Arthritis after Chemo?

[Lu.vieira]

Wren thank you for all the info. I’m 47Yo and finished treatment with Paclitaxel 2 months ago and was so happy because I thought I’ve made it without bigger consequences as to side effects but about 2 weeks ago started feeling joint pain on my whole body and it’s getting worse and worse. Have an appointment with my oncologist on the 9th of November and didn’t even know what to expect until seeing all these comments here. Just when you think the nightmare is over huh? 

[diane123]

I Just the same 😢

diagnosed with TNBC in August 2015. Lumpectomy, T-FEC chemotherapy, bilateral mastectomy followed by 2 complete revision mastectomies. Was able to walk all round college campuses and stairs etc before diagnosis and now 3 years on got severe arthritis throughout and struggling to walk 50 metres. Feeling like I’m dropping out of taking part in life, OT came out and made adjustments at home which is hard to accept that’s where I’m at aged 53yrs. I have had 6 falls in last year from which I cannot get myself up (about to be assessed for a Mangar cushion lift) as I was distraught at being home alone last fall 4 weeks ago and waiting for help to come

I was on Tramadol but have now been moved to slow release morphine although it only takes the edge of it. I was never told that this was a possible side effect and I’m currently feeling quite angry about it

[Triangle]

Hi, my story very similar to yours. TNBC, lumpectomy, axillary node clearance, then EC-T and rads. Before all this was active, walked my dog, no problem. A year down the line, diagnosed with severe arthritis, so much so I'm waiting for a hip replacement. I still have peripheral neuropathy in hands and feet and my knees are really painful. Climbing the stairs is like scaling Everest! My oncologist very reluctant to link the chemo to the arthritis but I know my own body. I wish there was more support for us as it does seem more and more likely there is a definite link to the chemo. 

Really hoping you get the support and help with the pain. 

[embomonkey29]

Hi I’m 2 years down after chemo for TNBC 2x mastectomies and full node clearance due to it being in 7 nodes and FEC-T chemo and my joints and muscle aches are so much worse I have had bone scans that have now told

me I have osteoarthritis in nearly every joint, I have cervicall spondylosis in the top of my spine /bottom of neck and I have degenative bone disease so I haven’t got better after time as my oncologist said and before BC I had no problems I used to goto gym every night and do 2-3 hours and now I’m lucky if I can walk to the garden gate without pain. I’m having to work due to bills etc and I’m a nurse so it’s crucifying me but I have to keep going!!!

i have told people fighting cancer was so hard mentally and emotionally however I find what cancer has left behind a lot more tougher sometimes. I also feel people think oh she’s alive she’s okay now I just wish people. Oils climb in my body and feel the pains I feel especially when it’s cold and damp outside. This pain also affects me mentally and emotionally I don’t sleep and no pain relief is touching it I have been referred to pain clinic however my first appointment isn’t till October as no space xx so I feel all your woes and pains to it’s awful to contend with 😘 

[EGovier]

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@sciathos wrote:

Thank you so much WREN - this post has really helped me, I stopped raking letrozole after 1month and have continued to experience joint pain. My alcohol and sugar intake may be contributing 😟

---

@Wren wrote:

Dear Bibi44

 Yes it has been more than 2 years for me and I still have all the aches and pains.  These include neuropathy aching joints and even that burning sensation inside my veins.  I had stage four so they hit me hard with paclataxel and taxol.  

I had my treatment in South Africa with the same doctor that treated me first time around.  I am a scientist so we have a very open patient-doctor relationship.  He does not hold back.  Here is the deal.  

1. The chemo hardens the arteries so blood flow through your body and the osmosis of fluid through your cells will never be the same again.

2. You are most likely on estrogen inhibitors like tamoxifen or Arimidex.  These cause menaupausal symptoms so prepare to feel 10 years older every morning when you get out of bed.  Arimidex is worse.  It removes ALL the estrogen and the side effects after 3 to 5 years, is osteoperosis.

