How to Manage Joint Pain From Breast Cancer Treatment: All You Need to Know

How can you manage joint pain from breast cancer treatment? What types of treatment could cause it? In this video, Dr. Jennifer Griggs explains everything you need to know about joint pain during breast cancer and its treatment.
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Пікірлер: 76

  • @sueu6263
    @sueu6263 Жыл бұрын

    With all the medical advances you would think this is something that could be prevented . So we treat the beast cancer but we can hardly walk😡.

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    Жыл бұрын

    You are right that we can do better. There are so many people working on finding a way to help prevent and treat pains from the AIs.

  • @roselucht4583

    @roselucht4583

    2 ай бұрын

    Right!

  • @jpb1085
    @jpb10857 ай бұрын

    I had 5 years of constant low grade joint and tendon pain on aromatase inhibitors - I tried letrozole, exemestane and anastrozole - all the same for the pain. This was despite exercise, yoga, acupuncture and meditation, which helped but which did not "cure" it. It's truly awful and extremely difficult to endure. Plus there were extreme sweats, low mood and other side effects I won't go into in a public forum. Now that I'm off the AI everything is improving.

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    7 ай бұрын

    Yes it is indeed the case that some people cannot tolerate any of the AIs. If the second one is not better tolerated than the first, it is unlikely that the third one will go better. It sounds like you are relieved to be done with this type of treatment. Thanks for sharing your experience with the Yerbba community.

  • @ramsudarsan4329

    @ramsudarsan4329

    6 ай бұрын

    My mom is on letrozol and capectibine 3 months now. The xray show arthritis on one knee which she didn't have before tablets.does taking letrozol for 5years worsenes the joint problems in future??

  • @juanitagee9511
    @juanitagee9511 Жыл бұрын

    Such a good issue to cover, joint pain is truly an issue no matter what treatment plan you're on and it can last a long time even years. Often P.T has helped me out tremendously.

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing your experience with physical therapy with the Yerbba community. We appreciate you for watching.

  • @barbaragoehring6498
    @barbaragoehring6498 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for confirming the side effects I am dealing with for the last 2.5 years. Since I am elderly (78), my doctor said I was overly sensitive and if I thought about it all, my side effects were not as bad as I felt they were. I know the difference! I took a vacation from exemestane for a knee procedure I had recently, not a replacement. Amazing how much better I felt! I even had energy and I wasn't aching which woke me up at times. And didn't have a daily headache for 5 weeks. Now using it again. Headaches are few now. I feel as if I am rusty in all my joints. I will stick with it since I had an invasive ductal cancer and it was found in my lymph nodes. It is a miserable limiting situational times but I am managing doing many of your suggestions. Your discussion has helped me emotionally. I was doubting myself, that maybe she was right. Thank you again.

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    Жыл бұрын

    So hard to feel our experiences are not validated. It may be helpful to switch to another one of the aromatase inhibitors. They are all equally effective, and a fair number of people feel better when they switch.

  • @user-jn3md8xz9o

    @user-jn3md8xz9o

    5 ай бұрын

    im 74. and im on chemotherapy. the pain in my bones is awfull. if the doctor thinks you are over sensitive. hes talking rubbish. he should try chemo treatment for him self. those doctors sugesting, its all in your mind. make me mad. im an ex nurse. and i wouldnt dream of saying such things, to people going through chemotherapy. sorry for the rant.

  • @LFrandomvids
    @LFrandomvids9 ай бұрын

    I have had terrible side effects from anastrozole and your video is giving me some viable options for trying to decrease "feeling like I'm 90" (everyone says the same thing). Thank you for your videos. I watch a lot from far and wide but most of my strategies are formed by your caring but no-nonsense information.

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    8 ай бұрын

    We're truly touched to hear that our videos have been a valuable resource for you. It's unfortunate to hear about the challenging side effects you've experienced from anastrozole. It's important to find a balance between managing side effects and ensuring effective treatment. Remember, open communication with your healthcare team is key. They can provide insights into potential adjustments to your treatment plan or suggest alternative medications. Thank you for being a part of our community, and we wish you improved comfort and well-being on your journey.

  • @cherryblossoms2692
    @cherryblossoms2692 Жыл бұрын

    This is very timely. i just started letrozole 3weeks ago and so far it isnt too bad , but definitely feeling some joint pains specially in the morning . Thanks for the video its very helpful . 👍

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching, and I'm hoping that the tips from the video and the other comments will be helpful!

