Joint Pain Question

tkd3g
tkd3g Member Posts: 767
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi all.

Summary : Female, 45, Diagnoses stage 3 Rectal CA at 42. Chemoradiation ( 6 weeks ), surgery, (1 foot of colon, 95% rectum, ovaries and tubes), then 6 months of chemo ( 3 cycles of Folfox then stopped, finished up with 5fU)

Question: I am having some nasty knee pain as a result of trying to walk/run myslef back into shape. ( menopause added 30 lbs. to my frame within 3-4 months!!)

Anyway, the pain is unlike normal sore muscles. It almost feels as if there is no lubrication, if you would, around the knee. Seems like bone on bone.

Anyone have similar issues after radiation? ( I strongly suspect it is due to the radiation )

I'm taking it easy now and possibly going to see a doc about it.

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks

Barb

Comments

  • jerseysue
    jerseysue Member Posts: 624 Member
    #2
    I have very bad joint pain I've been taking Ultracet and skelaxin (muscle relaxtor) for about 5 months I couldn't take the pain any longer. I just got done seeing a rhematologist and we are doing a bone scan Wednesday. I really believe that it is from the Avastin only because the first time I got done with chemo I had joint pain as well but it only lasted 2-3 weeks then it went away. I got done with the full regimen in March and I still just taking Avastin every 2 weeks. My pain is awful. So I've been just living with it and dealing with the pain with pain pills and pain patches.
  • scouty
    scouty Member Posts: 1,965 Member
    #3
    Hey Sweetie!!!!!!

    Is it just one knee or both? I hurt one of mine in March also trying to shed menopausal weight gains. I went to an orthopedic surgeon and he said it was classic symptoms for torn cartilage which only a arthroscopic procedure could repair. I am waiting to see for sure but am starting to think he was right. Getting old sucks, but given the alternatives it ain't so bad.

    Hugs and your recent speedos and thongs post made me think of my all time favorite thread and Emily's hilarous poem.

    Lisa P.
  • fedester
    fedester Member Posts: 753 Member
    #4
    hi barb,
    how are you??
    i have the same pain but didn't have radiation. i had 6 months chemo 5fu and leuv. i was at work and my knee gave out. than about 2 months later my knee gave out again and i couldn't walk on it. i went to an ortho and he gave me a shot of cortizone and told me my knees were full of arthritis. i did some research and found alot of people getting chemo have alot of joint pain. i also found out that for every extra lb you gain it puts 4 lbs of pressure on your knees. i lost 56 lbs while recovering from my hernia surgery and i felt a big difference, but i have put about 20-25 lbs back on because of stressing and i can feel the difference. so i have to lose weight again.
    that is my experience with knee pain. i also take mobic and it seems to get me thru the day.
    be well
    never,ever give up!!!
    bruce
  • fedester
    fedester Member Posts: 753 Member
    #5
    fedester said:

    hi barb,
    how are you??
    i have the same pain but didn't have radiation. i had 6 months chemo 5fu and leuv. i was at work and my knee gave out. than about 2 months later my knee gave out again and i couldn't walk on it. i went to an ortho and he gave me a shot of cortizone and told me my knees were full of arthritis. i did some research and found alot of people getting chemo have alot of joint pain. i also found out that for every extra lb you gain it puts 4 lbs of pressure on your knees. i lost 56 lbs while recovering from my hernia surgery and i felt a big difference, but i have put about 20-25 lbs back on because of stressing and i can feel the difference. so i have to lose weight again.
    that is my experience with knee pain. i also take mobic and it seems to get me thru the day.
    be well
    never,ever give up!!!
    bruce

    i also had an mri and it confirmed arthritis.
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #6
    Ok, laugh if you want, but I find that when my calcium is low (chemo for both cancers made me -2.7T bone density), my JOINTS ache...I had to ramp up my calcium for the density (on Tamoxifen and Actonel for the breast cancer)....no more joint pain...at least for a lonnnnnng time.

