After Chemo Side-Effects

Yes, Tuscany, I am a very active person, and I laid around for about 4-5 months during 3 surgeries and my chemo treatments. I started feeling better during my last 2 weeks of radiation. The doctors told me I should do as much as my body felt like doing so I have. However, my muscles, particularly in my back and sometimes by chest area aches after I do physical work, such a dumping trash in the dumpster or pushing a shed door open. I am understanding that this is normal until my body gets back into shape (fitness!)

Hi tuscany,
I've had pain in my "bones" since my 2nd round of taxotere and that was back in January. I've learned a lot since then tho. I was on Vicadin for the pain...after months of that, my oncologist wanted me off it. I was so frustrated when he said that, because it was the only thing that seemed to help. Little did I know, until he explained it to me that the Vicadin has tylenol in it and the tylenol will get into the muscles causing as much pain as it does releiving it. (my body got addicted to it and it turned into a vicious cycle, needing it for pain, but the pain being caused by the pain reliever). Anyways, I went off it cold turkey, felt like heck for a day or two then started feeling better. The pain didn't go away tho, and I asked what to do. My oncologist recommended acupuncture and physical therapy. After the first acupuncture treatment the pain in my legs was gone, and after several treatments the pain in my arms and hands was lessened to where I rarely need to take pain relievers. I go and have acupuncture done about once a month these days. The physical therapist gave me a series of exercises to do in a warm water pool. These too, have helped some. Last week, I joined a cancer exercise program and am hoping that this will help too. Like others, the pain gets a bit more intense when the weather is turning for the worst, but it still so much milder than it first was. My oncologist told me not to expect returning to "normal" for at least a year after chemo is done (I finished chemo the end of Feb/04). Your body has been put thru a lot this past 6+ months, it'll take a long time to heal and also get rid of all the chemo. In the meantime, look at it as a good excuse to treat yourself with the massages. Be patient (I know, I always hated those words too...haha)...you will improve over time.
Joni

Hi tuscany, I just had minor tingling feel. It could be related to the dose, types of chemo mix. I find a site ontopofcancer.org very helpful. They believe they guide to the best breast cancer resources, including side effects coping, treatments.

Be strong,
zora

Hi Tuscany, I had my last chemo the middle of May. I was on Taxol and Carboplatin for Ovarian Cancer. It seems like all of my joints hurt, especially my knees and hands. I haven't talked to my doctor about it yet since I am going through tests now to see if chemo has damaged my heart muscle, but plan on calling him tomorrow. Today was the worst so far. I'd be interesting in asking others what they have found that helps, if anything. I read Joni's message about acupuncture and am thinking about trying that. It sounds like it worked for her. Hang in there. You're not alone! This site is a wonderful place to ask questions and just vent! Good Luck! Kathy