Days 2 & 3 of first cycle - experiencing increased shooting pains.... anyone experienced the same?

[Meridian14]

Hello ladies,

I am on my 3rd day after my very first infusion. One down five to go.

I had de-bulking, removal of main mass which included my appendix, removal of Omnetum, peritoneum, part of bowel (Sigmoid), I now have a stoma, lining of bladder removed and small section of bladder removed, some enlarged para and aortic lymph nodes removed for testing (negative), disease scraped off my stomach and my spleen.

Yesterday and today I am experiencing constant shooting pains in my torso; upper and lower abdomen and my sides. Also increased shooting pains in my vulva area. I had experienced them previously, after surgery, but they were not as intense, they calmed down and now they are back full force and more intense. I'm hoping they will calm down again.

Wondering if it is the chemo that is causing the shooting pains to start p again.

Anyone experienced this? any tips to help calm them. I'm taking dihydracodeine and paracetomol but not really doing much good.

[Seasun36-uk]

Hi Meridian,

Yes I had those shooting pains, all in the area where the cancer is.

I understand that it is because the treatment is actually killing the cancer cells, which is great news!

They are a nuisance, but will calm down.

Best wishes,

Linda x

[Lyndy]

Hello... this kind of thing is common with chemo but all the same I would report it to your team and ask what they suggest. I had some heavy duty pain relief at one stage... so don’t suffer in silence. Equally side effects for one cycle can be different to the next. They would rather you called them than try to tough it out xx

[Doglover1410]

Yeah I had some too, I put it down to the gremlins being destroyed! Don’t know if that’s true but it got me through it!!

BUT I would also say that if it’s worrying you call your CNS, after all we are all different 😊 xx

[Meridian14]

It sounds like it's quite normal then - phew! I was just getting a bit concerned because I was wondering why they had started up again more intensely.. if it is because as you say, the chemo is doing its thing and killing the cancer cells, that puts my worries more at ease. I did call my CNS.. for now i have been asked to carry on taking my pain killers and keep an eye on it and to call them back if they get any worse. Thankfully today they are a little calmer. Thank you ladies. x

[1916 in reply to Meridian14]

Hi there

I also exspenced shooting pain in my legs , I also have a stoma I'm two years since my debulking, hope it all goes well

Regards Ann x

[Numi]

I too had a lot of pain for a few days after my first chemo, having had similarly extensive surgery. I had some strong pain relief and also used a TENS machine. It settled down and I sailed through the rest of my chemo.

Hope it all goes as well for you.

[delia2]

I had those pains on Fay’s 5 and 6 but they would dissipate after that. Keep a diary of your symptoms during the chemo cycle . It will help you see patterns and know when you will feel better.