Joint pain in fingers and shoulder issues

Kiki2016

ladies, I need your help.  I went through chemo, double mastectomy(Breast Cancer on only one side) , and radiation.  I finished radiation in October.   Since that time I have deteriorated. I am having range of motion issues in both shoulders-going to PT for this.  Having joint pain in my fingers.  Wake up in pain every day and have to run my hands under warm water to get the blood flowing.  The fingers ache and are stiff.  I don't know if it's possibly carpel tunnel or arthritis.   The Oncologist said the joint pain is most likely due to menopause and lower estrogen levels.  Doesn't feel it's post chemo neuropathy. Gynocologist doesn't think it's related to menopause but doesnt know what's causing it.  Haven't asked my regular doctor about it yet.  See her next week.  Does anybody have any experience with this? I did have a work station evaluation at work and everything there is fine.

Would appreciate any insight.  

RozHopkins

I went through several years

I went through several years of pain in the toes and fingers.  Also pain that 'pinged' literally from foot, to elbow, to forearm, knees, hips.  My ribs were very sore.  I thought fibromyalgia, arthritis, nerve damage with chemo.........  it kept coming and going and after 3/4 years I rarely get it now.  Menopause did come on full blast, I had hot flashes all day and night constantly.  Some said, menopause, some said cancer treatment drug side effects, some said I do have arthritis shown on x-rays, and also my body was reacting to loosing estrogen.  I think it's a bit of all of them, you never can pin it down.  Sometimes I could barely move nor get out of a chair.  Very scared but it did pass.  I fought it by increasing exercise (gentler types, Yoga, Pilates, Tia Chi) at 60 now strong and can even do Zumba.  But it took time, keep moving, walk, swim.  I don't recommend the more trendy keep fit fads, I leave the youngsters to that, and be careful of step aerobics, heavy on the knees.  You will get doctors giving you blank stares...........  I knew something was wrong, even though the cancer was happily spreading all over the place but wasn't the case at all.  any doubts go talk to your cancer support group at the hospital if it will help relieve your mind.  Even a MRI, if you think that would help also.  Then you can get on trying to cope with it.

disneyfan2008

I did not have chemo-just

I did not have chemo-just radtion but I have pain in hands, but only due to arthrtis-I do not think there is any connection to therapy.

 

Denise

Teach76

Still having extremity issues

I finished chemo, surgery, and rads in July and am now taking Femara (switched in Jan from Armidex).  I still experience twinges in my fingers and feet.  Onco keeps telling me it takes time, but like you, I don't see why if I am not in active treatment.  We have been through so much with our bodies, and once hair and some energy return, it is hard to see how side effects can still haunt us.  They are real, not just a symptom. . . Keep moving and finding healthy ways to heal.  Just saying you are not alone in your experience.

Kathy

RozHopkins

Just to add.  Some feel as do

Just to add.  Some feel as do I Chemo worsens some pre existing problems like arthritis.  It is all guess work really, nothing in proven.

canevil1

Joint pain

I am having joint pain in my hands, feet and knees since taking Armidex.   I am trying to keep moving and taking an ibuprofern when things get really bad.  Another wonderful side effect!!

Apaugh

Finding the new norm

It is not easy.  It is down right frustrating and depressing at times.  Celebrate the good days and be extra kind to yourself on the bad ones.  I dont know of anyone that comes out unscathed by cancer.  

Hugs,

Annie