Kind of Freaking OUT down here in San Diego

LillianGish

Hi everybody,

Been doing so good since my treatment ended ~ been on Femara for two years and no issues.

Well, doing good until recently that is. My ankles have been swollen for a little while, and I've been chalking that up to sedentary work-at-home COVID life. So, I am trying more walking, Epsom salts and compression socks.

But now here is the freaking out part. My left knee hurts, right where the patella meets the femur - at the joint. Walking on it seems to make it hurt worse, and I could swear my thigh above the knee is a little swollen. The knee isn't the best knee ever - a high school injury 40 years ago has made it scarred and weak. But this feels different and in a different location.

I'm worried about recurrence. Bone mets at the knee? That isn't where it usually hits first, is it? Sigh. I know you guys can't tell me if it is bone mets, but I would appreciate any words of wisdom.

Maybe this is the Femara side effects finally hitting me? Does the medication like to affect joints already weakened?

Peace,

Lillian

Esther01

Hi Lillian,

I am sorry you're going through this, on top of an already difficult year. Others will have more experience than me but I do know that you should get in to your doctor when you have swollen ankles. Your knee could be osteoarthritis, but again, the doctor should find that out. I care for a loved one with osteoarthritis of the knee and massage it for her so I know what the swelling looks in that area when she overdoes it with exercise. Because you also have swollen ankles though, you will want to get in to be seen to have it checked out.

I have not taken Femara but I do take Tamoxifen and yes I believe it did damage a joint that was already weakened by a preexisting condition. I don't have any other side effects. Oh, wait, the hot flashes. How did I forget those!

You will feel better when you know more. Please go and get it checked out and let us know how you are doing!

Hugs,

Esther

exbrnxgrl

Hi Lillian,

I am not sure that there is a certain area where bone mets start. I do know that they are less common in the lower parts of the leg and my mo was even a bit surprised that my met was on my femur. I think that knee pain is fairly common for many of us as we age. One of my knees can be painful but that started before bc so I'll have to blame it on age related arthritis. If it had just started now however I would certainly be a bit worried. Please don't freak out! It sounds like you are aware of it being something other than bone mets and you've made a time line for calling your mo should it persist. Don't create extra stress for yourself by assuming the worst! Take care.

AliceBastable

Hmm, what's the saying I see around here a lot? When you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras. I have horribly arthritic knees, with swelling above and below. I also have arthritis in one ankle, and I get swelling there on bad days. I'd start with a visit to your primary care doctor, who can reassure you or recommend seeing your oncologist IF she thinks it's worrisome.

LillianGish

"When you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras." ~ LOVE this quote AliceBastable! You are so right. This is more likely arthritis and medication issues, which should be ruled out before my mind goes to the dark side. I will remember this saying always now.

exbrnxgrl ~ thank you. Calling PCP and no-stress no-stress no-stress.

Esther01 ~ thank you for writing to me last night when I was so scared. Your calming voice helped. Meds do weaken pre-existing conditions, and I should know that. And sorry about the hot flashes....who could forget those!!

Appreciate you all! Thank you so much for talking me off the ledge.

Lillian

Sunshine99

Lillian, do let your MO know about the swelling. Mine always checks my ankles for swelling at each visit. It may be something as easy as needing a temporary "water pill" for a few days. Your MO or PCP should be able to advise you. Do you have a patient portal where you can send questions to your doctor?

Carol

TheNerdyLinda

Hey Lillian!

Oddly enough my ankles have been swollen most of the time since starting Tamoxifen 2 years ago... Plus my left knee is cranky too! I was getting ready to exercise the other day and it started hurting, plus gets janked if I twist or pivot on it wrong. I wonder if Tamoxifen affects our cartilage?

So you're not alone, but yeah definitely check with your doctors. I am waiting for another leg ultrasound to rule out clots since my ankles are also painful in places. I'm active though!

Good luck, neighbor!