Hello, it’s been nearly 5 weeks since my last docetaxol. I had 3x EC and 3x doce. I’m 38 and struggling with feeling weak and aches. My knees and ankles ache a lot and stiffen up as the day goes on. My muscles feel tight and weak. I know it’s not been long but is this normal and does it get better? when I walk a feel it takes a couple of days to recover.
I haven’t stated taken Letrozole yet. Radio starts a week on Monday and will start then. Just wanted to let my body recover but I don’t feel I’m recovering
Please give me and hints and tips and tell me your experiences. Thank you.
@hanb1 I finished my chemotherapy 13 months ago, had my operation 11 months ago and 10 radiotherapy sessions finished in March. It took a long time for me to regain my previous stamina, energy and muscle strength. I think my muscle strength is stilla bit weak, going up hills is still tricky, but in the last month my energy levels are just about normal and stamina is getting there.
I had quite a lot of aches on Docetaxel and since i started on Letrazole i have had pain in the neck and shoulders. This is worse in the morning and improves theoughout the day. I take 2 paracetamol every morning and a Naproxen if I’m doing a lot or on a trip. Probably twice a week. I also stretch my arms and shoulders. It has definitely improved as time has gone on.
I found it very frustrating that I wasnt ‘getting back to normal’ more quickly. Eventually I realised that there is now a new normal and you have to accept what that is. I also found that I couldn’t have 2 busy days in a row and needed to pace myself. You need to say no even when you don’t want to. As annoying as it seems you need to look long term, maybe a year, before you feel more like your old self. This may be earlier for you as you are much younger than me, I’m 64, so i would guess it would take me longer to recover. You will get there but 5 weeks is nothing in the scheme of things I’m afraid. It is totally normal and you will be better in time.
How are your electrolytes doing- calcium, phosphate, potassium, magnesium….
Check with your team but some top ups may help and take it easy build up slowly 5/10/15/20/30 min light exercise