3. Joints.  Estrogen helps promote bloodflow to joints and cartledge so expect ancle, knee, wrist, thumb etc pains.

4. Skin.  Your skin and muscles need collagen to regenerate.  Estrogen helps with that. No estrogen no collagen uptake.

Fighting back; You fought this horrible desease and won.  Your body might feel weeker but your soul and mind is stronger.  How to fight back:

1. Bloodflow.  I can't espress enough how crucial it is to keep your juices flowing.  MOVE .....a lot! don't sit still for more than an hour and do excercise every day.  Treat yourself.  Have a good firm massage (sports or limf drainage) at least once a week.  If this is too pricey invest in a massager that you can use at home yourself. consider it a long term investment.  They are cheaper than a Zimmer Frame!

2. Nothing is going to bring the estrogen back but I find that acupuncture and a healthy diet of oily fish and green vegetables (especially broccoli) makes all the difference.  Get loads of collagen into your system anyway.  Broth made from boiled organic chicken is an excellent source.

3. Joints and other aches.  It sounds counter intuitive but I PROMISE the more you exercise the less pain you will have and the better you will sleep.  It really is a case of use it or loose it!  It is so hard to go for a jog with sore acillies tendons or get on a bike with sore hips I know but try.  Mix the exercise up so that you don't cause more damage.  When your ancles start to ache during a jog move to a walk.  When your hips and knees ache after a cycle change to swimming.  I invest in a good personal trainer.  I spend the same on him a week than I used to spend on painkillers and alcohol.  8 glasses of wine at a pub can buy you a session.  He is brilliant! he watches how I move and identifies the weak and unbalanced parts of my body.  He then corrects them with the right exercises.  This prevents injury and his positive  up-beat attitude is like a therapy session to me as well.  Also remember that alcohol and sugar causes inflimation and inflimation causes pain.

4.Skin. Your skin is going to be slow on the repair so do not allow damage.  Keep hydrated.  I dehydrate easily from all the knight sweats so I often pop some electrolytes in my water.  Slap on the moisturiser.  I keep a nice eye cream in my handbag and continually re-apply.  Have as much sex as possible. It stimulates some hormone production and his testosterone every now and then is quite healthy.  If like me, you are just not in the mood.....make a plan....;)

Last but not least.  Whenever that deep dark depression hits me once a month around the time I am suppose to have a normal period but don't - funny that - I try and remind myself that there is more to me than just a body.  Nobody ever misses bits of somones body when they pass away, they miss their essence.  I think this is a great time to get to know and love ourselves again.

Good luck Xx

---

---

I found this message incredibly helpful. I started on Letrozol a week ago and have been almost immediately hit with deep arthritic pain in my left knee. I had a pre existing rheumatoid arthritis condition in that knee anyway. I’m stage 3A breast cancer ( it got into five lymph nodes) having recently finished 24 weeks of chemo and 20 days of radiotherapy. I got through the chemo without any sepsis or infections and generally am ok but this joint pain has hit me like a train. 

I have been doing yoga throughout my treatment but it’s actually too sore to continue at the moment. 

Your message has made me realise the source of the pain and the reality of the future. I have to keep moving and manage it as best I can. Brilliant tips, thank you. 

This is actually the first time I have communicated on a forum. I think I had to get through the treatment first. 🙂 

thank you xxx

[EGovier]

I found this message incredibly helpful. I started on Letrozol a week ago and have been almost immediately hit with deep arthritic pain in my left knee. I had a pre existing rheumatoid arthritis condition in that knee anyway. I’m stage 3A breast cancer ( it got into five lymph nodes) having recently finished 24 weeks of chemo and 20 days of radiotherapy. I got through the chemo without any sepsis or infections and generally am ok but this joint pain has hit me like a train. 

I have been doing yoga throughout my treatment but it’s actually too sore to continue at the moment. 

Your message has made me realise the source of the pain and the reality of the future. I have to keep moving and manage it as best I can. Brilliant tips, thank you. 

This is actually the first time I have communicated on a forum. I think I had to get through the treatment first. 🙂 

thank you xxx

[janedoeforum18]

I finshed chemo in June then Radiotherapy in July. Then at the end of July the joint pain started and is as so many describe debilitating for a previously fit person and so depressing when movement is so key to living the life of a mother and sports person.  I read the great posts on here and the penny has dropped that this isnt going away.   I am trying to find a solution of a combo of diet and excercise. I feel like an old woman and look like one as my son so honestly pointed out - when I get up from the sofa I need a crane. 

