Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Diagnosed With Breast Cancer. Had Chemo. Had Bilateral Mastectomy, Radiation. Having Pain In Lower Back, Hip, Leg. Suggestions?
I am 37 years old and was diagnosed with stage IIb breast cancer of the right breast and 4 positive lymps nodes out of 12 in April 2012. I had chemo for 6 months (4 tx of Adriamycin/Cytoxin every 2 weeks and then 4 of Taxotere. I had a bilateral mastectomy in September 2012 and then did 33 rounds of radiation. My oncologists started me on 20 mg of Tamoxifen daily about 2 months ago. I have started having lower back pain and right hip and leg pain. I thought it might be the Tamoxifen so I called my oncologist and he said to stop it for two weeks and see if it gets better. I am nearing the end of the 2 week period and the pain is still there. What do you suggest? I have some dexamethasone left over from chemo treatment and I thought about taking it. I am thinking it might be the sciatic nerve or something and that might help. I know bone mets is also a consideration but I keep telling myself that is not what it is. Should I try the Dex?
Tue, 5 Feb 2013
Hi,
you have got the complete treatment of breast cancer. it is not clear why was bilateral mastectomy done? the cancer involved both the breast or not.anyway better to mention ER/PR/HER2neu status. as you are on tamoxifen, ER/PR is +. but what about HER2neu. in a malignancy background low back pain should never be neglected. in my opinion it will be better to go for a whole body bone scan. take care.
you have got the complete treatment of breast cancer. it is not clear why was bilateral mastectomy done? the cancer involved both the breast or not.anyway better to mention ER/PR/HER2neu status. as you are on tamoxifen, ER/PR is +. but what about HER2neu. in a malignancy background low back pain should never be neglected. in my opinion it will be better to go for a whole body bone scan. take care.
I find this answer helpful
Dear Ma'am,
Your breast cancer treatment was according to the protocol. As rightly mentioned by you bone pain could be an ominous sign of underlying metastasis. It is advisable that you visit your oncologist and get a bone scan done to rule that out. Once metastasis has been ruled out, then other causes of back and leg pain like sciatica, musculo-skeletal pain can be ruled out.
Please dont self medicate yourself with steroids (dexamethasone), as it is associated with a lot of side effects.
I hope I have answered all your questions. Hope everything turns out to be normal. Please feel free to ask me any other questions.
Your breast cancer treatment was according to the protocol. As rightly mentioned by you bone pain could be an ominous sign of underlying metastasis. It is advisable that you visit your oncologist and get a bone scan done to rule that out. Once metastasis has been ruled out, then other causes of back and leg pain like sciatica, musculo-skeletal pain can be ruled out.
Please dont self medicate yourself with steroids (dexamethasone), as it is associated with a lot of side effects.
I hope I have answered all your questions. Hope everything turns out to be normal. Please feel free to ask me any other questions.
I find this answer helpful
1 Doctor agrees with this answer
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Mastectomy
Loading Online Doctors....