Bone mets - where do they typically start?

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lisalisa
lisalisa Member Posts: 824
edited June 2014 in Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis

I'm stage III.  I'm 2 years out from diagnosis.  I've been having hip pain for about a month and it is worsening.  I thought it was from exercising but with the holidays, I haven't made it to the gym in a few weeks.

I know I'll sound crazy but I also have bone pain between my thumb and 1st finger.

Could this be arthritis? do bone mets typically go to the spine first?  I'm really not a hypocondriac but I don't usually have pain.  I'm on Arimidex and take Zometa every 6 months.  I had a hysterectomy about a year ago.

Any thoughts?  Thank you!!! 

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  • Enjoyful
    Enjoyful Member Posts: 3,591
    edited December 2010

    Hi, Lisa!

    I'm on Arimidex also and it causes me a lot of joint pain, particularly between my thumb and 1st finger!  Isn't that odd? 

    The Arimidex could also cause your hip pain, but mention it to your doctor.  Hopefully he can put your mind at ease.

    E

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  • weesa
    weesa Member Posts: 707
    edited December 2010

    I'd blame Arimidex for your pain. Especially the pain between your thumb and first finger.

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited December 2010

    The Arimidex does cause a lot of joint pain. However, if the pain persists, you should tell your doctor.

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  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited December 2010

    Thanks for the quick feedback.  I've been on Arimidex for over a year.  Early on, I had joint pain and then I got used to it (I think lol!).  So, it's odd to have these pains now.

    Has anyone else been relatively pain free and then have pain after a year or more?

    I guess there is nothing "normal" about any of this! 

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  • nene2059
    nene2059 Member Posts: 270
    edited December 2010

    Hey has the temp dropped in California?  I am on Femara and have noticed as the weather has gotten unusually cold here in SC that the joints in my body are screaming! Especially my hands, wrists, lower back.  I actually had to stop with IcyHot type patches because I was using them so often they were imprinting on my skin.  Your right, there is no normal and I would not blow off any pain but these AI's are very strong and can do a number on our bodies.  Who knew we would all want arthritis so badly...lol:)

    Best wishes and Happy Holidays.

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  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited December 2010

    Yes!  the temp has dropped in CA.  We were in a drought and it has rained NON STOP for the last 4 or 5 days.  I wonder if that is contributing to my issues?

    I think I'll email my oncologist about my pains.  I just saw her last week (I attended the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium as an Advocate and saw her there).  But, it wasn't the place to talk dr/patient so I didn't mention my aches & pains.

     Happy Holidays everyone! 

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  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited December 2010

    So weird I came upon your post.  I've been having hip pain too, plus found a small soft lump on my right hip that hurts.  I'm on Tamoxifen though and I didn't think that was as SE of that.  Trying to tough it out until after Xmas to have it looked at though.

    Sharon

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  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited December 2010

    Sharon, mine is on my left hip.  At first, mine only hurt when I laid on it, exercised or put pressure there.  Now, it just hurts when I do nothing.  ugh.

     Hope we're both just getting old, not anything else LOL!

    Lisa 

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  • foobs
    foobs Member Posts: 110
    edited December 2010

    I think all aromatase inhibitors can cause pain.  I was on Femara at first but joints hurt so bad I was switched to Aromasin.  After two months the pain went away.  I also had pain in my thumb area.  I went to a hand Dr and was given steroid injections to a specific place between thumb and finger.  No more pain!  I was also left with shoulder pain and steroid injections also took care of that.  In my case I think aromatase inhibitors messed with my soft joint tissue in those joints.

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  • AnneN
    AnneN Member Posts: 241
    edited December 2010

    I think the hip is a fairly common place for mets to show up - I have one in my hip, two in my spine, and one in my collarbone. You might want to check in about it with your onc. It might be time for a CT scan.

    If it really is mets, then the Arimidex isn't working for you any more and you'll need to switch to a different hormonal. If the Arimidex and Zometa are doing their job then you shouldn't be having bone progression.

    I would get it checked out. 

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  • ccurrey
    ccurrey Member Posts: 5
    edited December 2010

    Mine started in spine and lower sacrum, only strong pain killers will help with the pain...come to Australia where it's nice and warm and a little dose of sun will do you wonders!

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  • LouLou40
    LouLou40 Member Posts: 180
    edited December 2010

    I  develpoed hip pain after taking Arimidex for a year, my Onc thought it was bursitis as the pain was worse when I twisted getting out of the car and walking up and down stairs. He said the Arimidex caused it.

    He put me on an anti-inflammatory and after about a month the pain has decreased to almost nothing. 

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  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited December 2010

    After reading Anne's response, I emailed my oncologist.  I'd like to fit in a scan before 12/31.  Why not?  I've paid all deductibles, etc. so there is not cost LOL!

    LouLou, your post gives me great hope!  thank you!

    Ccurrey - I live in So California...it's usually warm here but we're having the rainiest December EVER!  I can't stand it!

    Thanks, everyone!

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  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited December 2010

    so happy to report that I had a CT scan of my hip/pelvic area on Tuesday.  Got the GREAT news last night.  NO CANCER.

    I'm so relieved.  Merry Christmas to me!!!  Merry Christmas to all who celebrate! 

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  • SarahsMom
    SarahsMom Member Posts: 1,779
    edited December 2010

    Lisa  - that is great news! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! :-)

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  • AnneN
    AnneN Member Posts: 241
    edited January 2011

    Oh, that's fantastic, Lisa!!! Happy, happy new year!!! Yayyy!

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