Hi all
I had lumpectomy, 4xAC and 12xT chemo (ended Nov 2025) and 20 rounds of radiotherapy (ended Jan 2026) for stage 2 grade 3 ER+ HER2- BC at age 49. I’m not on any hormone therapy. I’ve always been very fit and managed to keep running throughout treatment.
My problem is sudden onset knee pain/stiffness in both knees that is really affecting my daily life. I’m not doing anything differently, but suddenly my knees are so painful and it’s really hard to get out of the car, bend down to the floor, get up from seated, that kind of thing. Neither rest nor exercise helps. I also wake with painful stiff hands every morning now.
I’m taking omega 3, B complex, vitamin D3 with K2 and magnesium glycinate and am a healthy weight. Anti inflammatories don’t touch the pain.
Am I stuck with this now? Is it chemo-induced menopause? I’m supposed to be starting Tamoxifen soon, but I am very reluctant (no comments on this please). Does anyone have any advice? I can’t and won’t accept that I have to put up with this now.
Many thanks
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Hi 
I’m so sorry you’re going through this, it sounds incredibly frustrating, especially when you’ve managed to stay so active throughout everything.
I remember having unexpected aches and stiffness during and after treatment too, and it can feel quite alarming when it comes on so suddenly. From my experience, our bodies can take time to adjust after everything they’ve been through, even when we feel like we should be getting back to normal.
It might be worth speaking with your GP or doctor about it, just to check things through and see if there’s anything that could help ease it. You don’t have to just accept living with that level of pain.
Sending you so much care, and I really hope you find some relief soon 
Thank you. Yes, it’s so frustrating - I expected (naiively?!) to start to feel better post-chemo, not worse!
I am seeing the oncologist next week, so will mention it there and take it from there.
Thank you for responding.
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I completely understand that feeling I remember thinking the same, like things should start improving once treatment finished, not suddenly feel harder in other ways.
It’s really good you’re seeing your oncologist next week, hopefully they can give you some clarity and support around it. Just know you’re not alone in this, even if it feels unexpected.
I really hope you start to get some answers and a bit of relief soon.
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