Avistan. Pain

[marianc]

Im currently on Avistan. But im getting terrible back and joint pain. I did have the cancer in my lymph nodes in my back. Anyone else had this happen to them on this treatment. Im taking paracetamol to help.

[Whippit]

Dear Marianc

I was sorry to read you have back and joint pain as a result of Avastin. Me too. I tried Volterol for a while and then visited my GP and he prescribed a stronger pain killer which he suggested taking for five days combined with a programme of exercise to build up core strength. I found this combination to be pretty effective and have developed more strength as a result of exercising and taking pain control tabs. Having said that I had maintenance Avastin yesterday and I'm feeling a bit creaky and about 90 years old today.

I think I have cancer widespread in the abdomen and in the ileac region. Not sure whether this is significant.

I do hope you can get the pain/stiffness under control. It's good to be in touch and share experiences. xxx love Annie xxx

[babsclunn]

Me too I normally have high pain thresholds but back legs and arms are agony co codamol not doing much seeing oncologist tommorow hoping he can prescribe something stronger hobbling round like a ninety year oof hope you feel better soon babs

[nork2]

I had I think it was 6/7 months of Avastin last year and suffered quite badly with aching bones especially shoulders, neck and collarbone. Had a few massages and a heat blanket thingy wrapped round my shoulders helped. Pain disappeared within a few weeks of stopping the Avastin.

Hope you find something that helps,

Lynne xx

[marianc]

Thanks for all your replies. It really helps. I understand that you may get pain in the area where cancer was and thats seems to be the case with me. I can live with joint pain so long as cancer is being held at bay.

I had cancer in back and neck lymph nodes. The ct shows that they have gone. C

[HumbleD]

I did suffer very badly with joint pain when on Avastin. I took Cocodamol/Paracetomol to cope with the pain. Gradually, as I had the Avastin in combination with carbo/gem, when the carbo/gem was finished, I found the joint pain persisted, whilst on the Avastin, I started to exercise more. I started on short walks and then gradually built up my stamina to be able to do mobility swimming. I cannot comment on the situation with your lymph nodes and perhaps a chat with your oncologist would help. This is who I discussed my joint pain with at the time. My exercise regime took place over a long time and I finally had to give it up when my cancer returned, last summer.

Take care, love Wendy xx

[TrishLey]

I too have back, leg and joint pain on Avastin. I've been on it for 15 months now. My feet are the worst though. I just take paracetomol and try to get my feet rubbed by everyone I can cajole into doing it for me!

[Bougheycat]

I had back pain before but found it was greater whilst on the Avastin, also fatigue was very high! Then ended up stopping after 15 infusions due to dizzy spells!

[Hidden]

Hi marianc, I have been on Avastin since last Oct with Gem up to Feb and now just Avastin alone. I do get aches in my joints especially right ankle so I find a support helps and so far I have managed them with paracetamol. I do admit that when the tiredness kicks in, I dont have energy for a walk but walking does help. It is good to get out in the fresh air also. This week have started walking again. My oncologist says it is normal to have pain in the tumour area, while niggly it can flare up from time to time. Epsom salts is indeed good as there is magnesium in it. Even if you dont have a bath, you can bathe your feel in a basin with the salts and it does help. Reflexology is also helpful but it must be a light massage from someone who is familiar with cancer patients. I am lucky enough to have a Cancer Support House ie Arc Cancer Support that I can ring and talk to people on the phone and make an appt to come and have a treatment or counselling. It is on my to do list at the moment again. Just had lymph nodes in thorax and tummy and they have remained stable . Have scan in next few weeks so will know after that if Avastin is doing its job. My now retired gp once said to me, if there are side effects it means the meds are working. So I always keep that thought in my head.

[Yogini01uk]

Hi Marianc. I too have back pain and also pain in the joint of my right thumb. The Avastin is working for me, keeping me in remission so I'll take the niggles and try not to moan to my patient husband. Lol. Jean. Xx

[dawnieg]

HI Marian, sorry to hear you are struggling, I haven't had this treatment but had dreadful sciatica for 5 months after my chemo finished and was unable to sit down or drive. It was worse than the OC! I used to be very active and still walk a fair bit but find it hard going as l ache all over especially my back& legs..My oncologist says it's due to the menopause. I had Bowen therapy recently and it was very helpful and enabled me to sit down again. I also take Naproxen regularly, there is some research to show it can fight the cancer too (see DrDu's posts). I do hope you find a way through this, love from Dawn xx