I am hoping for a strict diet and excercise regime that that will make this go away - but as with most things relating to the breast cancer steps there is no one size fits all. I have carried on yoga all the way through my treatment and walking the dog and have started gently swim regimes but once work and the long comute going with that start its going to be tricky.  I guess its the fact that I may not get back to fitness is really frightening me, and that work may not be possible is terrifying.  someone suggested Aloe Vera as well as turmeric - OILS? I have seen many mentions of arthritis - is this what this is? how do I find out if thats what it is? Any tips greatly appreciated . J x

[sciathos]

Thank you so much WREN - this post has really helped me, I stopped raking letrozole after 1month and have continued to experience joint pain. My alcohol and sugar intake may be contributing 😟

---

@Wren wrote:

Dear Bibi44

 Yes it has been more than 2 years for me and I still have all the aches and pains.  These include neuropathy aching joints and even that burning sensation inside my veins.  I had stage four so they hit me hard with paclataxel and taxol.  

I had my treatment in South Africa with the same doctor that treated me first time around.  I am a scientist so we have a very open patient-doctor relationship.  He does not hold back.  Here is the deal.  

1. The chemo hardens the arteries so blood flow through your body and the osmosis of fluid through your cells will never be the same again.

2. You are most likely on estrogen inhibitors like tamoxifen or Arimidex.  These cause menaupausal symptoms so prepare to feel 10 years older every morning when you get out of bed.  Arimidex is worse.  It removes ALL the estrogen and the side effects after 3 to 5 years, is osteoperosis.

3. Joints.  Estrogen helps promote bloodflow to joints and cartledge so expect ancle, knee, wrist, thumb etc pains.

4. Skin.  Your skin and muscles need collagen to regenerate.  Estrogen helps with that. No estrogen no collagen uptake.

Fighting back; You fought this horrible desease and won.  Your body might feel weeker but your soul and mind is stronger.  How to fight back:

1. Bloodflow.  I can't espress enough how crucial it is to keep your juices flowing.  MOVE .....a lot! don't sit still for more than an hour and do excercise every day.  Treat yourself.  Have a good firm massage (sports or limf drainage) at least once a week.  If this is too pricey invest in a massager that you can use at home yourself. consider it a long term investment.  They are cheaper than a Zimmer Frame!

2. Nothing is going to bring the estrogen back but I find that acupuncture and a healthy diet of oily fish and green vegetables (especially broccoli) makes all the difference.  Get loads of collagen into your system anyway.  Broth made from boiled organic chicken is an excellent source.

3. Joints and other aches.  It sounds counter intuitive but I PROMISE the more you exercise the less pain you will have and the better you will sleep.  It really is a case of use it or loose it!  It is so hard to go for a jog with sore acillies tendons or get on a bike with sore hips I know but try.  Mix the exercise up so that you don't cause more damage.  When your ancles start to ache during a jog move to a walk.  When your hips and knees ache after a cycle change to swimming.  I invest in a good personal trainer.  I spend the same on him a week than I used to spend on painkillers and alcohol.  8 glasses of wine at a pub can buy you a session.  He is brilliant! he watches how I move and identifies the weak and unbalanced parts of my body.  He then corrects them with the right exercises.  This prevents injury and his positive  up-beat attitude is like a therapy session to me as well.  Also remember that alcohol and sugar causes inflimation and inflimation causes pain.

4.Skin. Your skin is going to be slow on the repair so do not allow damage.  Keep hydrated.  I dehydrate easily from all the knight sweats so I often pop some electrolytes in my water.  Slap on the moisturiser.  I keep a nice eye cream in my handbag and continually re-apply.  Have as much sex as possible. It stimulates some hormone production and his testosterone every now and then is quite healthy.  If like me, you are just not in the mood.....make a plan....;)

Last but not least.  Whenever that deep dark depression hits me once a month around the time I am suppose to have a normal period but don't - funny that - I try and remind myself that there is more to me than just a body.  Nobody ever misses bits of somones body when they pass away, they miss their essence.  I think this is a great time to get to know and love ourselves again.