  • @naththomas9946
    @naththomas9946 Жыл бұрын

    Very helpful information - thank you.

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for watching, we are glad you found this video helpful.

  • @sous9077
    @sous907710 ай бұрын

    Thanks a lot, that was very helpful

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    10 ай бұрын

    We are so glad you found this video helpful. Yerbba appreciates you!

  • @Naomi-ev2oh
    @Naomi-ev2oh3 ай бұрын

    Thank you for this!

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you for watching! We hope you found this video helpful.

  • @amya9597
    @amya9597 Жыл бұрын

    I’m also on an AI. I agree, as long as I stay moving and on the go, it seems to help me with the joint pain. I have an oncology pharmacist who manages my medication and she ok’d me to take Turmeric. (Powder not the supplements) I add one teaspoon to my smoothies or to my oatmeal and it has helped with some of the pain. Joint pain relief may take time, but think of the benefits of the AI or Tamoxifen. Be sure to ask your oncologist or pharmacist to make sure there are no interactions. Good luck!

  • @same5952

    @same5952

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the turmeric tip. I'm seeing my oncologist later this week and will ask about it.

  • @amya9597

    @amya9597

    Жыл бұрын

    @@same5952 You’re welcome. I was told the powder (food form) is safer than supplements which are usually a higher dosage. Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory.

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing your tips and for sharing.

  • @amya9597

    @amya9597

    Жыл бұрын

    @@yerbba You’re welcome! Thank you!

  • @gabrielavinteler7088
    @gabrielavinteler7088 Жыл бұрын

    Very informative video, joint pain is a real struggle on top of everything else we have to deal with. On letrozole for 7 months now.

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for writing. Make sure you let your medical team know so they can review options with you.

  • @roselucht4583
    @roselucht45832 ай бұрын

    Very helpful.

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    Ай бұрын

    Thank you for watching!

  • @naththomas9946
    @naththomas9946 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for medical advice.

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching.

  • @westernmasswonderwoman3326
    @westernmasswonderwoman33269 ай бұрын

    So interesting...I've been on Tamoxifen for almost 2 years, and a little over a year ago I started getting joint pain in my right knee. No injury, no repetitive use, no arthritis, and haven't gotten pain anywhere else. I've been at a loss to figure it out - it doesn't fit with just "getting older". I'm definitely looking onto this more. Thank you.

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    9 ай бұрын

    Hoping you get some answers! It would be a little uncommon for knee pain to develop a year after starting the medication, but your medical team will be able to help you navigate through this. Thank you for writing.

  • @tttony9426

    @tttony9426

    9 ай бұрын

    please look into the estrogen metabolism of cholestetol your pains are because of the medicine is stopping this process

  • @hemantbhatta5184
    @hemantbhatta51844 ай бұрын

    Can we have a PRP for knee joint while taking tamoxifen or anastrozole 1mg? Any precautions to be taken while taking such medication?

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    3 ай бұрын

    PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. There are some studies showing that PRP helps for people with joint problems. For the information of our other viewers, many studies have shown no benefit. In studies that show a benefit, not all patients get any improvement. And while many studies show PRP therapy is low risk, at least one study reports that patients' symptoms worsened following PRP treatment. It is unlikely that there are any precautions to be taken with tamoxifen or anastrozole.

  • @vdquery6613
    @vdquery6613 Жыл бұрын

    I started AI(astrozole) about a month ago after completing radiation therapy. I have had knee replacements so now my knees ache along with my ankles. Its not unbearable but seems to be more prevalent at night. I do feel like an old lady. Tylenol helps but is this the way Ill feel for the next five years.

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    Жыл бұрын

    This is a real problem from the AIs. Thank you for sharing your experience. It is possible that changing to another of the 3 AIs could make a difference if your symptoms do not get better in the next few weeks.

