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My mom has metastasized breast cancer in her bones. She moved from Femara to Faslodex when the former stopped working. But is now suffering terribly--leg pain, cramps--especially later in the day. Is there anything she can do to alleviate this pain short of more painkillers or simply stopping the Faslodex? Any vitamins, supplements or herbs to help with the side effects? Thought Potassium might help with cramps. Any help appreciated.
Greg O.
Cancer Aleve Pain Back pain Ibuprofen Breast cancer Morphine Oxycontin
My mom's oncologist can only seem to prescribe morphine for the pain, nothing else. I find it hard to believe there isn't something better than greater doses of that drug. Further, my mom is also taking Zometa injections once a month to strengthen her bones.
I had terrible leg pain from Faslodex, too -- the upper legs, both sides. We believe it was from the injections and once I stopped Faslodex, it went away, basically proving that theory. But while I was on it and experiencing the pain, the various MRI's and CT scans even showed the inflammation there. I took prescription strength ibuprofen (600mg three times/day) and that DID help it a lot, but it also about killed my stomach, too. Although it was very bothersome, I as well would've refused morphine for it!! The ibuprofen did help, so perhaps being more diligent with having something to eat prior to taking it would've been beneficial.
I assume you're talking about pain from inflammation of the faslodex shots and not from bone pain from mets? If so, I find that treating the inflammation (with the strong ibuprofen) is much more effective than taking even hydrocodone, ocycodone, or oxycontin especially with the side effects of those, not to mention morphine!
Hi maxnan. Thanks. My mom's had 2 injections to date, the last about 3 weeks ago. I don't think her doctor has prescribed anything but Aleve, but then only for ongoing back pain, nothing extra for the leg pain. As for the pain itself, I can only assume it's inflammation from the Faslodex shots, as the pain came immediately after those and has remained intense. Yes, the doctor has suggested oxycontin is another possibility, always more stronger stuff. I was wondering if anyone knows whether a natural supplement (vitamin, herb, adaptogen, etc.) is ever used to alleviate inflammation like this? When I hear the word inflammation, I think of natural remedies to offset inflammation.
How about fish oil - Omega 3's - for the inflammation? That has worked for me off and on.
Margaret, that sounds too easy! :-) I mean everyone should be taking Omega-3 fish oil, either by eating sardines or wild salmon or supplementing with pills or oil. But of course it's a key factor in reducing inflammation in the body.
It really does work. An accupuncturist told me to start it. You have to be careful not take too much if you are already taking anti-inflammitory drugs (ibuprofen, etc.) because you can bruise really easily.
Margaret, interesting that an acupuncturist would recommend the fish oil. I've passed the suggestion to my mom. Thanks.
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