Questions about possible MET symptoms

[Carmichael Cathy]

I am still fairly new to this group, had a double masectomy with reconstruction 4/1/2010 for Stage IIa BC, triple positive, 6 rounds of TCH, 25 rounds of radiation, am on Herceptin until Monday (last infusion!), and am on Femara. I had a PET scan last April and it was clear. I have a few questions that have been nagging at me.

1) My left arm hurts a lot, comes and goes but hurts enough to take Advil 3-4 times a week and sometimes that doesn't touch it. Had 11 lymph nodes out on that side, none on the other side as there was no cancer found in that breast. Was wondering how the pain from a masectomy might be different than bone mets, and when or if I should be concerned.

2) My joints hurt a lot, came on about 2 months ago at a point where I had been on Herceptin for about 10 months and Femara for at least 6 months. I would imagine that these symptoms are side effects from these drugs, but once again was wondering if I should be concerned.

I guess in general I was wondering when I should get concerned as I don't want to call my Oncologist every time I have an ache or pain. Thank you!

Cathy

[Laurel]

Cathy,

I am no expert, but my best guess is that the pain in your arm is related to the nodal removal. However, I wonder if you have discussed this with your onc? Left sided radiating arm pain can be a symptom of angina or infarction (blockage) in a coronary artery. You did not disclose your age, so just a thought.

The joint pain is likely from the Femara. It frequently catches up with us around the 6 month mark of usage. The best remedy for joint pain seems to be regular exercise which seems counter intuitive when the joints are aching. It does help, though, believe me.

I think taking supplements that work to decrease inflammation is helpful for the joint pain as well. Olive oil, Super EPA (fish oil), triple mushroom complex, and plum extract are a few that work to reduce inflammation in our bodies.

Hope this helps!

[NanaJoni]

Cathy - you didn't say exactly where your pain was in that left arm but it could be many things, as you know. I wouldn't worry too much about calling the onc when you have aches and pains. My onc and his nurse practitioner both told me that they would be monitoring me carefully (every 4 months now) but that I NEED to be vigilant in recognizing when things are not "normal" (whatever that may be). Also, have you been checked for any problems with lymphadema. I go to an excellent physical therapist who is a breast cancer specialist and she makes careful measurements of my arms from shoulder to wrist - every 4" is marked then measured. I have no experience with Femara but Herceptin did cause me to feel achy and like I had the flu for the week to 10 days after treatment day. Your clean PET scan in April is really good news - so if you're not scheduled for a regular visit with your onc - call and ask. Stress can be very harmful - and you just don't need it.

[BonnieR]

Cathy, as I mentioned on your other thread, the joint pain may very well be from Femara. I developed painful "trigger thumb"and switched to Aromasin and things improved.
As Joni said, the arm might be a lymphedema issue. I only had 2 or 3 nodes removed and still developed a mild lymphedema that can be painful sometimes. And this is 4 years out. Is everything okay with your reconstruction?
It is normal to be concerned over symptoms once we have had cancer. Not knowing what is just "normal" ailments. Especially when you get to the stage where treatment is winding down. You get a "what now?" sort of unease.
Keep the faith.

[Sheila]

Cathy
I also had many nodes removed from my left side, and I had alot of "aching" in the arm...I did develop lymphedema a few years later, the compression sleeve takes care of the ache. As withanything, if it doesnt feel right, and persists, get it checked....a good oncologist expects you to be vigilent......if they find it is nothing, you can relax!

[wlproctor]

It sounds like it could be lymphadema. I have stage one lymphadema which is mild, but I still get occasional arm pain all the way to my fingertips. you might want to at least be evaluated. mild lymphadema might not be noticeable to you.

[Westcoastgirl]

My left arm ached/aches or feels odd often but otherwise everything was/is normal. As a precaution....if I am using any kind of wts, house cleaning, gardening, the arm doesn't feel right, or am in the sun a lot I wear a compression sleeve. If I am worried about a bug bite or a cat scratch I treat them and put on the sleeve for many hours and the arm has been fine. I am very cautious and never want to develop lymphedema if I can help it.

The pain I have in joints and all over some days it seems, I do believe is from the Femera. A good friend just finished her five years of Femera and in six months her aches and pains were gone. It does seem a long haul doesn't it. They can give you something for pain. It is always offered to me by my onc but I decline. I think exercise and stretching are the key and one gets tired of drugs. I am also cautious about taking herbals because of being E+.

Lastly there is the two week rule. If a symptom persists beyond two weeks you should see your dr, even if it is just for peace of mind.

Take care, Carolyn