Please Help: Question About Knee and Hip pains after Chemo

LoveBabyJesus
LoveBabyJesus Member Posts: 1,679 Member
Hi sisters--

Hope you're all doing well.

I am trying to help my friend, who was also dignosed with bc last year - stage 2a. She finished chemo last February. She had 4 AC/4 Taxol treatments, and had a mastectomy. She is now experiencing pain in her hips, which comes and goes. Her knees hurt when she bends. She is not taking any medications for the pains, but she asked me to please ask you if you have experienced any of this after treatment, for how long and what meds you took to make it go away or help the healing process.

I also want to add she has two beautiful children (1 and 5). And they need their mom to carry them from time to time. Any suggestions, please?

Thanks for your help and support.

God bless you All.

Comments

  • Texasgirl10
    Texasgirl10 Member Posts: 668
    Pain
    I just finished chemo on March 24th. So far I haven't had any pain in my hips, but I do get aches in my feet and lower legs. My hands and feet go to sleep all of the time too. I am so sorry that your friend is experiencing this. What does her onc say? I will pray for her.

    Hugs and God bless,

    Dawne
  • LoveBabyJesus
    LoveBabyJesus Member Posts: 1,679 Member

    Pain
    I just finished chemo on March 24th. So far I haven't had any pain in my hips, but I do get aches in my feet and lower legs. My hands and feet go to sleep all of the time too. I am so sorry that your friend is experiencing this. What does her onc say? I will pray for her.

    Hugs and God bless,

    Dawne

    Thanks. She sees her Onco
    Thanks. She sees her Onco next week. She is concerned about pains. But I think thats normal after chemo. I dont want her worrying.
  • butterflylvr
    butterflylvr Member Posts: 944

    Thanks. She sees her Onco
    Thanks. She sees her Onco next week. She is concerned about pains. But I think thats normal after chemo. I dont want her worrying.

    Not sure I'll be much help
    but I will be taking notes. I finished my chemo Jan. 7th (four rounds of tac) and had a double mastectomy. I was just saying to my husband this morning that my knee and hip joints ache more then they used to. I guess I just chalked it up to "getting older" (I'll be 50 in Sept.) and all the walking I've been doing since diagnosed last October trying to get healther. From what I've read chemo as well as hormone treatment pills can cause some joint pain. I will be probably starting tamoxifin next month so that isn't my case. My joint pain isn't real bad though, only when I try to stand from a sitting position do I feel it the most.

    I will let my MO know when I see her next month, but I am thinking of maybe taking glucosamine tablets to see if that helps. Of course I will wait and see what my oncologist says. Reassure your friend that she is not alone, although it sounds like her joint pain is far worse then mine.

    Hugs,
    Lorrie
  • LoveBabyJesus
    LoveBabyJesus Member Posts: 1,679 Member

    Not sure I'll be much help
    but I will be taking notes. I finished my chemo Jan. 7th (four rounds of tac) and had a double mastectomy. I was just saying to my husband this morning that my knee and hip joints ache more then they used to. I guess I just chalked it up to "getting older" (I'll be 50 in Sept.) and all the walking I've been doing since diagnosed last October trying to get healther. From what I've read chemo as well as hormone treatment pills can cause some joint pain. I will be probably starting tamoxifin next month so that isn't my case. My joint pain isn't real bad though, only when I try to stand from a sitting position do I feel it the most.

    I will let my MO know when I see her next month, but I am thinking of maybe taking glucosamine tablets to see if that helps. Of course I will wait and see what my oncologist says. Reassure your friend that she is not alone, although it sounds like her joint pain is far worse then mine.

    Hugs,
    Lorrie

    Thanks Lorrie! I will let
    Thanks Lorrie! I will let her know. Any meds for pains? Tylenol?
  • mamolady
    mamolady Member Posts: 796 Member

    Thanks Lorrie! I will let
    Thanks Lorrie! I will let her know. Any meds for pains? Tylenol?

    joint pain
    I finished chemo in March. The joint pain isn't unbearable but it is worse than it was during chemo. My RO said it is due to the chemo. I take motrin when it gets bad. I too have a seven year old that makes for a lot of physical activity. I think moving will help keep it from getting worse.

    Good Luck

    Cindy
  • Heatherbelle
    Heatherbelle Member Posts: 1,226 Member
    Hi there :)
    I also

