Bone/joint stiffness since finishing chemo

Lauracec said:

It is most likely from
It is most likely from Chemo. I know it took me a few weeks after chemo ended to get real sore. all the steroids they give you can mask the pain somewhat and I over did big time for a few weeks and am just starting to get feeling a lot better . so next time I will definantly get back into things a little slower. I know walking helped me with the fatigue from it all. also after some good walking when your muscles are still warmed up a little I found it helpful to sit and then gently lay back on one of those huge excersise balls to stretch. Laura

I still have pain
a year later. I also wanted to know if anyone experienced this because it is not only back stiffness - but I have severe pain in my legs all the time. sometimes I find it hard to walk when I first get up in the morning. Anyone else?

HI, JULES
Yes, could be all of the above. But no matter what the cause I highly recommend some exercise and the supplements wouldn't hurt, either. Of course, if it is menopause related, I don't think they'll be giving you any estrogen. I know I certainly can't have any.

I've been working with weight-bearing exercises such as weight training, rebounding, etc. That will help to keep the bones healthy and strong. I don't recommend running, etc., as it puts stress on the joints and spine, something you don't need right now. Whatever you decide to do, just take it easy at first. A little each day will be more than you did the day before. And before you know it, you will have a routine and will reap the benefits.

You might want to try to stretch, usually at night before bed is a good time because it's very relaxing. That will keep the muscles, tendons and ligaments around the bones flexible, which can also help with pain. Are you taking a calcium supplement? The one I take has boron and Vitamin D, as well as the cal/mag.

Take care, and let us know how you're doing. Sending luv & hugs!

Monika

pain
I'm so sorry Jules, but yes that is another cruel side effect of chemo. I would do both the supplements and exercise. they always say exercise is best for your bones. Good luck, Jan

me too
Hi!

I'm glad you posted this. I was beginning to get frustrated because I've been getting so achy everywhere. I thought at first it was due to getting use to going back to work a month after my last treatment, but it's been two months since then, and it's getting worse instead of better. I'm a nursing assistant at a nursing home, so it's a fairly physical job. Some days I can handle it, some days I have to go back to pain killers. I take supplements and do 1/2 hour of yoga every day before work. I feel better knowing that it's common, but not so hot knowing that it may last a long time! I am happy though to know that you're all there to chat with! Take care.

Colleen

Post chemo pain
I too am having muscle/joint pain. I had my last chemo (TCH) on Dec 4, 2008. I still get Herceptin every 3 weeks until August. Starting in Jan, I really made an effort to do 30 minutes of walking/biking most days. I had a little stiffness and shoulder pain off and on until Feb, when the pain came on almost at once, stopping any excercise. I have pain in my hands almost always. I also have pain in both arms, shoulders, hips, back and both legs. It seems to come and go from place to place and can range from a little stiffness to quite painful. The Doc says it's a classic case and that I should keep moving and take motrin. Something about protein building up.... Problem is that I just had tissue espanders put in and can't walk further than the mailbox for 2 weeks. I have noticed that the 800mg Motrin that I got for the expanders really helps for the muscle/joint pains.

I'm curious as to how long this is going to last, because I have registered to walk in the Breast Cancer 3day in August and I need to starting training. I would like any info on supplements etc that would help with inflammation. I can only take so much motrin before my stomach starts acting up.
Thaks,
Mary

LPack said:

pain
Another thing I have been thinking. Our bones and joints probably ache because of the destruction of our bone marrow cells. It takes a lot for our blood cells to recuperate from the destruction of chemo.

Love,
Libby

Some worse then others
Yep, I have taken different chemos and some cause worse bone pain then others but my back is stiff and achy and my hips. I have numbness in feet and left leg because of surgery but seems to ache at different times too. I take Advil and go on. Unfortuneatly its part of good old chemo.
Prayers and Hugs
Sandy

Joint Pain
Hi

Yes the joint pain is always there. I am on my third round of chemo and every chemo round I have had joint pain, mostly in my knees and albows. when I am through with the round of chemo the pain slowly goes away. So for six months I feel good.

Dinora

JasonC said:

THANKS!!
Okay, this is my first time to this site and I actually did a google search on bone-pain post chemo. I just finished my treatment in February (09), and I've been having bone ache in my hips and legs... of course, I'm still paranoid about reoccurence so my first reaction was it's back in my bones!!! Okay... I'm calm and backing away from the ledge now....

Thanks for the post! Glad to know there's a resource where I can see and talk to people who are going through the same things that I am.

Pain
My pain in my hip area was enough to have my gyn/onc give me a total bone scan last year and no cancer. It comes and goes there, there and over there!

Libby