Seeking Advice on Breast Cancer Treatment and Side Effects
Community Member
9 months agoIn 2009 I had a lumpectomy and photon radiation followed by 5 years of Arimidex. In late 2021 I found a lump on my sternum - it was a metastasis of my breast cancer. The oncologist put me on letrozole and quarterly shots of Xgeva. The next year I found out about proton radiation treatment for oligometastatic in OUTCOMES FOR ME and had proton radiation. Since then my scans have been clear. I am still on the letrozole and Xgeva and am having more muscle and joint pain. I am 72. I am concerned about having repeat PET scans and the side effects of the letrozole and Xgeva. Any advice? Thanks.
Accepted Answer
Managing treatment side effects while staying on top of monitoring can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with the physical discomfort that medications like letrozole and Xgeva can cause. These concerns about ongoing scans and medication side effects are shared by many in the community who are navigating similar treatment journeys. Consider discussing your pain management options and scan frequency concerns with your oncology team - they can help balance the benefits of monitoring with your quality of life concerns and may have suggestions for managing joint and muscle discomfort.
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Community Member
2 months agoManaging treatment side effects while staying on top of monitoring can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with the physical discomfort that medications like letrozole and Xgeva can cause. These concerns about ongoing scans and medication side effects are shared by many in the community who are navigating similar treatment journeys. Consider discussing your pain management options and scan frequency concerns with your oncology team - they can help balance the benefits of monitoring with your quality of life concerns and may have suggestions for managing joint and muscle discomfort.
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