Post treatment joint pain in hands and feet?

[SarahM]

Last chemo cycle end of January and am now experiencing really unpleasant joint pain in my thumb joints, knuckles and feet. Hands and feet very stiff on waking in the morning. Has anybody else had a similar experience post taxol/carbo chemo treatment?

[Hidden]

It was a symptom I was asked about each cycle, and my oncologist said he wanted to know if I experienced it - which I didn't. I would get in touch with your oncology dept, and ask. Having said that; since starting the menopause, I am generally stiff after lying down or sitting for even short periods, so it might not be chemo- related. It is so hard to know what's causing what!!!

Very best wishes,

Isadora

[SarahM in reply to Hidden]

Isadora, thank you for the info. it's good to know that there are women out there who understand and can give good advise. :O)

[mayy]

SarahM, I had the same. I finished treatment end of April 2010 and I'd say that it was not til Sept before I could stand on my feet without pain after getting out of bed in the mornings. I had similar pains in the joints of my hands. Everyone's different and hopefully yours will go soon. Just want to let you know that it is one of the side-effects.

[SarahM in reply to mayy]

Mayy thank you for taking the time to answer my question, good to know that it's a side effect and hopefully nothing more sinister. We are told of the many (possible) side effects during the treatment but oncologists are slightly reluctant to express any opinion about effects after treatment. I will continue to hope that eventually the stiffness and pain will lessen with time and I can get into my little summer pumps again!

[pixie]

Hi Sarah

I had problems with joint pain & stiffness in my hands which started soon after my chemo finished. It was quite debilitating for a while - couldn't grip anything, couldn't open jars or chop veg, or get coins out of my purse. They are still a bit stiff in the mornings and if I've had my fingers in one position for a while - like if I am clicking a mouse a lot at work. But it is improving. Still can't get my rings back on though as my joints are still a bit swollen. My oncologist had warned me about pins & needles in my fingers & toes but hadn't mentioned stiff joints so I was quite worried for a while, but my GP arranged tests to check if it was rheumatoid arthritis - which came back clear so I just had to be patient!

I hope your symptoms ease soon, and you can get on with the things you want to do.

Gael

[SarahM in reply to pixie]

Gael, that's exactly it, your description of your experiences exactly mirror mine, so relieved to hear it's not just me. I have tests booked through my GP, fingers crossed they will come back OK.

I will have to be patient, I am finding other ways of doing things and I have plenty of help at home to open the odd jar and bottle of wine!

Thank you for taking the time to reassure me. If you don't mind me asking how long ago did you have your last chemo treatment?

Kindest regards

SarahM

[pixie in reply to SarahM]

I finished my chemo last August (I had 2 taxol, and 5 carbo - was supposed to have 6 of both but the neuropathy and low blood counts meant I couldn't have all 6). The stiffness started gradually a couple of weeks later and was at its worst in November. My hips and knees were quite stiff too, and if I was sitting for a while it would be a struggle to get moving again, but they are fine now.

Now I can do everything I used to do so I'm very busy catching up with the weeding on my allotment - and I've even taken up cycling (at 47!). After a year of inactivity I'm determined to take control and get fit again. I'm sure you will too.

all the best for your recovery

Gael