    Hugs, kathi
  • tkd3g
    tkd3g Member Posts: 767
    #7
    jerseysue said:

    I have very bad joint pain I've been taking Ultracet and skelaxin (muscle relaxtor) for about 5 months I couldn't take the pain any longer. I just got done seeing a rhematologist and we are doing a bone scan Wednesday. I really believe that it is from the Avastin only because the first time I got done with chemo I had joint pain as well but it only lasted 2-3 weeks then it went away. I got done with the full regimen in March and I still just taking Avastin every 2 weeks. My pain is awful. So I've been just living with it and dealing with the pain with pain pills and pain patches.

    Hi Sue,

    Sorry you are in so much pain. Thank you for our response. Seems that the lingering effects of cancer treatment keep popping up.

    Hoping you find some peace.

    Barb
  • tkd3g
    tkd3g Member Posts: 767
    #8
    scouty said:

    Hey Sweetie!!!!!!

    Is it just one knee or both? I hurt one of mine in March also trying to shed menopausal weight gains. I went to an orthopedic surgeon and he said it was classic symptoms for torn cartilage which only a arthroscopic procedure could repair. I am waiting to see for sure but am starting to think he was right. Getting old sucks, but given the alternatives it ain't so bad.

    Hugs and your recent speedos and thongs post made me think of my all time favorite thread and Emily's hilarous poem.

    Lisa P.

    Hi Babe

    Both knees, unfortunately. I'm walking around like a 100 year old! I have to find a new orthopedist. Last one I had ( for a hand issue from chemo) met me, treated me, and shipped me out of his office in less than 5 minutes. I never went back.

    Too bad that thread didn't take off. Glad you got a smile from it.


    Barb
  • usakat
    usakat Member Posts: 610 Member
    #9
    Hi Barb,

    Have you thought about swimming and/or water aerobics? It puts far less stress on the joints and provides an all body workout. It's nice too during summertime. Less sweaty and more refreshing. Just a thought...check out your local community college or YMCA/YWCA.

    More importantly, get checked out by your doctor.

    Be well...
    Katie
  • tkd3g
    tkd3g Member Posts: 767
    #10
    fedester said:

    hi barb,
    how are you??
    i have the same pain but didn't have radiation. i had 6 months chemo 5fu and leuv. i was at work and my knee gave out. than about 2 months later my knee gave out again and i couldn't walk on it. i went to an ortho and he gave me a shot of cortizone and told me my knees were full of arthritis. i did some research and found alot of people getting chemo have alot of joint pain. i also found out that for every extra lb you gain it puts 4 lbs of pressure on your knees. i lost 56 lbs while recovering from my hernia surgery and i felt a big difference, but i have put about 20-25 lbs back on because of stressing and i can feel the difference. so i have to lose weight again.
    that is my experience with knee pain. i also take mobic and it seems to get me thru the day.
    be well
    never,ever give up!!!
    bruce

    Hi Bruce

    I'm doing ok, thanks. And you?

    I did the same chemo. I just assumed it was the radiation, but I guess it could be either or both.

    I know what you mean about the weight. I am having a very very difficult time getting it off this time. Good thing you don't have to worry about menopause.:)

    Take care Bruce.

    Barb
  • tkd3g
    tkd3g Member Posts: 767
    #11
    KathiM said:

    Ok, laugh if you want, but I find that when my calcium is low (chemo for both cancers made me -2.7T bone density), my JOINTS ache...I had to ramp up my calcium for the density (on Tamoxifen and Actonel for the breast cancer)....no more joint pain...at least for a lonnnnnng time.

    Hugs, kathi

    I would never laugh at you Kathi. With you, but not at you.

    I am taking calcium and a mega vitamin mineral supp. I know for sure I feel better taking the vitamins. Glad to hear that worked for you.

    I think I'm gonna just take it easy and probably get some scans done.

    Barb
  • tkd3g
    tkd3g Member Posts: 767
    #12
    usakat said:

    Hi Barb,

    Have you thought about swimming and/or water aerobics? It puts far less stress on the joints and provides an all body workout. It's nice too during summertime. Less sweaty and more refreshing. Just a thought...check out your local community college or YMCA/YWCA.

