Faslodex, Fatigue & Feeling Like Crap

Luke & Jesses Mom, I did Faslodex before i had to go onto chemo BUT it was because my tumor burden was too high. I had done the 3 loading doses and at that time it was the 250mg. I had had my injection on the 24th right before Thanksgiving, big mistake. My legs hurt to walk, they had a deep achy,kinda numbing sensation, my spine and hip joints hurt really bad. The next day we went to our neighbor's for thanksgiving. i felt so sick that i left early and did not even eat hardly. my spinal mets hurt so bad that i was in tears. i took 1 vicodin 5mg/500 (500 is the tylenol part) and used a heating pad. 2 hours later, i took another Vicodin, i was in so much pain. I finally fell asleep. At first I thought, i can't do this tmt but each injection was slightly better and then i did the monthly dose but had to do chemo because my mets in my liver became life-threatening. I had read from an onc journal that the intense pain and SE's were from the drug killing the tumors and that it meant a good response to the drug. I also was fatigued but it could of been from the cancer symptoms. Wishing you luck, but that drug made me almost quite that tmt at first. Dawn

Hey LJ'sMom,  I know how you feel. Stopped the faslodex the first time after a year because I couldn't stand the pain anymore. Thought I had mets on my back for sure! Not anything to do with cancer, another side effect from the medicine. I stopped the faslodex and started taking Mobic (meloxicam, a NSAID by prescription). Took oral antiestrogen for a year, now am back on faslodex and pain is so much more under control. I don't even have to take the Mobic everyday. Don't know what other medical issues or limitations are, but ibuprofen tonight might tide you over until you can call the dr tomorrow. I had lots of joint pain with the first round of faslodex also.

I've been doing the whole stage IV thing for almost 9yrs, so I understand the feeling ancient thing. My ARNP checked and my Vit D levels were almost nonexistant. So have had more energy since starting the Vit D supplements.

Don't let your mind get carried away! One of the top side effects of Faslodex (check their website) is back pain and joint pain. And don't forget fatigue!

Hope that encourages you some. 

Prayers for your comfort & encouragement!  

Lori

My back- where my mets are- gets achey at the end of the day, but usually ok during most of it.  I haven't had to take pain meds for awhile- since Thanksgiving, I think.  I hope this doens't mean it's not working!!  I am more tired now, but part of that is just the after-holiday let-down, I think.  Taking whey protein shakes in the morning actually helps with my fatigue.

I have noticed a bit of new pain in the front of my ribs, and my sternum.  Kind of spookey, but I'm not going to let it get to me until scan time.

I have been reading other posts for months and it seemed like few had side effects from Faslodex.  I too feel like a 90 yr old.  I do not have your severe pain but I ache all over.  My main problem is the stiffness of my legs when I walk.  The right knee hurts when I bend it and just does not make it possible to walk normally.  No pain except knee  - just stiffness and achiness.  This all started when I started Faslodex and has gotten worse.  I also have traveling pain - one shoulder, then the other, then my hip.  I know my hip is bursitis.  Maybe you could check with your doctor.  What helps me a lot is just getting out of the house so my mind is not on my fatigue and aching.  Wishing you less pain during this tough time.

I am stage iv, in remission. The faslodex at times kills me as I have spinal stenosis and two bad knees. Here lately though I am having alot of pain in my hip joints. It takes all I have somedays to get up and get my legs and hips to cooperate, they hurt so badly. I wonder if the faslodex can affect the joint lubricants? Sorry I know thats not what its called but chemo brain lasts longer then they say. I also stay tired with no energy. And here it is, almost weds, time for the injections again and I still have hard knots from the last ones, despite rubbing them.

Like Fitz says the hydration is paramount and so is the moving about (no matter what) - I have a small spoiled dog who needs to be walked three times a day - not long distances but a few blocks and that has saved my life - I cannot take anything for arthritis pain but Tylenol Arthritis and my PCP did recommend Voltaren Gel at my last visit as I have been dealing with a torn rotator cuff for the past year or so - my biggest problem with the injections is that for the two weeks afterward I am quite weak and therefore it interferes with my getting out and going places on my own and I miss that lack of independence.

I am feeling so badly, I almost started crying. I told my husband I can't live like this. I am so weak and tired, I can barely drag my body around to do anything. I mostly sit in my recliner with my iPad (thank Goodness for my iPad). We went out to Walgreens yesterday, and I got a terrible hot flush which seems to start low in my body and works its way to the top of my head. By then, my brain has turned to mush, and when this happens, I get even weaker and sometimes I feel like I am going to pass out. I've been on Fulvestrant since the end of September, and these side effects are getting worse. I have had right knee/hip/leg/back pain, ever since Day 1. I take Diclofenac every day but I don't think it is doing all that much. i am seeing my MO on Monday and will discuss with him. I am going for a massage today on my feet and legs as I hope this will make them feel better

DEB.... with hard lumps from Faslodex. MD said use heat, hasn't worked. Is there link to arthritis? My knee has been a problem for 20 years, but now all fluid is gone and it's very painful. Can't have knee replacement. Also getting superficial clots in right leg. Allergic to pain meds, live alone, can't take a chance. Alternating between Tylenol and Advil, both make me feel sick.

I felt this way on Femara. Lyrica has worked wonders for me, maybe it would also work for Faslodex.

Hello there Luke and Jesses mom, my name is June . I have just found this website. I have stage IV breast cancer with mets all over my bones. Mostly hips, spine, even clavicles. I've been through a few meds but my numbers are climbing again. My Dr. wants me to begin Fosladex. I'm really worried. I have heard a lot of negative things regarding side effects.

How are you doing? I certainly hope all is well with you. How is your treatment going? How long did you have to take the injections? I'd appreciate any insight you can give me.

Regards,

June

Jest,

Faslodex was my easiest protocol to date! Almost no side effects, once a month shots, and it kept me dancing with NED for five years. It isn't a drug to be feared. I only wish I was still on it. Read the long thread that exists, follow the center of gravity suggestions, and you should be fine.

*susan*