  • @ruthwolf1958
    @ruthwolf19583 ай бұрын

    My medical oncologist recommended tart cherry extract/capsules and provided study info on it for me. I also take low dose naltrexone (for pre-existing fibromyalgia issues, which it helps control) as well as micro-dose ketamine (from a compounding pharmacy & supervised by a local medical doctor.) I've had to find unusual solutions, as "regular" drugs have almost always caused severe side effects (and I agree wholeheartedly that taking one drug & risking that drug's side effects as well to try to treat what another drug has caused is something to be avoided.) No Tylenol, NSAIDS, opioids, SSRI/SNRI, gabapentin etc. BUT I have to be on the AI for as long as I can possibly tolerate it, for my peace of mind. However, still not sure I'll make it and hoping someone has something better in the pipeline to clinical use. Despite all the advances, from my perspective as a patient, it all seems like Scylla or Charybdis.

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks for sharing your perspective. We agree that we have to do better in terms of treating cancer with fewer side effects.

  • @nedab3
    @nedab3 Жыл бұрын

    I am in examestane 6 months now and have pain mostly in my right hand, finger joints are stiff and painful. Movements help and swiming.

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing your experience. Switching to a different aromatase inhibitor may improve your symptoms. This is something to discuss with your medical team.

  • @jennypangalanko
    @jennypangalanko Жыл бұрын

    thank you

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for watching and your comment.

  • @yolandastrickling1815
    @yolandastrickling18154 ай бұрын

    Mines on my left hip and I ‘am on Letrozol

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    4 ай бұрын

    Letrozole can indeed cause joint pain as a side effect. We hope your pain improves. It's important to communicate these symptoms with your healthcare team, especially if they persist.

  • @same5952
    @same5952 Жыл бұрын

    Very timely as I've been on AI for almost 6 weeks now. I am noticing that with each week my joint pain gets progressively worse. So far the pain is not debilitating but as you said, the pain seems to be cumulative. Hopefully, it will decline after that 3 month mark. I am an active person that had been exercising my entire life and I haven't stopped now but if I skip a day, I am definitely more stiff and achy. Yes, movement helps. Oh, I've been taking glucosamine chondroitin for several years now for overall joint health, and I am one of those whom that supplement is not helping to mitigate pain caused by AI. This is a very helpful video. Thank you for that.

  • @sueu6263

    @sueu6263

    Жыл бұрын

    I started anastrozole almost three months ago and I wake up with knee pains ( actually on my left knee) and I have bone pain on the upper part of my right foot. Walking is great for my knee pain but unfortunately the foot pain remains. I put ice packs for ten minutes throughout the day and it helps I do not want to take any pain killers since I can tolerate whatever I have so far. At least I’m glad I do not have hot flashes !

  • @same5952

    @same5952

    Жыл бұрын

    @@sueu6263 Thank you for describing your experience, Sue. You are so lucky you don't have hot flashes, because mine are frequent and fierce. I saw my oncologist last week and he said that there are meds he can give me for that, but I really don't want more meds to counteract the side effects from other meds. I found that if I take 1 ibuprofen or Tylenol at the same time as I take anastrozole, my overall aches and pains are tolerable and my oncologist said it was fine to do that. At this time, I'm not committing to 5+ years of anastrozole, but I'm taking it day by day, and see how it goes for me. Good luck to you, Sue!

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for writing and sharing your story with our community. If the symptoms don't get better, consider changing to one of the other 2 AIs. They are all equally effective.

  • @same5952

    @same5952

    Жыл бұрын

    @@yerbba Thank you!

  • @same5952

    @same5952

    6 ай бұрын

    My update in Dec 2023. Anastrazole sucks! Atfter 8 months on it, my body had aged significantly and feels like I'm 20+ years older that been just a few months ago. . I am in pain every day of my life, and I'm ready to give it up. I'm done with this crappy anastrozole!. NOT worth it to ME for sure

  • @peterlawrence6815
    @peterlawrence68153 ай бұрын

    Can letrozol cause painful legs.

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    3 ай бұрын

    All of the aromatase inhibitors, of which letrozole is one, can cause joint and muscle pains. Sometimes changing to another one of the 3 aromatase inhibitors leads to relief from symptoms.

  • @shathaomar1516
    @shathaomar15164 күн бұрын

    Hello, do you have a videoo for how to manage sleeping? Even when I cool down, I can't go back to sleep. This is even before taking Tamoxifen 😢

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    2 күн бұрын

    Thanks for your question! We have a video on managing insomnia that you can check out here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/c3t91K-fhKfdk6g.html. Additionally, we have another video on managing common side effects of Tamoxifen, which includes tips for dealing with nighttime hot flashes. You can find it here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/YpVkppmDadDLgNY.html. We hope these videos help!

