Aches and joint pain in the night…

[Spongebobby]

Hi Lovely people, anyone experience aches and pains in the night? I had my 6th and please god final chemo in May. Diagnosed with stage 2 OC in December, full hysterectomy then 6 rounds of carbo/pax…coped well with that but now I feel like I did 8 rounds with Tyson in the night as I turn over! I am wondering if it is the menopause or a side effect of the chemo?? Xxx

[Mammi]

Hi Spongebobby,I can remember thinking as soon as the chemo was out of my system I would feel better but it does a lot of damage to healthy cells too & it took me months to lose all the aches & pains .I’m exactly a year ahead of you after same treatment & now know my limits ,our bodies have been through a hard time! Maybe a painkiller & warm bath before bed🤔& I use It Works pillow spray to help relax.It will improve 🤗sending hugs Dee X

[Spongebobby in reply to Mammi]

Hey Mammi thanks for the speedy reply and virtual hug… right back you!! Good idea about the bath, I’ll try it tonight. My sister just said the same thing about being us through so much…how are you doing now? Do you feel like your old self? I have these moments of wondering did that all really happen to me, almost like a bizarre dream… much love xxx

[Mammi in reply to Spongebobby]

I’m physically really good Thankyou , do still have moments as you say when I think how did I get through that & do have to stop my brain from going into overdrive,especially at night.Do however feel very grateful to be here & feeling good🤗DeeX

[Tillymint61]

Hi there as I understand the chemo will carry on doing the 'good stuff' as well as the unavoidable collateral damage. For a good while after final treatment. So a positive maybe the night aches and pains are a good sign that it's still doing it's good work also. Monitor what you are doing the day too as you may need to be resting a little more. Think it's natural to think and want to get immediate relief after chemo stops. Having pain relief to hand during the maybe worth a try. I found I was fine getting off to sleep initially so no relief needed. If I was woken for no apparent reason other aching I popped some pain relief. Soon worked out timing was pretty regular too. Obviously check out times for doses etc and run it by your nurse or oncologist first. Congrats on last treatment and sending you positive vibes. Xxx

[NotThatGirl]

I don’t have aches and pains specifically at night (and if it’s only at night, it may very well be menopause/hormone related), but I am experiencing aches/pains/weird sensations in my abdomen and pelvic area. I had my last chemo back in early/mid July and I keep worrying about recurrence!

The pains/sensations are anywhere from under my ribs to my flank areas to either side of my pelvis. Sometimes it’s like I can feel material travelling through my intestines? And it hurts to “bear down”, much like it used to when I had periods (I had/have endometriosis).

I have spoken to my oncologist and nurse and they said it could be post-surgery scar tissue or adhesions forming now that chemo is over (as chemo delays wound healing). Whatever it is, it’s making it difficult for me to move on and stop thinking about cancer. Sigh.

[Spongebobby]

Hey Ladies thanks for your ideas and support, great to hear from you! I think it is about remembering the mountain we’ve climbed, some still climbing and that we are all bloody warriors!! Not That Girl, I had those odd pains under the rib and pelvis but they seem to have abated, still have spasm like pains more infrequently but almost like I’m being zapped… ladies I’m off for an Epsom bath and Soprano binge…much love to y’all xxxx

[Realistic]

Its early days and l think just the effects of chemo but hopefully worth it in the end. Hopefully when it gets out of your system you'll feel better l did. Just pamper yourself at the moment and get stronger. Sending love & hugsSheilaFxxx

[Chicago59]

I am just about to have my final chemo next week, and am also grade 2 high grade oc. I’m just wondering what your follow up treatment is as I need to discuss about mine with the oncologist. Baths always seem a good idea? How long did it take your hair to recover? Did you get aches and pains during the chemo. Big hugs to you, do you live anywhere near Plymouth uk? I would love to meet anyone living through this near me .

[Zssu]

Well done so far. After having had platinum based chemo twice. I too suffered with joint pain. I am not a medic but although my serum level showed my magnesium level was ok, I have found that taking a Mag oxide 300mg every day has helped hugely. Also with constipation. I am now 2 years from the last chemo. Do ask your onco first, if they would recommend. As I am a vegetarian I eat loads of high mag foods but for some reason my body does appear to retain it. Good luck, so near the end now x

[SopSinger]

Try Epsom salts in the bath. They help top up magnesium levels and are recommended by lots of people.

[OvacomeSupport Partner My Ovacome Team]

Hi there Spongebobby

Thank you for your post. I can see you’ve had some really helpful and informative replies from other forum members so just wanted to pop by to suggest discussing this change with your clinical team. They may be able to offer individualised guidance to the cause of your aches and pains, as well as make personalised suggestions on how best to alleviate them.

I hope that the discomfort eases for you soon. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like to speak to a member of the Ovacome support team. You can reply to us directly via the forum, or chat to us on our support line number 0800 008 7054.

Best wishes

Annie

Ovacome support

[Spongebobby]

Thank you so much to all you lovelies that replied, certainly do feel blessed with the fab responses… spoke to oncology consultant today and yes it seems these aches and pain are commonplace but they will go! Hey Zssu & Sopsinger, the magnesium is something I have heard good reports on so going to give that a try as well… other thing I had bloods done today was my for under active thyroid meds which may need tweaking… Hi Chicago, the hair is growing well, very thick and about 1cm per month since chemo stopped in May, had hairdresser trim the top and shave the sides so I’m rocking a Halle Berry short cut, shame I haven’t got her face! Eyebrows grown but I had them micro bladed as well, eyelashes are thicker than before and back to usual, length wise… got a fine down on my face which apparently goes after a few months, I don’t live near Plymouth but this forum is great for reaching out and look how many replied... hi Realistic, yes your comment about being kind to yourself is massively important and one that I forget often, you know soldiering on as we do, Tillymay, thank you for your kind words… ladies I’m off to get some zzzz’s in and count my blessings, much love to y’all xxxx