I was diagnosed with stage 4 lug cancer2 years ago. My cancer either briefly responded or didn't respond at all to the variety of treatments given but I am currently on Tagrisso and so far so good. In the past I have had CT and PET scans and it was found that there were no metastasis in the brain and just a small spot on a rib.
My current problem is that I have lost any strength in my legs. Walking is exhausting and I can only go for a short distance so I need my daughter to attend appointments with me to give me a push in a wheelchair. The hospital are going to repeat the PET scan just to check for metastasis . But I am not experiencing any pain just very weak legs. Has any one else experienced anything like this?
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sally70
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Not sure of your fitness level but weakness in the legs does occur as we age along with all the treatments that can cause muscular waste. Once you get your scan I would recommend a gentle leg workout that can be found on YouTube. Loss of muscle is a battle I have been fighting for 8 years with my treatments. I force myself to walk and do body workouts. I feel your pain and sorry you are going through this. If you need any suggestions for exercise let me know!
Wow 8 years. Thank you very much. I try to do a bit of a walk each day. It's not very far at al but I hope something is better than nothing. I did try to do more and went up 3 wide steps to walk on the grass. But on my way back indoors I fell down the steps. This really shook me up especially as I had problems getting back up and it has left me a bit battered and bruised. I wont try that again without having someone else with me. I will look on You Tube as you suggested and if I have any problems come back to you for suggestions. Once again than you. It is a relief to know I am not the only one this has happened to. My very best wishes to you.
Talk to your doctor about getting some physical therapy to strengthen your legs overall. That's what I have been doing. It's very helpful & gets me to repeat the exercises at home as prescribed. Good luck.
Sorry to hear you are experiencing weakness in your legs; there could be many reasons for this, and it is good you are getting thoroughly checked with the PET scan.
You mentioned you had a fall, that can certainly dent any confidence you had in getting around, and as you know the less you use muscles and joints the weaker they also get.
As you are awaiting the PET scan, take note of any other symptoms you may have or changes in the weakness and let the doctors know.
You could try simple leg exercises whilst sitting in the chair supported, e.g in a recliner or with your legs elevated; check with your doctor that these are safe for you to do. For each movement, do it slowly and inhale before you start and exhale with the movement, breathing is important with movement to get the maximum benefit.
Like any exercise if you have pain at all, stop, rest and let your oncologist know if it persists. As they have advised on the forum it may be good to have a physiotherapist assess you or provide some muscle strengthening exercises.
If there is anything else you would like to discuss you can email ask the nurse at lungcancerhelp@roycastle.org or call our free phone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200 Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600
Thank you all. I have fallen twice so will not take any more chances. My scan is happening towards the end of June so I will make sure I take some exercise each day until then. At stage 4 I know there is no cure but I am determined to live with this disease for many years to come . I just hope that new treatments are emerging that will suit my cancer. Thank you for your advice.
I was diagnosed in August 21 with stage 4 NSCLC. Treatable but no cure, those words haunt me today.
I was started on immunotherapy in September but it had no effect so then chemo. Chemo had to be delayed because immunotherapy gave me Diverticulitis!
I agree with Seaspray treatment can cause muscle wastage and the fact that your not as active, muscle waste happens pretty quickly.
Probably around December I noticed my left left was behaving oddly. When walking upstairs it would drag on the stair and not lift. I got worse and just wouldn't say its a tiredness though more like not doing what I want it to do and feeling heavy and like a dead leg.
My Consultant at Christie's arranged a brain scan in January which showed 2 tiny mets which I had radiotherapy for a Salford Royal, it was successful. They wait 6 months and then check progress as radiotherapy carries on working after the initial dose. They found that the ones zapped on left side had gone but another tiny one on opposite side.
I really do think it's muscle wastage but I'm sure if you're consultant thinks otherwise they will arrange further tests.
Thank you for your reply. It helps so much to hear that not all others are having wildly successful treatment. I'm sorry that isn't very considerate of me and in my heart I wish we could all benefit from immunotherapy but its not like that yet. I also empathise so much with your statement, "words that haunt me today". You try hard to be positive but there are those times or days when things just get on top of you. If you don't object I will include you in my prayers tonight and I do wish you all the very best. With love and thanks.
Like you say some treatment is successful for one and not for another.
It's been a rollercoaster of a ride and will continue, hopefully for me to have my last 2 chemotherapy sessions which diverticulitis put a stop to.
I wouldn't object at all you including me in your prayers, I must admit I lost faith, This terrible disease affects all, young, old, rich and poor, and it's no ones fault that it does. The why me? The why not me.
I've tried exercises for my leg, which you could try. I'm just hoping that after the next radiotherapy for the brain metastases I will perhaps be able to walk a little, to think I cycled miles before it got me!!
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