    Hi there :)
    I also experienced bad, actually terrible, joint pain that flared up after I finished chemo. I had andriamycin/cytoxan and taxotere. Mainly pain in my hips & knees, wrists, elbows, and my entire hands. Seemed to get worse the farther from chemo I got. I had tests to check for neuropathy and rheumatic issues, as well as lupus, and so far we've ruled all that out. Im actually in physical therapy twice a week for my knees and hips. I'm seeing a pain management doctor for all the joint pain. She believes that the knee/hip pain is from my losing much of my muscle tone when i was having chemo-it completely wiped me out & i basically slept or laid around for the entire 4 months I was having it. My body got terribly out of shape -I was 34 at diagnosis and in pretty good shape. The physical therapy is helping me alot with the knee pain & im getting strength back in my legs which makes walking less painful for me. I had cortisone injections in both hips a few weeks ago which made a tremendous difference & they feel SO much better. I take a combination of ibuprofen and tylenol, and I have percocet for when the pain is pretty bad. I have quite a road ahead of me, but im sticking with the therapy and joining a gym to build up muscles and get back in shape.
    *hugs*
    heather
  • sinee
    sinee Member Posts: 196 Member
    knee pain
    I finished chemo on March 8th, I haven't had any pain like that either...when I got the nyelasta shots i did. Is she taking any homeopathic meds? vitamins? have her check her vitamin d levels, a simple blood test. And ask if she is drinking lots of water...she might need a dr.s visit to rule out any problems with circulation, or inflamation of the joints. Hope that helps a bit.
  • Punkindo
    Punkindo Member Posts: 113
    Knee pain
    I too have been having knee pain and my knee also pops and clicks when I bend it. I had an appointment with my radiation oncologist this week and asked her about it and she acted like she had never had anyone with this problem. I told her that I had not had this problem before chemo and radiation and that I felt that it was either due to the chemo or my tamoxifen, but she didn't think so. She says that I may just be getting older. I am only 42!!! I really do feel that it has to have something to do with all I have been thru with my breast cancer treatments. She suggested that I talk to my primary care dr about it....

    It started out when I got the neulasta (???) shots 2 days after chemo... My knees and hips would be sore for a little while and then feel better.... When I started having extended issues with my knees, they felt like they did after the shots, it just didn't go away. Someone suggested taking vitamin D, but I haven't noticed much difference.
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000

    Thanks. She sees her Onco
    Thanks. She sees her Onco next week. She is concerned about pains. But I think thats normal after chemo. I dont want her worrying.

    I am hoping your friend's
    I am hoping your friend's oncologist can help her with the pain. Let us know what she finds out. Praying for her.


    Hugs, Megan
  • DiscoDiva
    DiscoDiva Member Posts: 7
    Weakness in legs
    Hi there.

    Yes, I had pain in my legs. I was really weak from the knees down. I had the same chemo as your friend. It lasted for quite a while. I could barely go up stairs, had to pull myself up. Sometimes if I would bend or squat down to pick up something, I couldn't get up or it would hurt for a while after wards.

    My oncologist said it was probably neuropathy from chemo. I am happy to say that mine has mostly faded away. I started a fitness program for cancer patients about 2 months ago and I have felt strength come back.

    So, maybe after a little time to build strength, your friend can look forward to that....

    Of course, I would always recommend talking to the Dr....and keep reminding them of what is happening.
  • LoveBabyJesus
    LoveBabyJesus Member Posts: 1,679 Member
    Megan M said:

    I am hoping your friend's
    I am hoping your friend's oncologist can help her with the pain. Let us know what she finds out. Praying for her.


    Hugs, Megan

    Thank you Megan! I will let
    Thank you Megan! I will let you all know what happens. She sees her Onco on the 10th.

    p.s. love your picture! :)
  • LoveBabyJesus
    LoveBabyJesus Member Posts: 1,679 Member

    Hi there :)
    I also

    Hi there :)
    I also experienced bad, actually terrible, joint pain that flared up after I finished chemo. I had andriamycin/cytoxan and taxotere. Mainly pain in my hips & knees, wrists, elbows, and my entire hands. Seemed to get worse the farther from chemo I got. I had tests to check for neuropathy and rheumatic issues, as well as lupus, and so far we've ruled all that out. Im actually in physical therapy twice a week for my knees and hips. I'm seeing a pain management doctor for all the joint pain. She believes that the knee/hip pain is from my losing much of my muscle tone when i was having chemo-it completely wiped me out & i basically slept or laid around for the entire 4 months I was having it. My body got terribly out of shape -I was 34 at diagnosis and in pretty good shape. The physical therapy is helping me alot with the knee pain & im getting strength back in my legs which makes walking less painful for me. I had cortisone injections in both hips a few weeks ago which made a tremendous difference & they feel SO much better. I take a combination of ibuprofen and tylenol, and I have percocet for when the pain is pretty bad. I have quite a road ahead of me, but im sticking with the therapy and joining a gym to build up muscles and get back in shape.
    *hugs*
    heather

    Hi Heather! Thank you so
    Hi Heather! Thank you so much for your response. I am sure she'll find these tips helpful. The three of us are about the same age- she is now 34, I am 33. I hope you feel much better and don't have to deal with pain again. I am still on taxol treatment, 3 to go. I too experienced pains.
  • LoveBabyJesus
    LoveBabyJesus Member Posts: 1,679 Member
    sinee said:

    knee pain
    I finished chemo on March 8th, I haven't had any pain like that either...when I got the nyelasta shots i did. Is she taking any homeopathic meds? vitamins? have her check her vitamin d levels, a simple blood test. And ask if she is drinking lots of water...she might need a dr.s visit to rule out any problems with circulation, or inflamation of the joints. Hope that helps a bit.

