Post chemo/radiation - anal cancer - sweating all the time; can't sleep; and hip pain - any thoughts
Comments
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Hot Flashes...
Actually, the chemo will throw you into full menopause and that most probably is the cause of the hot flashes and night sweats. I completed FOLFOX on Aug. 12.
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You said you had anal cancer. Since you had the treatment for rectal cancer, I wonder if that's what you meant. Anal cancer is caused by the HPV that cause cervical cancer and is treated with other meds. You rec'd the tx for rectal / colon cancers.0 -
Yes........
I did the same regimen with the oxal/leu/5fu but with surgery lower tumor rectal removed no nodes involved but left wit ostomy and bag. I have neuropathy in feet in which I think the reason my hips hurt is because of my giving to my feet when I first get up or sit to long it makes my feet hurt and I think my hips are paying for it through the limping on both feet I have to do to get started.
Sweating.....I woke up several nights freezing to death only to find myself covered in sweat and the wife with the ceiling fan on. I think the oxal did that also because I don't do that at all now (7 months post treatment)
Stiffness that I never had before diagnosis I think stems from the chemo. I really think (but can't prove) that the chemo caused degeneration of some of my muscle tissue and maybe some bone density because I can't run as I did, walk as I did, or anything else like I did...
The radiation in the area that you had it in may had placed you in the pre menapausal stages as sometimes it does to some women . May be the reason for the "hot flashes"...
Sleep, well getting better than it was but during treatment the fanny pack for 5fu kept me awake off and on for awhile until I got use to it. I still get up several times a night because of the removal of my inner spincter muscle doesn't give me the ability to hold urine all night as normally it would involuntarily during the night. I don't pee in the bed but if I need to go I don't mess around long getting there.....I hope this helps...it will help us see another sunrise.......Good Luck girl.......Buzzard0 -
Hip PainBuzzard said:Yes........
I did the same regimen with the oxal/leu/5fu but with surgery lower tumor rectal removed no nodes involved but left wit ostomy and bag. I have neuropathy in feet in which I think the reason my hips hurt is because of my giving to my feet when I first get up or sit to long it makes my feet hurt and I think my hips are paying for it through the limping on both feet I have to do to get started.
Sweating.....I woke up several nights freezing to death only to find myself covered in sweat and the wife with the ceiling fan on. I think the oxal did that also because I don't do that at all now (7 months post treatment)
Stiffness that I never had before diagnosis I think stems from the chemo. I really think (but can't prove) that the chemo caused degeneration of some of my muscle tissue and maybe some bone density because I can't run as I did, walk as I did, or anything else like I did...
The radiation in the area that you had it in may had placed you in the pre menapausal stages as sometimes it does to some women . May be the reason for the "hot flashes"...
Sleep, well getting better than it was but during treatment the fanny pack for 5fu kept me awake off and on for awhile until I got use to it. I still get up several times a night because of the removal of my inner spincter muscle doesn't give me the ability to hold urine all night as normally it would involuntarily during the night. I don't pee in the bed but if I need to go I don't mess around long getting there.....I hope this helps...it will help us see another sunrise.......Good Luck girl.......Buzzard
My hips and legs are always hurting and one of my chemo treatments is Oxy. i think it's the Oxy0 -
Same thingjust4Brooks said:Hip Pain
My hips and legs are always hurting and one of my chemo treatments is Oxy. i think it's the Oxy
I finished Folfox 6 in September and I am having hot flashes and hip pain too. I think the hot flashes are PMS because when I had my surgery in March 09 they removed the ovaries and I think that is finally catching up with me. I am seeing my OBGYN next Tuesday so I will find out more about that one. My hips hurt all the time too, if I try to stretch them. I had 28 days of radiation so I think that is part of it. I am starting a new workout program, actually tomorrow and I am incorporating yoga and pilates into it. I hope that helps. Just not quite as flexible and limber as before....however I am alive and well so I will take it.0 -
same herelmliess said:Same thing
I finished Folfox 6 in September and I am having hot flashes and hip pain too. I think the hot flashes are PMS because when I had my surgery in March 09 they removed the ovaries and I think that is finally catching up with me. I am seeing my OBGYN next Tuesday so I will find out more about that one. My hips hurt all the time too, if I try to stretch them. I had 28 days of radiation so I think that is part of it. I am starting a new workout program, actually tomorrow and I am incorporating yoga and pilates into it. I hope that helps. Just not quite as flexible and limber as before....however I am alive and well so I will take it.
sweating, flashes, cover on , covers off all night. The difference is I am old and was all done with menopause and flashes....
yes the joys of chemo....not
mags0 -
yepmaglets said:same here
sweating, flashes, cover on , covers off all night. The difference is I am old and was all done with menopause and flashes....
yes the joys of chemo....not
mags
Due to a hysterectomy several years ago for cervical cancer, I was pushed into early menopause. I'd finally stopped the night sweats which went on for a couple years. I only dealt with hot flashes during the day for about 1/2 year, but those had stopped too.
Now once again I have the night sweats. And I have had a few bad hot flashes during the day. They are worse on the chemo weeks than the off weeks.0 -
Did the doctor say anal cancer?
