Hyperparathyroidism and breast cancer

[Jozzers]

Happy Boxing Day everyone! I'm wondering if anyone has experience of high PTH levels and High calcium? I am post mastectomy and now on Tamoxifen but the GP and the oncologist have referred me to an endocrinologist now to check my parathyroid glands. I'm also due a bone scan. I'm ok about this and am pleased that I'm being looked after, there does seem to be a link, however, between PTH and breast cancer on the dreaded internet 😊 Xx

[anne-57]

Hi Jozzers. I have been treated for breast cancer twice. After the first instance I was experiencing severe fatigue which led to a hypothyroidism diagnosis. I have been treated for that ever since. There has never been any suggestion that it was linked to the cancer. Instead it was linked to being over 50. Apparently, it is very common in that age range! Not sure if this helps but hope it does. X

[Jozzers in reply to anne-57]

hi Anne thank you for your reply - the parathyroid glands aren't connected to the thyroid (apparently 'para' means next to) - there are four of them that control the release of calcium into your blood. I know some of the ladies here have had pre and post high levels of calcium in their blood - just wondered if there was anyone else who had been referred to the endocrinologist? I'm also having a bone scan too to be on the safe side. Thank you again though for your reply - happy new year! X

[waveylines in reply to Jozzers]

My pth and calcium levels went sky high years ago before I developed breast cancer so not related in my case. Turned out to be due to low levels of vitamin D. Once that was corrected both levels returned to normal. I had aches and pains and felt very tired all the time. All was resolved with high doses of vitamin D, followed by a long term daily maintenance dose. Has your vitamin D level been checked? Your GP can do it with a simple blood test. Fingers crossed for you.xxx

[Jozzers in reply to waveylines]

Hello thank you for your reply! I have taken Vit D before for low levels - my last test was low normal so will just have to see what the endocrinologist says - I'm sure it will be nothing but being anaemic too means that everything aches at the moment and I could sleep for England! Happy new year to you xxx

[waveylines]

Awww sounds tough so glad you will be seeing the endo soon. Be wary of when a GP says low normal on blood tests, the ranges are very wide. It maywell be that you do need a boost of vit D. But completely understand & think its wise to see what the specialist says. Big big hugs....