Talk me down, please

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Rachel1
Rachel1 Member Posts: 363
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

Just had my labs done and my ALK phosphatase -- which was 105 3-months ago went to 144. My AST and ALT went down from 3-months ago and my calcium is the same. I started Arimidex 6 months ago. My onc. says he has seen this with Arimidex, all my other numbers look good. Ladies , please talk me down. And, how do I reduce ALK phosphatase?

Rachel

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  • lkc
    lkc Member Posts: 1,203
    edited April 2013

    Try to relax Rachel. AIs do elevate the Alk Phos levels a bit. The big picture is the rest of your liver enzymes are normal. That's the key.

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  • luckypenny
    luckypenny Member Posts: 150
    edited April 2013

    Hi Rachel



    I have had some liver function test issues myself. When I switched from femara to arimidex mine slowly started creeping up. I also was taking glucosamine and other supplements. I cut those out. The ast and alt still climbed. Alt was 108 at one point and ast was 80 or 90 something. Onc sent me for scan. I have fatty liver says the ct scan. Three months later there was a decrease in the numbers. Now 6 months after. Ct scan my alt is 62 and ast is 46. Big decreases but still elevated



    We are watching them and I may go to a gi doc for some answers. Onc is pleased with downward trend but still wants to find out why. Tumor markers really good. 3 mos ago 15 and yesterday 12



    Most of the posts I have read from women with elevated liver enzymes and no known liver mets either have a fatty liver or problems with the ais or both. I know it is so frightening.... Are you getting a scan or does he do tumor markers periodically? As much as both of those tests scare me, and waiting for the result is killer, the positive results have made me feel so much better



    Hang in there , your dr will guide you

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  • Rachel1
    Rachel1 Member Posts: 363
    edited April 2013

    My onc doesn't scan w/out a reason. Also, I don't get tumor marker tests because I don't make the protein!! I get so freaked. Just can't take it any more.

    Rachel

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  • luckypenny
    luckypenny Member Posts: 150
    edited April 2013

    Hi Rachel



    My onc only scanned because of the elevated enzymes but doesn't regularly scan either. He also never did ca27-29 until I had this liver issue. What did he say was the next step for you to figure this out?

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  • Pessa
    Pessa Member Posts: 519
    edited April 2013

    My alk phos was (?is) also elevated. Has been stable for a few months.  Am on anastrazole.  MO ordered an ultrasound, which showed fatty liver.  We are "keeping an eye on it."  Didn't know that AIs can cause elevated alk phos.  That's comforting to know.

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  • diana50
    diana50 Member Posts: 2,134
    edited April 2013

    Lots of things can increase these levels. Not always cancer. Remember it is more then one test. Read up on liver enzymes.

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  • Rachel1
    Rachel1 Member Posts: 363
    edited April 2013

    LuckyPenny,

    I see the onc tomorrow. But he basically said he wasn't worried, he sees this with arimidex. I'm sure he's watching carefully. He tends to be on top of things. I also talked with another dr. about it, who confirmed what my onc. said. But, you all know where my mind goes--straight to worse case scenerio. I have had issues with gall bladder type pain and when I checked with Dr. Google/WebMD it talks about arimidex causing pain in the rt. quad. and messing with blood levels.  I just hate this bc thing.  It has screwed with my body and my mind. I've got to get out of this funk.

    Rachel

    p.s. I copied this from the Arimidex.com page

    In a clinical study in early breast cancer, some patients taking ARIMIDEX had an increase in cholesterol. Skin reactions, allergic reactions, and changes in blood tests of liver function have also been reported.--my cholesterol has been higher since arimidex.

    In the early breast cancer adjuvant clinical trial, the most common side effects seen with ARIMIDEX include hot flashes, joint symptoms (including arthritis and arthralgia), weakness, mood changes, pain, back pain, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, rash, depression, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, fractures, swelling of arms/legs, insomnia, and headache.

    In advanced breast cancer trials, the most common side effects seen with ARIMIDEX versus tamoxifen include hot flashes, nausea, decreased energy and weakness, pain, back pain, headache, bone pain, increased cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, and swelling of arms and legs. Joint pain/stiffness has been reported in association with the use of ARIMIDEX (anastrozole).

    See Important Safety Information below, and talk to your doctor to see if ARIMIDEX is right for you.

    Please see full Prescribing Information. For more information, see your doctor.

    Managing side effects of ARIMIDEX

    ARIMIDEX may cause side effects. Some may be serious. Stop taking ARIMIDEX and call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following:

    • Chest pain or shortness of breath; these can be symptoms of heart disease
    • Skin lesions, ulcers, or blisters
    • Signs or symptoms of a liver problem
      • A general feeling of not being well
      • Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
      • Pain on the right side of your abdomen
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  • Pure
    Pure Member Posts: 1,796
    edited April 2013

    Rachel I am not sure if you take an sort of anti depressant etc but I am on celexa and one of the SE is that it can affect liver blood work. Just any FYI:)

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  • orlandpark65
    orlandpark65 Member Posts: 106
    edited April 2013

    just dx with fatty liver.  I have to go on low fat diet, get re tested in 4 weeks.   Could be medications too.  It's scary when things come back abnormal. 

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