1. < Breast Cancer

Anyone on AI back of knee pain, leg collapse?

Posted by flowergal @flowergal, Aug 6 7:57pm

I was on Anastrozole for six months but it gave me too many side effects. Took a month break and have been on Letrozole for a while now. My left leg will very suddenly get a quick zap pain and the leg will go weak. I'm afraid to do the treadmill due to this new side effect.
I also have weakness in my fingers, and one that snaps "shut" . I have to pull it back straight. Very weird.
Anyone else have these symptoms?

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katgob | @katgob | Aug 6 8:59pm

I have been on letrozole for 2 years. I have not had those side effects. If this a possible side effect listed, let you Doctor knows. There are 3 of these drugs. You have had 2. If you are on it because you are estrogen+, then your Doctor needs to verify.
I did have an injury 50 years ago on my sciatic nerve and I get that nerve pain straight up my back leg. Not so much as the years have passed. See what your dr says.

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Rubyslippers | @triciaot | Aug 6 11:32pm

@flowergal Sounds like you have a “trigger finger”. It’s usually a tendon issue.
See info about it at:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trigger-finger/symptoms-causes/syc-20365100
Your regular doctor may be able to diagnose it or an orthopedic specialist but definitely discuss your finger and knee issues with the medical oncologist to see if it’s related to the AI.

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dlmdinia | @dlmdinia | Aug 7 8:46am

Your left knee sounds similar to mine. Occasionally my knee will seem to lock up or slip out of joint. It stops me in my tracks, but then I go on almost as if nothing happened. I do have mild arthritis in that knee,so I just assumed it was related to that. I've been on Letrozole for 4 1/2 years and take collagen supplements for joint pain.

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1 reply
flowergal | @flowergal | Aug 8 7:34pm
In reply to @dlmdinia "Your left knee sounds similar to mine. Occasionally my knee will seem to lock up or..." + (show)
@dlmdinia

Your left knee sounds similar to mine. Occasionally my knee will seem to lock up or slip out of joint. It stops me in my tracks, but then I go on almost as if nothing happened. I do have mild arthritis in that knee,so I just assumed it was related to that. I've been on Letrozole for 4 1/2 years and take collagen supplements for joint pain.

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Thanks for replying.

I also take collagen and chondroitin and glucosamine for joints since starting these drugs.

I have osteopenia and don't want to break my leg!

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dlmdinia | @dlmdinia | Aug 8 8:57pm

I have osteopenia as well which is why I've been on Prolia while on AI's.

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susan2973 | @susan2973 | Aug 11 8:36am

I found your post interesting, because I also had your same symptoms as well. I had surgery in 2021 for IDC stage 1A, followed by five days of radiation. For over a year I tried diligently to take Letrozole. My side effects were severe nose bleeding, trigger fingers on both hands and leg weakness.
The final straw was when my leg collapsed in a doctor's office, my head went through the wall and I injured my foot so badly, that I was in a boot for six weeks! That was it for me, I was done! I am 75 and caring for my husband with Alzheimers. That is stressful enough. So at this point, I try to just take one day at a time, count my blessings, and pray my cancer does not return.

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1 reply
flowergal | @flowergal | Aug 11 10:38am
In reply to @susan2973 "I found your post interesting, because I also had your same symptoms as well. I had..." + (show)
@susan2973

I found your post interesting, because I also had your same symptoms as well. I had surgery in 2021 for IDC stage 1A, followed by five days of radiation. For over a year I tried diligently to take Letrozole. My side effects were severe nose bleeding, trigger fingers on both hands and leg weakness.
The final straw was when my leg collapsed in a doctor's office, my head went through the wall and I injured my foot so badly, that I was in a boot for six weeks! That was it for me, I was done! I am 75 and caring for my husband with Alzheimers. That is stressful enough. So at this point, I try to just take one day at a time, count my blessings, and pray my cancer does not return.

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Oh Susan I am so sorry. That sounds horrible.
If my leg gets worse then I will go off it. I also have a finger that snaps down and gets "stuck". Very weird.
I have fewer side effects with this drug than with Anastrozole.
I am 68 and trying my best to stay functional to watch and play with my grandkids. These drugs are a blessing and a curse

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