Can anyone help. I was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in February 2014.
I have had chemo and surgery and more chemo and now have three months before I have a scan. As there is currently no active disease, however the ache in my knees and legs seems worst in a way than all the treatment last year.
Is this the result of chemo?
Hi
I had exactly the same bone pain you describe and it makes you want to scream ! Mine lasted about 15 days and then started to get better gradually. At the time I thought it was never going to go away but it did and the relief was enormous . My oncologist and
Nurse both said it was from the chemo.
Lou
Hi. I was diagnosed in Apr 2014 stage 4 and had same chemo/op/chemo. I feel so tired and my knees and ankles are aching. I feel stiff most of the time. I spoke to my Oncologist and he said that all research shows that younger women suffer more with joint pain after chemo. They don't know why. I'm not sure what age bracket you're in. I'm 40 and in daily pain. He also said it does take time for chemo to leave and things to settle. He told me it would get worse before it gets better ! hope you feel better soon xo
Hallelujah was beginning think I was being a hypochondriac finished chemo five month ago had three monthly review beginning of feb all ok not my arms and legs hurt so much feel like have been lifting weights for a week didn't feel this rough having chemo lets just hope it does eventually ease off as not much fun being treatment free and not being up to making the most of it x
Yes the joint pain can linger after treatment, try short walks and building up the stamina, and epsom salts in your bath does relieve the pain
Hi. the other posts have also advised about their joint pains - I had got to the point, where I could hardly walk or sit and the only option was to stand (a lot) or stay in bed - and was taking huge amounts of pain killers. But fortunately, my oncologist got the pain management doctor to see me - anyway, after x-rays & scans etc, I had a nerve block epidural done on Monday and the benefit is great, already.
I have finished 3rd line chemo and remain on avastin - so my bones are wrecked.
But a new me is now 'out and about'.
Talk to your doctor and see if that is an option.
Daisies
Hi, I got aching bones, ankles, shins, when I was going through chemo as a side effect. I was told by my oncologist that as it was still there 6 months after completion of chemotherapy, I would probably always have it. Its not nice. I'm 55 now, was 53 when I was diagnosed. Some days are better than others and I too have to resort to pain relief when it gets too bad. Ann
Thanks for your reply you'd think we have been through enough without all this. Talk about what doesnt kill you makes you stronger. It's a case of having to be.
Take care.
Regards Sue
Hi Woody64,
I was also diagnosed stage IV in Feb 2014. I had 4 rounds of chemo, surgery & 3 more rounds. My last was in July. I was diagnosed when I was 50. The joint pain was kinda gradual in coming on. It started in my hips. I would try to get up after sitting or get out of bed in the morning & it was all I could do to move. I would hobble around for a bit until the stiffness wore off. My gp checked my hips for arthritis & said didn't feel like I had developed it. It progressively got worse. My hips don't hurt as much, but sometimes my knees feel like bone on bone. My oncologist said I just need to move more. I joined a women's gym & try to walk about 5 miles through out the day. I still hurt all the time, but it's good that this might go away in time. I'm thinking about starting a supplement for joint health to see if I can benefit from it.
Patty
Thanks Patty,
I went to my GP yesterday about the pain she checked me over but didn't really conclude what was wrong.
I said that I am sure it was the chemo. I think we have to find our own way round these things.
Thanks for your advice.
Sue
I was diagnosed in November 2011. I had surgery and two lots of chemo over 18 months. I have suffered with knee pain and stiffness in ankles and generally felt my joints have aged 10 years. I am 45 by the way. I also about six months after chemo finished got plantar fasciitis. My oncologist seemed to think it had nothing to do with it. I have now been 18 months since chemo and still have stiffness and bad foot. I do wonder if being very inactive during chemo contributes. I think exercise helps and also I have acupuncture at my local holistic centre which has helped me.
The podditrist did say she had come across quite a few people who have muscle problems in feet after chemo.
It would be interesting to find out if much research is being done on this as I am sure it is common and I have found it hinders recovery.
I too developed lots of joint and muscular pain during a break from chemo. My oncologist immediately told me this was a withdrawal symptom common with chemo. Five months on the pain is now minimal but I start chemo again on Wednesday!
Hi, my GP has just told me that my vitamin D levels are really low and that I need to take a course of tablets for it. When I looked up about the side effects of chemo it did say that this low vitamin D causes aching joints etc. don't know if this will help you.
Thanks for all your replies. X
I too suffer from joint pain triggered by chemo. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia many years ago which had eased prior to undergoing chemo. It's particularly bad at the moment but hoping it will start to ease off soon as having final chemo on Thursday for 2nd line. Yippee!!!
It's just something else we have to put up with, along with many other side effects. But hey, I'd rather that than the alternative!
Take care
Annette xxx
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