

In short, I'd milk this for all its worth and have a lazy summer!

Re: Hips are Good--Femurs not so much
 

My dear Rhonda, hope you feel better soon. Take it easy! Hope to see you soon again and in very good shape. Hugs to you! And lots of love.

Paty

Re: Hips are Good--Femurs not so much
 

Hi, Sorry to hear of your trouble. I had the same type problem moving and it turned out to be my hips. I had both replaced and am so much better. Keep us posted.