I too was diagnosed with anal cancer. There are several causes of this cancer, not just the HPV virus as someone stated. I had Cisplatin/5 FU plus radiation. I do have hot flashes and 20 months out of treatment, I have developed hip pain but Tylenol relieves it. I was already menopausal (sp?) at treatment time and did not have hot flashes until after the treatment. Have no idea why. I do yoga to "loosen" my hips and it seems to help.
The hot flashes seem to ease up a bit with time. I take evening primrose oil capsules because they supposedly help with hot flashes. They seem to help some but I do still have hot flashes.
I hope this helps you some.0 -
Yes, the doctor said anal cancer - not rectal or colondasspears said:Did the doctor say anal cancer?
I too was diagnosed with anal cancer. There are several causes of this cancer, not just the HPV virus as someone stated. I had Cisplatin/5 FU plus radiation. I do have hot flashes and 20 months out of treatment, I have developed hip pain but Tylenol relieves it. I was already menopausal (sp?) at treatment time and did not have hot flashes until after the treatment. Have no idea why. I do yoga to "loosen" my hips and it seems to help.
The hot flashes seem to ease up a bit with time. I take evening primrose oil capsules because they supposedly help with hot flashes. They seem to help some but I do still have hot flashes.
I hope this helps you some.
I was diagnosed with anal cancer, not rectal or colon as was asked earlier. And there are other causes besides the HPV virus as mentioned.0 -
Hot flashes...yup!anothersunrise said:Yes, the doctor said anal cancer - not rectal or colon
I was diagnosed with anal cancer, not rectal or colon as was asked earlier. And there are other causes besides the HPV virus as mentioned.
I had 'em...and hip pain from the 'spill over' radiation....still have trouble bending that hip...sigh...LOVED to sit cross-legged...but, oh well, I'm alive and kickin (just with the other leg...ROFL!)
My cancer was located in the first rectal fold, but was squamous cell carcinoma, which is usually anal cancer...it led to an interesting time while my docs decided how to treat...
My full-blood sister, 2 years later, had anal cancer lower, where it 'belongs'. She is doing well, but also had hot flashes for quite a while.
Hugs, Kathi0 -
Same here
I finished chemo last June and still have hot flashes. Ihad a hysterectomy and menopause 15 years ago (I was 43) but chemo threw me right back there. The hip pain I had was severe to the point of not being able to walk at times. My onc and radiation onc said that it was caused by having 30 zaps through each hip. I am allergic to most all anti-inflammatory drugs, but found that acupuncture really helped me. Even tho I am now finished with all treatments, I still have residual hip pain, especially at night.
Many hugs, Vicki0 -
Hip Pain
I too was diagnosed with anal cancer. After my treatments I had horrible hip pain. Did you have radiation therapy as well? My hip pain was caused by the radiation, they called it radiation recall. It is gone now a year later, but the first year after treatments it came off and on.0 -
Hip Pain - me toograndma2selena said:Hip Pain
I too was diagnosed with anal cancer. After my treatments I had horrible hip pain. Did you have radiation therapy as well? My hip pain was caused by the radiation, they called it radiation recall. It is gone now a year later, but the first year after treatments it came off and on.
The hip pain comes and goes. Now that I think about it, I don't think I've had much hip pain this week. I was getting used to it being there I guess. I finsihed treatment in Sept for anal cancer. Fatigue and hip pain were my worse side affects. Fatigue has faded and my energy level is generally back to normal. Hip pain...for now gone, but I don't think forever. But if that's trade off I make for being NED I am happy!
Wishing you all good health in 2010,
Liz0 -
The trade off is worth it!lizdeli said:Hip Pain - me too
The hip pain comes and goes. Now that I think about it, I don't think I've had much hip pain this week. I was getting used to it being there I guess. I finsihed treatment in Sept for anal cancer. Fatigue and hip pain were my worse side affects. Fatigue has faded and my energy level is generally back to normal. Hip pain...for now gone, but I don't think forever. But if that's trade off I make for being NED I am happy!
Wishing you all good health in 2010,
Liz
I agree 100%, if I have to live with some hip pain, so be it, It is worth it just to be NED. I have learned to recognize the signs of pain coming on, and what makes it worse, so I have been able to control it much better.
Believe me though, it does get better! As my Onc explained it to me, it is the tissues and nerves that were damaged during treatment recalling the ordeal they went through, as time goes by and the healing really begins these aches and pains do fade away. I haven't had any hip pain now in 6 months. At times I feel like it is coming on and just adjust my activity level a bit or my stands, and avoid it all together.
