Conclusion

Conclusion
AIs are a standard therapy used in women with estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer. Unfortunately, the hypoestrogenic state that results is strongly associated with the development of adverse musculoskeletal symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, decreased grip strength, and decreased exercise tolerance in up to 50% of patients. These symptoms are primarily responsible for the high rate of medication discontinuation in these patients, leaving them at increased risk of cancer recurrence and growth.
Palliative medicine providers, oncologists, and primary care providers are frequently called on to manage the adverse side effects of cancer treatment medications and often treat pain caused by AIs. Although there are currently no standardized guidelines or universal treatments for AIMSS, there are numerous accessible treatment options that can provide short-term and long-term relief in these patients. Many of them are easily accessible, such as nutritional supplementation, acupuncture, exercise, and well-studied pharmacological agents such as duloxetine. Providers should be aware of the varying length of treatment and duration of relief of the different management options available so that they can be best tailored to suit the needs of individual patients..

Thank you. I wish at times my husband would understand this. He thinks at times that I am using my cancer as an excuse to not go out to dinner or get some stuff done around the house. I try to do some cleaning when he goes to bed or when he is gone. We have a puppy and I try to take her out and walk her each time. They are short walks but I try to do this several times throughout the day. I apologize for venting but I thank you for listening.

Yes it is normal. Your body has been through so much and it takes a bit of time to recover. If I were you. I would just keep notes on how you're doing with the tiredness and the diarrhea so you can let your doctor know how you're doing. The diarrhea can cause you to become dehydrated so make sure you're getting enough fluids. The tiredness takes time. A bit of exercise really does help. I had to drag myself outside to start walking but it helped, slowly but surely , it helped. Wishing you the very best. Stay in touch so we know how you're doing. Love and hugs!!!