Good luck Xx

---

[Trisha69]

Glad to have found this forum. Am in bloody agony with back hip and leg pain. Take Naproxen twice a day. 6 Gabapentin and regular paracetamol and Ibuprofen but nothing has helped. Have had 6 Chemo and 18 Radiotherapy. Last Herceptin next week. Had a CT scan last night and stopped Anastrazole (as per Oncologists advice) 7 weeks ago. Cant stand up for more than a few mins and walking is agony. Putting weight on and the pains thru the night killing my sleep. The Oncologist thought stopping Anastrazole might help but the pains are worse than ever. Also started Zolendronic infusion 2 weeks ago but the pains been gradually getting worse since end of Rads. Please HELP x

[Pattyflan]

Hello, I believe it’s all chemo related. I was 54 when I was diagnosed with stage to breast cancer and I was physically fit but slightly overweight and I just finished chemo and radiation a month ago. I also took tamoxifen but I’m not gonna take it anymore because the side effects are worse than chemo. I’m tired again in my whole body hurts. The point of doing chemo and radiation for us breast cancer patients was to have quality of life not being in pain is an important issue after everything we’ve been through.

[angelas]

I was researching joint pain after chemo and came across your site.  I'm 6 years out from chemo and herceptine and still have difficulty with my joint pain.  I am on tamoxifen so I noticed that many of you mentioned that was a possible contributor.  I do take turmeric supplements and do yoga and I know that helps but do wish I could find a natural way to improve the stiffness.  I hate that many of us have to suffer from this but it's also helpful to find others that understand what you're experiencing.  

[Kennedy Smyth]

I can offer a little hope! I've been struggling with joint pain and terrible fatigue since chemo, which I finished five years ago. Yesterday I finally got some answers from the third rheumatologist I've tried. He did a "gallium scan," which is a little-used imaging procedure, and discovered I have rheumatoid arthritis and have probably had it for a long time. Because it doesn't show up in my blood tests, it went undiagnosed for years. I thought my issues - cognitive dysfunction included - were long-term chemo side effects, but he says RA can cause all of this. I'm so relieve, because there's medication that can help. 

A lot of doctors tend to attribute women's complaints to psychological issues or malingering. You just have to keep trying until you find someone who will listen to you. Best of luck to everyone - I hope your pain eases and you get your lives back! 

(Note: PET scans, which oncologists use to check for cancer in survivors, can also show RA. Both PET and gallium scans show inflammation, which is how RA is diagnosed.)

[DPD]

Just seen this and can relate as 9 weeks post chemo & surgery and having hip &snack pain - when I sit or getting out of bed I have stiffened up -think I have aged ++

[Runningfree]

Hello,

I am well over a year after finishing chemo ( also have had herceptin and am still on tamoxifen) and don't get on forum as much but just noticed your posts...

Its so strange, before my diagnosis 2 years ago ( at 49) I was very fit through running. I kept running through the treatment but have increasingly noticed pain In my knees ( sometimes) and in my left thumb and big toe (always).

Whether I run or not makes no difference to the pain so keep going to try and keep some normality and try and tackle my increased girth. Shouldn't grumble I know!!

I had a month off tamoxifen which helped a bit but not totally, so have assumed it's a mixture of all the treatments and a sudden plummet into menopause???

Cath

x

[Bibi44]

Desdemona sorry to hear about all your joint pain. It was only about 9 months after I stopped Tamoxifen that I realised my joints didn’t hurt any more, so I think it carries on working in your body for longer than 2 weeks which fits with the fact it confers protection beyond the time u take it for. I listened to an arthritis summit recently, which was fascinating. It reckoned some people with bone on bone feel no pain & others with mild arthritic changes are in agony. They suggested a number of non pharma things you can do. It was free, but I think it’s pay now. It was run by Susan Blom, who has also written a book on arthritis. Might be worth a try? x

[GillM]

Wow just found this blog, Fell so much better after reading your input, just recently started exercise so you have given me the encouragement to keep going

[GillM]

Yes I have very similar symptoms I also have joint pains in my knees and hips. I have started exercising again its a huge effort as I am so tired but am feeling better for it.

[riversidedawn]

I finished chemo in April 2016and have been suffering aches and pains ever since. I have been diagnosed with arthritis in my toes, thumbs and knees in addition to golfers elbow, hip pain and degenerative discs!