    Thank you Sinee! I will
    Thank you Sinee! I will mention this to her too. I am not sure she is taking any vitamins. Good call!
  • LoveBabyJesus
    LoveBabyJesus Member Posts: 1,679 Member
    Punkindo said:

    Knee pain
    I too have been having knee pain and my knee also pops and clicks when I bend it. I had an appointment with my radiation oncologist this week and asked her about it and she acted like she had never had anyone with this problem. I told her that I had not had this problem before chemo and radiation and that I felt that it was either due to the chemo or my tamoxifen, but she didn't think so. She says that I may just be getting older. I am only 42!!! I really do feel that it has to have something to do with all I have been thru with my breast cancer treatments. She suggested that I talk to my primary care dr about it....

    It started out when I got the neulasta (???) shots 2 days after chemo... My knees and hips would be sore for a little while and then feel better.... When I started having extended issues with my knees, they felt like they did after the shots, it just didn't go away. Someone suggested taking vitamin D, but I haven't noticed much difference.

    I am sorry you're
    I am sorry you're experiencing these pains too. Please read Heather's suggestion above. This may help you. I will try it too. I hope you feel better soon. Thank you for responding to my post. (Let us know how you do).
  • LoveBabyJesus
    LoveBabyJesus Member Posts: 1,679 Member
    DiscoDiva said:

    Weakness in legs
    Hi there.

    Yes, I had pain in my legs. I was really weak from the knees down. I had the same chemo as your friend. It lasted for quite a while. I could barely go up stairs, had to pull myself up. Sometimes if I would bend or squat down to pick up something, I couldn't get up or it would hurt for a while after wards.

    My oncologist said it was probably neuropathy from chemo. I am happy to say that mine has mostly faded away. I started a fitness program for cancer patients about 2 months ago and I have felt strength come back.

    So, maybe after a little time to build strength, your friend can look forward to that....

    Of course, I would always recommend talking to the Dr....and keep reminding them of what is happening.

    Thank you DiscoDiva! It
    Thank you DiscoDiva! It looks like working out or therapy should work for her. I'll mention your suggestion as well. :)
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    DiscoDiva said:

    Weakness in legs
    Hi there.

    Yes, I had pain in my legs. I was really weak from the knees down. I had the same chemo as your friend. It lasted for quite a while. I could barely go up stairs, had to pull myself up. Sometimes if I would bend or squat down to pick up something, I couldn't get up or it would hurt for a while after wards.

    My oncologist said it was probably neuropathy from chemo. I am happy to say that mine has mostly faded away. I started a fitness program for cancer patients about 2 months ago and I have felt strength come back.

    So, maybe after a little time to build strength, your friend can look forward to that....

    Of course, I would always recommend talking to the Dr....and keep reminding them of what is happening.

    Myself .. I am a year out of chemo therapy ... dense cycles
    and I continue to experience neuropathy from my chemo. Some days are harder than others, but the jerky legs in the evenings keep me awake.

    Apparently my chemo and neuropathy settled in on my left side (breast cancer side) -- I walk and go to the gym - working thru the pain and agony! It is, what it is ..

    Please have your friend mention .. call... mention side effort/symptoms to her doctor weekly.

    Strength, Courage and Hope.

    Vicki Sam
  • LoveBabyJesus
    LoveBabyJesus Member Posts: 1,679 Member
    VickiSam said:

    Myself .. I am a year out of chemo therapy ... dense cycles
    and I continue to experience neuropathy from my chemo. Some days are harder than others, but the jerky legs in the evenings keep me awake.

    Apparently my chemo and neuropathy settled in on my left side (breast cancer side) -- I walk and go to the gym - working thru the pain and agony! It is, what it is ..

    Please have your friend mention .. call... mention side effort/symptoms to her doctor weekly.

    Strength, Courage and Hope.

    Vicki Sam

    Thank you Vicky! I am very
    Thank you Vicky! I am very sorry you too are going through this. I guess it's pretty common. I know the pain you all refer to, although mine has only lasted 3 days after taxol treatment, but OUCH! I pray for you to feel better. It may be what it is now, but it is not what it will be. :)
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member

    I am sorry you're
    I am sorry you're experiencing these pains too. Please read Heather's suggestion above. This may help you. I will try it too. I hope you feel better soon. Thank you for responding to my post. (Let us know how you do).

    So sorry that any of you are
    So sorry that any of you are having this pain. I hope you all get some relief soon somehow.


    Hugs, Jan
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member

    Thanks. She sees her Onco
    Thanks. She sees her Onco next week. She is concerned about pains. But I think thats normal after chemo. I dont want her worrying.

    Hoping that her oncologist
    Hoping that her oncologist can help her with the knee and hip pain. I can understand how she would be worried.

    Update us when you can about her.