Debbie0 -
Hip Pain, Hot Flashes? Anyone have viginia problems
Hi, I also was dx'd with anal cancer finished my treatment in June 2009. I had radation for 6 weeks along with chemo 5-FU and Myomiticin. My hips seems to stiffen if I sit for too long or walk to much. Hot flashes seems to be settling down. My main problem is my viginia just had surgery 1 1/2 weeks ago because radation closed it up. Having to use dialtors to keep it open. Is there anyone else having this issue or gone through this please contact me. Thanks0 -
your postBeekay1280 said:Hip Pain, Hot Flashes? Anyone have viginia problems
Hi, I also was dx'd with anal cancer finished my treatment in June 2009. I had radation for 6 weeks along with chemo 5-FU and Myomiticin. My hips seems to stiffen if I sit for too long or walk to much. Hot flashes seems to be settling down. My main problem is my viginia just had surgery 1 1/2 weeks ago because radation closed it up. Having to use dialtors to keep it open. Is there anyone else having this issue or gone through this please contact me. Thanks
Radiation rx for anal cancer can cause vaginal stenosis/atrophy. The radonc should have informed you of this as a potential side effect and some even provide their patients with dilators before ending treatment. Mine didn't and I found out the hard way.
HPV IS the major cause of anal cancer (90+%) and I'm sure this will increase as more studies are performed on biopsy specimens. It was originally thought to cause 70% of cervical cancers and is now attributed to 100% of them.
Hip pain is normal as the radiation decreased the bone density which will indeed result in pain Mine is horrible and I'm a side sleeper which doesn't help. Feels like someone is driving a spike into my hips.
The sweats are the worst. I am getting very irritable due to lack of sleep up every two hours sweating but freezing all the while. Back and forth, hot - cold, cold- hot, I can't take it. Don't both with makeup as it just rolls right off my face. Take a shower and 30 minutes later I'm soaked in sweat.0 -
I love your name anothersunrise
Hi sunrise,
Its about 5.15am in sydney australia here and the dawn is coming soon. sorry you got your problems.
I had chemo/rad then surgery and now folfox6. I have had the hot flushes an dstiffness in the hips and legs. I have been done some yoga, but have not got it into a permanent part of my routine. I presume my recovery will involve a lot of stretching that I should have been doing more of.
anyway we always have today to start.
I have been here up every hour complaining with bowel discomfort, its gotten a little worse as it wakes me from sleep. but I am really happy now as I have given birth to my first well formed piece of poo. Its the first one in 6 months and I have not had my reversal yet. It must have been hiding in my remaining large intestines just to surprise me. boy did it ever do that. but what relief. i feel great but very tired.
Just post away, if your in agony, some pain or feeling great as I am now as soon I will put my head on the pillow andbe off to sleep, that I have not had a night.
run your symptoms over with your onc, make sure you get answers you are happy with if you can. its liekly the chemo has caused/contributed to your issues. the onc must be the first port of call.
you also can do heaps to give your body a health boost, I just finsihed reading a great book anticancer, checkout my post on it, it may be if interest.
hugs,
Pete
ps and here's to many many more sunrises0 -
Yep
I have had many of the same symptoms as you describe. I had chemo/radiation in July&August 2010 for colorectal cancer 3C. I was diagnosed in June 2010. I was told it would put me into menopause since I wasn't yet, and the hot flashes did start. It's worse at night but I sometimes have it happen during the day. My hip's and legs are stiff and sore also. I can not sit cross leg's and can't hardly even tuck one leg under when sitting. And to get up and moving after sitting especially for a longer period....takes me a few moments to get going. I'm very stiff at first then kind of loosen up and it feels ok. There are other thing's I have heard that can happen/change with the pelvic radiation also but I haven't seen a gyn yet and sex has definitely been placed on my least to do for the time (good thing I am single). You didn't mention any problem there so hopefully all is ok in that area.
Gail0 -
dragonflyDragonfly23 said:your post
Radiation rx for anal cancer can cause vaginal stenosis/atrophy. The radonc should have informed you of this as a potential side effect and some even provide their patients with dilators before ending treatment. Mine didn't and I found out the hard way.
HPV IS the major cause of anal cancer (90+%) and I'm sure this will increase as more studies are performed on biopsy specimens. It was originally thought to cause 70% of cervical cancers and is now attributed to 100% of them.
Hip pain is normal as the radiation decreased the bone density which will indeed result in pain Mine is horrible and I'm a side sleeper which doesn't help. Feels like someone is driving a spike into my hips.
The sweats are the worst. I am getting very irritable due to lack of sleep up every two hours sweating but freezing all the while. Back and forth, hot - cold, cold- hot, I can't take it. Don't both with makeup as it just rolls right off my face. Take a shower and 30 minutes later I'm soaked in sweat.
Hi Dragonfly, I am a anal cancer survivor, and I post on the anal cancer discussion board. I hope you will come and visit. I wish you well. Lori0 -
hot flashesmaglets said:same here
sweating, flashes, cover on , covers off all night. The difference is I am old and was all done with menopause and flashes....
yes the joys of chemo....not
mags
Like you, I thought I was past menopause hot flashes. After chemo they were much worse (hair dripping wet onto my shirts etc.) My oncology NP just started me on Effexor. I was already taking Lexapro and now I take a combination. I am just beginning this so I can't tell you if it works or not. I just got so embarrased about my condition that I am willing to try anything. I did read about the study done on Effexor and post chemo menopause. Although taking something more natural would be ideal, at this stage in my life I just want something that works and doesn't cost an arm & leg. (Effexor is covered by my insurance) My hot flashes occur almost always during the day.0 -
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