Looking for reassurance!

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caaclark
caaclark Member Posts: 936
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

Wed. I felt like I was getting sick. Then on Thurs. I started having heartburn and at times it is painful to swallow.  Not horribly painful but almost feels like my esophagus spasms at times when I am eating.  Could this be something from Fosamax (I take it on Tues. mornings-once a week)?  Last night before bed I had a fever of 100.5.  That went away by this morning and I felt much better.  The esophagus thing is now bothering me again.  Possibly better than it was but definitely not completely better.  Could it be some kind of virus?  My daughter had a throat virus last week but whatever is going on with me did not present with a sore throat.  I am hoping someone can tell me there is some virus going around.  My mind is thinking scary thoughts.

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  • caaclark
    caaclark Member Posts: 936
    edited August 2011

    Thanks, Sherri!  I am feeling a little better this morning after reading your response and also after looking at the SEs in the big pamphet that comes with fosamax.  In bold print at the bottom it says, "Stop taking alendronate sodium tablets and call your dr right away if you get any of these signs of possible serious problems of the esophagus:  chest pain, new or worsening heartburn and trouble or pain when swallowing".  I will call my oncologist on Monday and see what she says.

    It does not seem as bad as yesterday so maybe I am turning the corner and it will resolve on its own.

  • Pure
    Pure Member Posts: 1,796
    edited August 2011

    Hang in there Carol..Definitly sounds like it's from the Fosomax..What do you take Fosomax for?

  • caaclark
    caaclark Member Posts: 936
    edited August 2011

    Jen- Osteoporosis-thanks to chemo and ooph.

  • jennyboog
    jennyboog Member Posts: 1,322
    edited August 2011

    I don't know if it's the same Carol but I've had something going on with my neck/throat for several weeks now.  It's a sore throat but it's different, it feels thick or something and comes and goes.  And the left side of my neck has had a burning/numb sensation and was even warm to the touch last night.  I've had no temp. that I know of and gave it several weeks trying not to panic but I'm starting to.  I'm not Fosamax so I can't help there but sounds like we all could have something....virus, bacteria. 

  • caaclark
    caaclark Member Posts: 936
    edited August 2011

    Jennifer-

    Sounds different than what I am feeling but I am seriously tired of being on high alert and over analyzing every sypmtom that comes my way. 

  • lkc
    lkc Member Posts: 1,203
    edited August 2011

    Carol, it sound like a  potential side effect from Fosamax. Please call your Doc. he may have to adjust this medication.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2011

    Hi Carol, I too get that spasm in my esophogus.  I never know whether something is a SE or all the tx or just being hyperalert to every single thing.  My daughter was sick with a really bad sore throat last week.  I worried if maybe I was coming down with it too.  That was yesterday.  Today no sore throat but do feel a little like something is caught in the back of my throat.  I'm also wondering if it's this time of year with all the stuff in the air.  I would mention it to your onc and ask him what he thinks.

    image

    Barb

  • caaclark
    caaclark Member Posts: 936
    edited August 2011

    Update: Called the nurse help line.  Nurse (after speaking to dr.) agrees that it is a side effect from Fosamax.  Told me to stop immeditely.  I have an appt. for a check up (hate those!) on Sept. 1st so we will talk about my options on that day.  I already had a bad reaction to Boniva and now Fosamax so not sure what is next for me. 

  • sugarplum
    sugarplum Member Posts: 318
    edited August 2011

    Hi Carol - you're just 3 months ahead of me! Good news - when my bones starting going bad because of the Arimidex/ooph, I told the doc straight out that I have IBS & can't put up with any additional gastro side effects. He bypassed my digestive system & put me on Reclast, which is an annual infusion that has reversed my bone loss over the past few years. The first infusion caused mild headache/low fever for a couple of days afterwards, but since then I've had two others with NO side effects whatsoever.  

    A similar drug is Zometa - there are numerous threads on these boards with all kinds of info.

     Best of luck - Julie  

  • sandiddstn
    sandiddstn Member Posts: 88
    edited August 2011

    Carol- Hope you are doing better.  Would like to know what your dr's are going to put you on if you don't mind.  I have a question, what made your dr's put you on Fosamax to start with?  I not been on anything since I started taking Arimidex.  Just wondering, cause I am stiff when I wake up and if I sit to long.  Just want to know if I should be concerned..  I hate this road  :(

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