    More importantly, get checked out by your doctor.

    Be well...
    Katie

    Hi Katie,

    I don't think that we have met(cyber met) before. So, Hi! :)

    I do swim actually. Have a nice pool in the backyard. Funny, that pool was a subject of much talk here on the boards last year. ( just ask hubby )

    It is a wonderful way to strengthen those joints. This pain is weird though. Very bone on bone feeling. Nothing I've experienced before.

    Guess a bone scan or x-rays are in the near future.

    Thanks Katie. ( say hi to Bob for me )

    Barb ( Elaine )
  • Moesimo
    Moesimo Member Posts: 1,072 Member
    #13
    Hi Barb,

    How are you. I don't experience any joint pain, but there are so many long term affects from our cancer killing treatments.

    I have been thinking lately about life before my cancer and esp. the ostomy. I then realize that I am lucky that my cancer has not returned.

    Maureen
  • JoyceCanada
    JoyceCanada Member Posts: 134
    #14
    Joyce age 61 stage III rectal cancer NED october 2006.

    When I was on chemo my joints were very flexible. I (on off chemo weeks) helped my hubby renovate our kitchen and climbed up and down ladders with ease. Now I ache horribly and my finger joints are so bad that I can see my fingers getting twisted. My knees "lock" when I sit and I have to get help to stand-up. I also gained about 40 pounds.

    My sister-in-law (aged 50) is a breast cancer survivor and experienced similar situation.

    Oh well - no whining....I'm alive and that is a "good thing" :-)
  • kerry
    kerry Member Posts: 1,313 Member
    #15
    Hi Barb,

    Yes joint pain!! I have it on and off and as Sue said (jerseysue) I believe it is a side effect of the Avastin. Also, if you have taken any shots for low white blood counts like Nuprogen, it causes major big joint pain as it stimulates your bone marrow. I don't think the docs know all of the side effects we will be feeling down the road from chemotherapy. I had hip pain about 3 weeks ago that drove me crazy...I could swear the cancer had returned to my bones, but now it is gone and scans showed no cancer in the bones.

    My oncologist suggested Tylenol!

    Good luck,

    Kerry
  • Sam725
    Sam725 Member Posts: 87 Member
    #16
    Hi Guys,
    Just a thought. When you are on chemo they give you a mega dose of steroids. I have a blood disorder and was on high dose steriods for 6 months. When they finally weaned me off the joint pain was horrible. My hips and knees were so bad I could barely walk, don't ask me to stand in one place for long either. It took a good two years for it to finally let up, but still when the weather changes my hips and knees ache. Sandy
  • jana11
    jana11 Member Posts: 705
    #17
    Not to freak anyone out... please don't! I had bone pain which I attributed to exercise, turned out to be bone mets. THIS IS VERY RARE!!!

    Now, the primary care doctor in me thinks your description of the discomfort sounds like arthrits. This would intensify with weight gain, and lord only knows what the chemo does to already fragile joints! The bone on bone sensation may actually be bone on bone. The meniscus is a cushion in the knees. Get an x-ray and possible MRI to evaluate how much cushion still exists.

    Good luck to everyone! I am so sorry so many people have joint pain after chemo! YUCK. Hey, try yoga.. I think yoga is where it is at!

    jana
  • fedester
    fedester Member Posts: 753 Member
    #18
    jana11 said:

    Not to freak anyone out... please don't! I had bone pain which I attributed to exercise, turned out to be bone mets. THIS IS VERY RARE!!!

    Now, the primary care doctor in me thinks your description of the discomfort sounds like arthrits. This would intensify with weight gain, and lord only knows what the chemo does to already fragile joints! The bone on bone sensation may actually be bone on bone. The meniscus is a cushion in the knees. Get an x-ray and possible MRI to evaluate how much cushion still exists.

    Good luck to everyone! I am so sorry so many people have joint pain after chemo! YUCK. Hey, try yoga.. I think yoga is where it is at!

    jana

    Hi Jana,
    I wish i could do yoga, no way can i fold my legs!!! lol
    be well
    never,ever give up!!!
    bruce

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