I'm convinced it's as a result of chemo, but am told it's my age (turned 50 this year). I guess it's down to being thrown so suddenly into the menopause. It's like aging 30 years over night.

I try to keep moving with dog walking, yoga and swimming on top of running around after my teenagers as well as a healthy balanced diet, but sometimes it's such a struggle. These colder days don't help - but have reduced the intensity of the flushes.

[Lucy Naprous]

Hi everybody
I finished my fecT end with f august followed by my auxiliary gland removal and now about to start radiotherapy but I’m really struggling with stiffness and slight pain in my hips and feet !
Is this normal then for chemo patients to get this??
Really not sure what I can do to get rid of it or accept that this will be with me now for forever ???
Any advise or links from anyone out there with the same symptoms??

[Optimissy64]

The post I reported has been removed, so the reference to websites etc. does not refer to any of the genuine posts below this one. xxx

[Optimissy64]

We aren't allowed to advertise here and especially not put website details. Strange that this is your first ever post. Moderaters have been informed.

[Shonagh]

I finished chemo in April, and 2 days after having my first sub-cut Herceptin injection developed chronic joint pain. I could barely get out of bed and my feet felt like I had the worst case of plantar fasciitis ever. Paracetamol, ibuprofen and eventually tramadol from the GP didn't touch the pain so after suffering for 3 months I eventually made an appointment back at Oncology to see my consultant. At first I was given the standard reply about me now being post-menopausal but unfortunately for him, I had previously had an ovarian cyst and had opted at surgery to have both my ovaries removed so I was already post-menopause before I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had certainly never suffered such severe joint pain. Anyway, to cut a long story short, I was prescribed a short course of steroids and it has been an absolute joy! No more joint/foot pain and I feel almost back to normal. I have tried to come off the steroids once but the pain returned so I'm currently on a very low dose and hoping to reduce it over the next month. So my advice to everyone is don't suffer in silence. I really regret not seeking help sooner. I know being on steroids is not ideal but I'm hoping this will be for a limited time period. It is great feeling 56 as opposed to 106!!

[desdemona]

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to pitch in with my experience.  I finished my chemo (FEC-T) at the end of December 2016.  In February, just as I started back at work with a significant commute in the car, I started getting back pain.  When I get up in the monring I feel like an old woman (I am 55) and have to hang onto the bannister as I go downstairs because my hips and feet hurt, and I am really stiff.  It gets better as I move around.  Initially I put it down to the Tamoxifen.  However, I took a two week break from the drug (with my oncologist's blessing) in September, and the pain did not go away.  Instead, a bone scan revealed arthritis in my hips, knees and feet.  I did not have this before cancer treatment.  Yet another side effect of breast cancer treatment that no-one really acknowledges.  Though it is sad that we are all suffering, it is so good to read the experience of others on this forum, and know that I am not just imagining it!  It is, of course, irreversible, so we have to find ways of managing it.  For me it is lots of walking and a couple of exercise classes a week - taking ibuprofen beforehand helps.  And I have just bought some gel insoles for my shoes to help my poor sore feet! I am refusing to let it limit my life, but it is hard sometimes.  Good luck to you all.

[Bibi44]

I mentioned this to my Pilates teacher, because he is incredibly knowledgeable & seems to have an answer for everything. He gave me an acupressure ring that you roll up & down your fingers & it stops them hurting & also some hand exercises.  He also recommended squeezing an old squash ball whilst watching TV.

My hands are much better now. These are the links.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TP4nvWrHQM

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Goda-Acupressure-Massage-Rings-Set/dp/B00G2G22IO

BBx

[Mel]

Thank you. You have made me feel less mad and less like im the only one with those symptoms. Im 48 but feel like i have turned into a 80 year old. My ankle pain is terrible especially after sitting for a while. I will be taking yr advice . Thank you.x

[Buster]

Hi Everyone,

I finished chemo in May this year. Once I finished, I started to experience stiff joints, weakness in hands due to stiffness and pain, and painful knees - found it really hard to kneel down. Yoga, general exercise and taking Tuneric seemed to have helped. I try and take 1tsp of tumeric everyone morning in a smoothie to disguise the taste.