  • @religionisapoison2413
    @religionisapoison241311 ай бұрын

    Can't walk hardly because of bleomycin. Does it get better after treatment stops or is this permanent?

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    11 ай бұрын

    Muscle weakness is a rare side effect of bleomycin. Every person's experience is different in terms of recovery. A cancer rehabilitation specialist may be helpful in your situation. Wishing you all the best.

  • @religionisapoison2413

    @religionisapoison2413

    11 ай бұрын

    @@yerbba thanks, it lasted 4 days and had to use a cane to walk. Felt like it was going to last forever. Very scary.

  • @carolbraswell4488
    @carolbraswell4488 Жыл бұрын

    I have invasive ductal carcinoma stage1a and I'm a triple positive. I am doing chemo now and radiation after that. Also, I will be doing Herceptin every 3 weeks for a year. In your opinion, is hormone therapy really necessary??

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the question. Hormonal therapy actually has a bigger impact on your outcome than chemotherapy. Not to say that chemotherapy and trastuzumab are not important, but you will get tremendous benefit from endocrine therapy in terms of improving the risk of recurrence.

  • @user-df4tj5fs1s
    @user-df4tj5fs1s2 ай бұрын

    Hi mam kindly suggest medicine for jointpain at age of 67 years .chemothrapy cancer of breast stage 4

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    2 ай бұрын

    The treatment of joint pain will depend on the cause. Although we cannot provide specific medical advice, we can encourage you to talk with your doctor about the cause and possible treatment options. Wishing you the best.

  • @cafe80sarigachu
    @cafe80sarigachu Жыл бұрын

    I googled that flaxseed will cause high estrogen that’s why it’s not good for breast cancer, But here like having joint pains after surgery,and looks like needs flaxseeds for joinpain?

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    Жыл бұрын

    Flaxseed should not be a problem. There is a theoretical concern that is is like estrogen, but just as with soy, plant estrogens have not been shown to be associated with the development or recurrence of breast cancer.

  • @Nasirmohamed-bj9yh

    @Nasirmohamed-bj9yh

    10 ай бұрын

    Thanks for your very informative information anastrozole 1mg do they create chill and headache also fever

  • @marolynr6841
    @marolynr68414 ай бұрын

    I teally do feel like im 90 yrs old, most morning i groan when i get out of bed

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    4 ай бұрын

    We're sorry to hear that you're experiencing such discomfort. Joint pain can be very challenging, especially when combined with the other effects of breast cancer treatment. It's important to communicate these symptoms with your healthcare team so they can provide support and guidance. If you haven't already, you might also consider exploring gentle exercises or stretches that can help alleviate some of the stiffness and discomfort. It's amazing how many people pick 90 as the age they feel.

  • @annnorthup3871
    @annnorthup38716 ай бұрын

    Why would somebody 90 be prescribed this at all after living beyond the normsl natural lifespan. It seems cruel.

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    5 ай бұрын

    Such a good question. If a 90-year has a life expectancy of 10 years, and many do, the benefits of treatment are considered worth treatment. Having a recurrence of breast cancer in the last years of life can be quite miserable. Your point is well taken, and asking questions about the benefit of treatment at any age is always a good idea.

  • @karenalexander1579
    @karenalexander15792 ай бұрын

    Can I take omega 3 or fish oil?

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    Ай бұрын

    You may benefit from omega-3-fatty acids (present in fish oil) in terms of joint pain. These fatty acids can cause blood "thinning," which can lead to more bleeding that one would like. So if you're going to have a procedure or other operation, make sure to stop the omega-3-fatty acids about a week before the procedure. Thanks for watching.

  • @SofiaAhmad-rp8sm
    @SofiaAhmad-rp8sm6 ай бұрын

    I take letrozole,,my side effects is extremely fatigue

  • @yerbba

    @yerbba

    5 ай бұрын

    We're sorry to hear that you're experiencing extreme fatigue with letrozole. It's not uncommon to encounter side effects with hormonal therapies. Make sure to discuss this with your healthcare team as they might provide insights or adjustments to help manage these effects. Feel free to check out our video on Ways to Manage Fatigue During Breast Cancer Treatment: kzread.info/dash/bejne/e6etuK2Gfrapg9Y.html.

  • @wandapratt7376

    @wandapratt7376

    2 ай бұрын

    Try taking it late evening just before bedtime.