Ballooning Knees - Arimidex? Herceptin?
 

Hi Amazing Group,

I finally finished my AC and T and started herceptin - had my rads - have been taking arimidex for 2 weeks now. My knees felt "bloated" on the taxol and herceptin together. Now my knees are swelling out like balloons and I can't bend them very far. It doesn't hurt unless I make a side step and then it hurts alot.

I am so disappointed to have this - I finally got my husband to take ballroom dancing with me and this is really making it hard for me to enjoy!!!!!!!

I have to think this is the herceptin, the arimidex or a combination - any ideas? Anyone else dealt with this? How about Femara? Any input will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much and have a great weekend!

Donna

Donna,

Did AC + Th + H and tamoxifen. No bloated knees. That would make me think it's the Arimidex. Do hit search in the purple toolbar above. Enter Herceptin or Arimidex and side effects. I can't recall anyone with this side effect. Taxol causes pain, usually in the extremeties, which a knee is not. Nuelasta et al causes pain but is usually short lived.

You could try glucosamine for joint pain. If that doesn't work I would think you would ask your onc or primary to solve this mystery. Good luck BB

I experienced very swollen ankles from herceptin and had to go on a diuretic which made a big difference.

I have!
 

Donna I have swollen knees but no pain thankfully and have been on Arimdex since Sept last year,finished herceptin November so I'm inclined to think it's from Arimidex.

I have'nt heard of anyone else having this so was relieved to see your post as I was beginning to thin it was my imagination or fluid or something.
I'm just hoping it does go down again and is not here for the duration of my time on Arimidex!

I also experienced alot of swelling in my ankles when I started herceptin and arimidex...because I started them both at the same time I am not sure which one was the culprit...maybe both? I am now 5 months out from my last herceptin treatment, and can't remember when the swelling disappeared..but it did!!!

Hmmm...never heard of that before, but it seems like several folks have experienced this. There are so many different "possible side effects" and everyone is affected differently.


But what I've REALLY never heard of is a husband who is willing to take you dancing! Maybe you can loan him out!

Hope things get resolved soon so you can enjoy tripping the light fantastic!

Take care

Chris

what I found out so far
 

Good Morning Amazing Group,

What I found out so far is that edema is listed as a side effect affecting 10% for both Arimidex and Herceptin.

Then I have to wonder - since I am already taking diuretics for blood pressure, wouldn't they work for this if it were edema. I have also been taking glucosamine and chondroitin for years for joint pain.

I have noticed that this is more one leg than the other - I am going to try and see my oncologist to get more information and will keep you posted.

Have a great day! It's gorgeous today in the Sierra Foothils of California!

Donna