Muscle weakess in legs during chemo treatments

coco2008
coco2008 Member Posts: 418
edited August 2013 in Breast Cancer #1

I have had 3 rounds of Cytoxin and Taxotere.  My legs seem to be getting weaker and weaker.  I can walk from the living room to the kitchen (about 15 feet) and my muscles feel like I've run a marathon.  Yesterday I took my dogs for a walk.  We went about a block and had to turn around.  When we got back to the house I had to sit right away.  My legs were shaking and ready to give out.  Any idea what's happening and how soon it will go away?

Thanks

Sandy

Comments

  • Faith_In_God
    Faith_In_God Member Posts: 76
    Hi Sandy

    I had your same chemo sessions and I suffered too from muscle weakness, my Onc told me it is actually a result of the steriods that are taken during the Taxotere/Cytoxan sessions not the chemo itself. Those steriods weaken the major muscles especially the ones in your legs. 

    Unfortunatly it took about 8 to 10 weeks after my last chemo session for me to climb stairs ( that was more painfull than walking) without having to stop and take rests. It is much better now, my last session was 5/5/2013. 

    Take care

    Faith

  • coco2008
    coco2008 Member Posts: 418

    Hi Sandy

    I had your same chemo sessions and I suffered too from muscle weakness, my Onc told me it is actually a result of the steriods that are taken during the Taxotere/Cytoxan sessions not the chemo itself. Those steriods weaken the major muscles especially the ones in your legs. 

    Unfortunatly it took about 8 to 10 weeks after my last chemo session for me to climb stairs ( that was more painfull than walking) without having to stop and take rests. It is much better now, my last session was 5/5/2013. 

    Take care

    Faith

    Thanks for the info.  I was

    Thanks for the info.  I was beginning to wonder if my muscles had broken down.  I wasn't sure how long it would last.  Great to know there is an end to it even if it is a good bit in the future.  Also glad there are no stairs in my normal travels.

    Thanks, Faith

    Sandy

  • Double Whammy
    Double Whammy Member Posts: 2,832 Member
    coco2008 said:

    Thanks for the info.  I was

    Thanks for the info.  I was beginning to wonder if my muscles had broken down.  I wasn't sure how long it would last.  Great to know there is an end to it even if it is a good bit in the future.  Also glad there are no stairs in my normal travels.

    Thanks, Faith

    Sandy

    Yep

    I had same cocktail as you and my poor little legs we so weak for a finite period of time each cycle.  Some days I had problems getting from the potty to the sofa.  I figured it was all part of the chemo trip and didn't ask why.  I rested a lot.   My last cycle was particularly impressive and the weakness lingered for quite a while (I was also anemic).  For the first 3 cycles it lasted only a few days.   I'd say put one foot in front of the other and you'll get through this, but when you legs don't want to hold you up, that's a little difficult.  There is indeed an end to it (or at least there was for me) and while I can tell you I experienced the same side effect, it never hurts to mention it to the oncologist at your next visit if you're concerned.   

    Suzanne

     

  • coco2008
    coco2008 Member Posts: 418

    Yep

    I had same cocktail as you and my poor little legs we so weak for a finite period of time each cycle.  Some days I had problems getting from the potty to the sofa.  I figured it was all part of the chemo trip and didn't ask why.  I rested a lot.   My last cycle was particularly impressive and the weakness lingered for quite a while (I was also anemic).  For the first 3 cycles it lasted only a few days.   I'd say put one foot in front of the other and you'll get through this, but when you legs don't want to hold you up, that's a little difficult.  There is indeed an end to it (or at least there was for me) and while I can tell you I experienced the same side effect, it never hurts to mention it to the oncologist at your next visit if you're concerned.   

    Suzanne

     

    It only lasted about a week

    It only lasted about a week the first 2 rounds, but after the third round it seems more intense and is not improving yet.  I see onco again on Friday and will let him know.

    Sometimes I go to him with complaints so often I feel I should bring some cheese to go with my whine.

    Any idea how long it takes to go away after chemo is finally over?

    Thanks,

    Sandy

  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    My legs are weak also (on

    My legs are weak also (on taxotere, herceptin and perjeta).  I walk when I can and it is getting hard because of the heat and sun here--with my face already beet red and peeling from taxotere, I really try and mall walk or go very late (after sunset). 

    Also, I have noticed that, although my ankles and feet look fine, I get taxotere edema (fluid) in my abdomen and thighs.  When this occurs, it feels like I am walking with sanbags strapped to my thighs.  Keep an eye on your weight.  I gain about 6 lbs in a few days after chemo and then I really have weak legs!  Now 2 weeks later, I have lost 8 lbs.  Talk about a weight rollercoaster!

    Anyway, let your onc know.  There are many reasons for the weakness.  Let your doc figure it out, but, as you can see from the others here, unfortunately, it is not uncommon.  Sending prayers and hugs! 

     

  • Treecy1106
    Treecy1106 Member Posts: 144
    Hi Sandy!

    Are you receiving any White Blood Cell shots like nulasta or nuprigin???

    That disturbs the bone marrow which will cause those types of side effects in addition to the chemo.

    Taxol causes extreme neuropathy which effects the nerves ...mine is in my hands and legs.

    Feel better honey!!!!

    xoxo

    Patrice

  • coco2008
    coco2008 Member Posts: 418

    Hi Sandy!

    Are you receiving any White Blood Cell shots like nulasta or nuprigin???

    That disturbs the bone marrow which will cause those types of side effects in addition to the chemo.

    Taxol causes extreme neuropathy which effects the nerves ...mine is in my hands and legs.

    Feel better honey!!!!

    xoxo

    Patrice

    I am getting the Neulasta

    I am getting the Neulasta after every tx.  White cells are good, but results coming back for anemia which is not helping.

    Have pain in nailbeds and tingling and numbness in hands and feet.

    I would like to bee normal again, but sometimes it's hard to remember what that is.

    Thanks.

    Sandy