Bone pain and headache

jenalynet
jenalynet Member Posts: 361 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi,
I am Stage 4, had primary tumor removed in March 2006 and then liver resection in May of 2006. I did Folfox 6 treatments and scans have been good until Oct. 22nd 2007 and now have 2 suspiciuos 8mm spots in left lung. My oncologist is waiting until Janurary when I am due for bloodwork again to schedule another cat scan to see any changes in these spots then get a protocol for treatment at that time. I have trouble sleeping and I think it is stress from having this on my mind, I wake up constantly and also my arms ache a lot. This ache is in my bone in both of my upper arm area. If I reach for something, move my arms a certain way just laying on my side is very painful. I also am having short thrusts like jabs of pain at my left temple area. I told the oncologist about my arms and he said that may be from chemo. I need to let him know about the feeling at my temple yet. Anyways, this pain in my upper arms is driving me crazy as it really hurts and it is not at the joints it's the bone. Ideas anyone? Thanks, Audrey

Comments

  • kmygil
    kmygil Member Posts: 876 Member
    #2
    Hi Audrey,

    I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. All I know about bone pain is that bone pain in my legs kicked in during my last 2 treatments (last one was in February), and it has not gone away. My oncologist seems to think it is normal, but I don't think that chemo should cripple you. The pain has now progressed to my right upper arm, and yes, it is very difficult to lie on my side. I was on Dilaudid for a while, but of course one cannot continue taking that drug. Now I am on Tramadol, but it makes me too sleepy to function at work. So I just deal with the pain during the day and take it when I get home. No matter which medication you take, it usually is metabolized through the liver, and I don't know if you want to go there. Perhaps we both need second opinions.

    Hugs,
    Kirsten
  • jenalynet
    jenalynet Member Posts: 361 Member
    #3
    kmygil said:

    Hi Audrey,

    I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. All I know about bone pain is that bone pain in my legs kicked in during my last 2 treatments (last one was in February), and it has not gone away. My oncologist seems to think it is normal, but I don't think that chemo should cripple you. The pain has now progressed to my right upper arm, and yes, it is very difficult to lie on my side. I was on Dilaudid for a while, but of course one cannot continue taking that drug. Now I am on Tramadol, but it makes me too sleepy to function at work. So I just deal with the pain during the day and take it when I get home. No matter which medication you take, it usually is metabolized through the liver, and I don't know if you want to go there. Perhaps we both need second opinions.

    Hugs,
    Kirsten

    Sorry that you have to deal with this also. I am puzzled because it is the only spot that I have pain, I was beginning to wonder if I was imagining things. My oncologist is very straight forward and he said if I need a second opinion that it would not make him feel bad. I don't take any medication and this pain started about 2 months ago, I finished my chemo October 2006. Thanks for your reply and maybe we do need another opinion. Audrey
  • vinny3
    vinny3 Member Posts: 928 Member
    #4
    Not to alarm you but consider asking your oncologist about getting a bone scan. The CT scan is not done of your arms and the bone scan is more specific for finding out if there are mets to the bone. I suspect there are none but it would be reassuring to know for sure. It is likely side effects from the chemo. I still have a stiffness of my left ankle, and some nunbness of my fingers one year after stopping Folfox.

    Hoping you get relief soon. ****
  • CAMaura
    CAMaura Member Posts: 719 Member
    #5
    jenalynet said:

    Sorry that you have to deal with this also. I am puzzled because it is the only spot that I have pain, I was beginning to wonder if I was imagining things. My oncologist is very straight forward and he said if I need a second opinion that it would not make him feel bad. I don't take any medication and this pain started about 2 months ago, I finished my chemo October 2006. Thanks for your reply and maybe we do need another opinion. Audrey

    Hi Audrey,
    I finished chemo in May of 2005 and I also have bone pain - mine is somewhat random in terms of where I feel it. I normally attribute it to chemo, but I am switching oncs and will run it by him. My neuropathy is alive and well in hands and feet, so I figure it to be another lingering impression from chemo; I do not think docs truly know how hard it is on our bodies. All the best and I hope you do find relief and rest from worry - Maura

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