Question please

[Ollie13]

I'm on pembrolizumab and doing well. These past couple of weeks when I have been sitting down for a period of time, when I get up to walk my heels are very painful to walk on but easies a bit after walking. Anyone knows if this has to do with my immunotherapy or is it an age thing !!!!!

[Elt79]

That’s spooky because I recently had this in my right heel but have been thinking it’s plantar fasciitis- happened a few weeks ago then wore off but back again after last infusion? Doesn’t go away quickly though. I will mention at my next clinic appointment.

[Ollie13 in reply to Elt79]

Thanks for getting back to me yes i would agree with what your saying and will mention at next clinic. Its great getting support and advice on this site sort of eases the worry. Thanks x

[Clem1]

Hi Ollie pembroluzamab can cause a kind of auto immune which can give arthritis type side effects but I was told this can mean it’s working good luck.Clem 1

[Ollie13 in reply to Clem1]

Thanks Clem1 for getting back will speak to my oncologist next time we meet. Immunotherapy is going great and working for me but still not enough known re side effect. Take care x

[rottenrunner]

hi Ollie13

I often get that when I get up off the sofa, but not all the time, think I did have plantar fasciitis, not diagnosed, but am quite happy going for a long walk or jogging, it soon wears off so not sure if it's a cancer or chemo thing or just getting old, take care and keep active and 100 % positive

Dave 😊👍

[Ollie13 in reply to rottenrunner]

Thanks for getting back to me its quicker in here than getting a Dr's appointment lol thanks for the info and yes I'm always positive its the only way to beat this. Janet 😁x

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hi Ollie13

Sorry to hear about your heel pain, sometimes there can be joint swelling and pain from Pembrolizumab, however like everything else, any change in symptom do let your Cancer care team know or GP, of which you may have done already.

After assessment they may recommend analgesia and physiotherapy for some foot exercises to assist in managing this.

If you wish to discuss anything you can call us on our Freephone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team

[Ollie13]

Thank you for your advice will speak to my care team regarding this.

[Hidden]

I have joint pains all over since on this ,physio input useful ,I take regular pain killers .Basically just have to keep moving .I can barely get in the swimming pool but so do as exercise helps and is positive for me .Sleep seems to help loads if only hot/cold flushes don't t awaken me .Hey ho just another problem from a different sort of treatment .Try insoles for your shoes it may help and easy to purchase .Good luck I hope this problem resolves itself soon .Diane

[Ollie13]

Thanks diane55 it's great on here someone always helps. Will try the insoles. Thanks x

[Llanigirl]

Are they keeping track of your thyroid function? Pembrolizumab destroys the thyroid and can send you into hypothyroidism. One of the symptoms of thyroiditis is painful heels...

[Ollie13 in reply to Llanigirl]

Thanks I get my bloods checked before seeing my oncologist all seems ok. Saw my nurse practitioner at my dr's who said I have plantar fasciitis which she gave me an exercise sheet and advised me to buy shoe bits for this. Which does appear to work for a bit. Now been diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis due to side effects of immunotherapy awaiting appointment with rheumatology dr. Thanks again for your help. xx

[Llanigirl in reply to Ollie13]

I was also having my bloods checked every three weeks, however, the thyroid panel isn't part of the blood work protocol and needs to be requested as an additional set of tests every three weeks. I found out the hard way when I became hypothyroid and my oncologist admitted that they had forgotten to include the thyroid panel four months after treatment started!

[Ollie13 in reply to Llanigirl]

Thanks will check next time I get bloods done. x