Marjorie try not to get too far ahead and see what the scan says. I know the macular degeneration really threw you, something that just happened unexpectedly but wait and see what the scan says then you make decisions based on those results . I am kind of going to do the same. My next scan is coming after my next appointment on March 5. Once I have that done the results will tell me if taking Anastrozole is worth it. If my mets spread more then its not working. Quite frankly I know just taking an AI for Stage 4 is not enough but I told my doctor I would give it a try and I did.

Yes Jennifer I know the way you are taking Letrozole. I have been on Anastrozole 5 months now, minimal pain but I am having some 'bothersome' spots which I suspecting is increased mets. I won't be surprised next scan because I knew all along taking only Anastrozole wouldn't be enough for Stage 4 Breast Cancer. Had I agreed to take ibrance with it, it probably would have slowed it down but I wasn't and am still not wanting to risk the side effects of that. One poison pill is enough for me. I do hope you get good news in April.

All of you on letrezole, take anestrosol instead. My oncologist said statistically it is a great second choice and made a world of difference in my level of joint pain.

My AI pain is in my ankles, knees, hands, and hips. I know its the AI bc those areas are stiff as well as achy. OR when i was still on letrezole, they were feeling like they'd shatter if i put weight on them. Muscle pain is typically from not moving and muscle atrophy...I was in bed too much during my treatment and that is what Physical therapy told me.

I know the pain is from my Mets when I can't put pressure on that area (spine met mid back) or it hurts to breath (rib and spine met) or I can't put downward/standing pressure on it (hip, pelvic, lower spine met), or sitting too long creates sharp pain on my tailbone and hip Mets. Met pain is definate, sharp, and usually almost unbearable without your more advanced pain med. Bone Mets aren't often in joints, unless you have a met where its at the end of a bone like mine--then its a guess sometimes. Dull aches, stiffness, feeling washed out, feeling like non-met areas are gonna shatter or hurt when you move them...that's all AIs. At least, that's been my experience.

Knowing what's Mets v AIs helps you pick which pain killer, but I've been on a quest to solve the AI pain that remains and this is what I've found helps me....

I found bi-weekly Reflexology massage helps AI ankle/leg pain immensely. Reflexology is mostly feet only. My massage therapist will massage up to and around the knee and goes up to my thigh muscle. She also did hot rock massage in the arches of my feet to release the tension in the arch tendons and hot rocks slipped between my toes help inexplicably released so mush tension in my feet. Massage of all those leg pain storage areas will help.

New to me but miraculous has been low key aqua aerobics type classes. They offer a weight free range of motion to help you work out painful joints without putting pressure on them. Initially getting outta the water your limbs will feel heavy, but everything feels so less sore for several hours after class. (Tip, if you do these, get water shoes so you don't tear up your feet on the bottom of the pool.)

I have on order Frankincense and Copaiba oils from the essential oils company. They are anti-inflammatories along with things like turmeric and ginger. Careful with turmeric--get a doctor's clearance for any of these with your meds, but so far, there are no interactions for me.

You can also focus on eating an anti-inflammatory diet which will help your joint pain...sweet potatoes, yellow pumpkin, etc.

Hope that helps! ATB, Nena

I am sorry about your bone mets but glad to hear Tylenol works for you.

That is still "up in the air". Is it worth the hassle? with the macular degeration in one eye and do not see real well with the other eye and having to go for a brain scan and pet scan on March 16. I am now playing the waiting game and trying to get Last minute details done. After reading Virgia Finlays post about her groin pain, that sounds exactly like what I had about 2 months ago when I could not walk-every step was a stabbing pain in my groin-as if a knife was shoved into me. The Sciffs chronodite and Knudseen tart cherry juice helped me walk again ,but then That may be bone cancer also. I am 87, so it may be my time is up!