Thigh ache

[27-359]

I finished weekly Taxel just before Christmas, and it has left me completely poleaxed! I have fluid inside and outside my lung and the pressure makes movement around the house difficult. I have had to give up housework and shopping etc. and spend my days just sitting. Unfortunately this ascites is too widely spread to drain at present.However, my main problem is the ache in my thighs when I stand for more than five minutes, so that even preparing a meal or ironing is painful. Has anyone else experienced this post chemo, and found anything that helps. I was wondering about a massage with a specialist masseuse.

Jenny

[delia2]

Hi Jenny. I’m so sorry you’re going through this kind of discomfort. I haven’t had the kind of pain you’re talking about unless it’s from fluid in your legs in which case a lymphedema specialist could do massage to help. I’m wondering whether you are connected with palliative care ? I do hope you get some relief. Xx

[27-359 in reply to delia2]

My legs aren't swollen at all, and yes I do get support from my local hospice. I will have a word with them about it.Jenny

[Goodgirl98]

hi Jenny, I have had neuropathy based pains in my upper thigh. Magnesium supplement along with some yoga poses have helped. I am not sure if your pain is the same. If it is due to neuropathy, let me know and I can share the specific yoga poses that help

[27-359 in reply to Goodgirl98]

Thank you.

[JanCan15]

Even if your legs are not swollen, lymphedema can still cause pain and discomfort. I had feet that itched after chemo. They looked normal. Went to a lymphoma specialist and they helped get rid of itching. I wore compression socks and that helped a ton. Have you tried compression socks or getting a lymphatic drain massage?

[27-359 in reply to JanCan15]

I have got compression socket so will try them, and have an appointment with a cancer masseuse next week,and will mention this to her.

Jenny

[Greenme]

Hi Jenny,Sorry to hear that you are having such difficulty after chemo! I am a nurse, and have had fluid in my chest cavity since being diagnosed with ovarian cancer 5 years ago. (I'm officially cancer free now!) There used to be much more fluid, which was drained off several times during treatment and the following year or so. Now, there's a "moderate" amount left on one side, and it can't be drained because it just refills. Fortunately, over time, it has become walled off with scar tissue, and doesn't cause me too much trouble any more. I have learned to live with it.

The pain in you legs could well be neuropathy if you have no swelling there. You might want to consult with your oncologists to see what they suggest. It's possible that a TENS unit might help with the pain, and physical therapy might help as well. I also found a lot of support from palliative care during my cancer journey, and second the motion to connect with them! Having the support of a team (or two) of healthcare professionals as you deal with the leftover effects of cancer and the side effects of chemo is your best bet. With the level of difficulty that you are experiencing with your lungs, if you can't get in to see someone soon, I would go to the local emergency room and see if they can give you some relief. Take care!