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Old 03-05-2008, 08:29 PM   #1
Joan M
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Hi Harrie & Karen, I'm estrogen negative, so I have no experience with Arimidex or "trigger finger," but I'm wondering about trying acupuncture for osteoarthritis in my knee.

Can you give me any tips?

My right knee started bothering me last November and I started physical therapy a few weeks ago because the pain wasn't going away, but it doesn't seem to be helping much (an x-ray and MRI showed no cancer).

I'm considering acupuncture, which I've never tried before, and thought I'd ask my oncologist about it. She's very sharp, has a doctorate in microbiology for breast cancer studies and, as luck would have it, was also born and raised in China, and went to medical school there, too.

Any suggestions?
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Diagnosed stage 2b in July 2003 (2.3 cm, HER2+, ER-/PR-, 7+ nodes). Treated with mastectomy (with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction), AC + T/Herceptin (off label). Cancer advanced to lung in Jan. 2007 (1 cm nodule). Started Herceptin every 3 weeks. Lung wedge resection April 2007. Cancer recurred in lung April 2008. RFA of lung in August 2008. 2nd annual brain MRI in Oct. 2008 discovered 2.6 cm cystic tumor in left frontal lobe. Craniotomy Oct. 2008 (ER-/PR-/HER2-) followed by targeted radiation (IMRT). Coughing up blood Feb. 2009. Thoractomy July 2009 to cut out fungal ball of common soil fungus (aspergillus) that grew in the RFA cavity (most likely inhaled while gardening). No cancer, only fungus. Removal of tiny melanoma from upper left arm, plus sentinel lymph node biopsy in Feb. 2016. Guardant Health liquid biopsy in Feb. 2016 showed mutations in 4 subtypes of TP53. Repeat of Guardant Health biopsy in Jana. 2021 showed 3 TP53 mutations, BRCA1 mutation and CHEK2 mutation. Invitae genetic testing showed negative for all of these. Living with MBC since 2007. Stopped Herceptin Hylecta (injection) treatment in March 2020. Recent 2023 annual CT of chest, abdomen and pelvis and annual brain MRI showed NED. Praying for NED forever!!
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Old 03-05-2008, 10:12 PM   #2
Bev
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Location: Alexandria, VA
Posts: 1,055
I've been on Aimidex 8 months and my right thumb is a mess, with all the fingers feeling stiff. I wrap my hand around a nice hot coffee mug before trying to bend that thumb. Pops like crazy for a few hours in the morning.

Would acupuncture be covered by insurance? Glad to know it gets better over time.

BB
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Old 03-05-2008, 11:32 PM   #3
harrie
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The acupunture definitely helped my thumb feel stronger and more functional. It still does NOT bend without assistance. But, even with a stiff left thumb, I can still function and use my hands normally. I believe the acupunture opened up the channels and that is when it feels better. I would suggest trying it if you have not already. Also, if one acupunturist does not work well, try another person before giving up.

Thank you for all your responses! I appreciate it!
Harrie
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*** MARYANNE *** aka HARRIECANARIE

1993: right side DCIS, lumpectomy, rads
1999: left side DCIS, lumpectomy, rads, tamoxifen

2006:
BRCA 2 positive
Stage I, invasive DCIS (6mm x 5mm)
Grade: intermediate
sentinal node biopsy: neg
HER2/neu amplified 4.7
ER+/PR+
TOPO II neg
Oncotype dx 20
Bilat mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction
oophorectomy

2007:
6 cycles TCH (taxotere, carboplatin, herceptin)
finished 1 yr herceptin 05/07
Arimidex, stopped after almost 1 yr
Femara
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Old 03-05-2008, 11:50 PM   #4
Anne C
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Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 2
Joint pains from Aromatase Inhibitors

Is it all aromatase inhibitors that cause joint pain?
I have been on Aromasin for three months.
I feel like the Tin Man who was caught out in the rain without his
can of WD 40.
I had my tx yesterday. I have Zometa and Herceptin every three weeks.
Afterward for 3-4 days have terrible joint pains. Anywhere where you have had a previous joint problem or arthritis , pain is magnified.
Has anyone else experienced these symptoms with zometa or
aromasin?
This is a wonderful web site, so many wonderful positive,intelligent
women. God Bless you all.
Anne C.
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