Best wishes to everyone,

Jane

[Leigh446]

Thanks sooo much for this wren, your clear explanation has really helped- and shocked me into action, I was feeling too tired and stiff to move, now I really understand I have to! I like the comment that a massage is cheaper than a Zimmer frame - it's too easy for us ladies to put massage and excersise and food down the list - kids and hubby first - then too tired to do stuff for me! Thank you for telling us this - Boone else was. Hugs

[Jamapy]

Hi all
I am suffering with chronic pain in my hand joints. It wakes me up at night and I find I am struggling to hold anything with any weight in it. I finished my chemo 5 weeks ago and am taking Tamoxifen. Does anyone else have the same symptoms?

[Bibi44]

Wren thanks for that huge post. Very interesting indeed. I was doing a lot of exercise every day but recently went back to work & its harder to fit in. Joints are definitely worse so I will make myself make time. Treeless sounds horrific, you poor thing. I don't remember hearing arthritis as one of the side effects. I do feel a bit upset about this permanent damage but just get the brush off from my onc who says it's because I've gone from pre to post menopausal xx

[diane123]

Oh my gosh so much rings true here...
aged 49 diagnosed in Aug 2015 with invasive Ductal cancer grade 3. Lumpectomy and SNB, T-FEC chemotherapy and bilateral mastectomy in April 2016 (full scar line revision in Dec 16 & Mar 17)

After the chemotherapy I was still experiencing joint pain so gp referred me for x-rays and rang me to advise I now have moderate osteoarthritis in both hips, severe osteoarthritis in knee and spiky bits on tibia!
Prescribed tramadols for pain relief, given crutches to take weight off joints.
Started swimming 3 weeks after double mastectomy and swim 4 times per week which helps but I still struggle and pay for it if I walk 5000 steps!

[Treeze]

Bibi I sympathise.I am having dental issues and bone shrinkage in my mouth and jaw.Dentist has said I may lose some teeth..one of my worst fears! So I guess I'm being tested on my strength lately.:)

[Treeze]

What a great post Wren..I need to listen to this at the moment, my body is feeling a bit rubbish with one thing and another.And a KNIGHT sweat?! That's the sort of sweat I need!! 🙂

[Wren]

Dear Bibi44

 Yes it has been more than 2 years for me and I still have all the aches and pains.  These include neuropathy aching joints and even that burning sensation inside my veins.  I had stage four so they hit me hard with paclataxel and taxol.  

I had my treatment in South Africa with the same doctor that treated me first time around.  I am a scientist so we have a very open patient-doctor relationship.  He does not hold back.  Here is the deal.  

1. The chemo hardens the arteries so blood flow through your body and the osmosis of fluid through your cells will never be the same again.

2. You are most likely on estrogen inhibitors like tamoxifen or Arimidex.  These cause menaupausal symptoms so prepare to feel 10 years older every morning when you get out of bed.  Arimidex is worse.  It removes ALL the estrogen and the side effects after 3 to 5 years, is osteoperosis.

3. Joints.  Estrogen helps promote bloodflow to joints and cartledge so expect ancle, knee, wrist, thumb etc pains.

4. Skin.  Your skin and muscles need collagen to regenerate.  Estrogen helps with that. No estrogen no collagen uptake.

Fighting back; You fought this horrible desease and won.  Your body might feel weeker but your soul and mind is stronger.  How to fight back:

1. Bloodflow.  I can't espress enough how crucial it is to keep your juices flowing.  MOVE .....a lot! don't sit still for more than an hour and do excercise every day.  Treat yourself.  Have a good firm massage (sports or limf drainage) at least once a week.  If this is too pricey invest in a massager that you can use at home yourself. consider it a long term investment.  They are cheaper than a Zimmer Frame!

2. Nothing is going to bring the estrogen back but I find that acupuncture and a healthy diet of oily fish and green vegetables (especially broccoli) makes all the difference.  Get loads of collagen into your system anyway.  Broth made from boiled organic chicken is an excellent source.

3. Joints and other aches.  It sounds counter intuitive but I PROMISE the more you exercise the less pain you will have and the better you will sleep.  It really is a case of use it or loose it!  It is so hard to go for a jog with sore acillies tendons or get on a bike with sore hips I know but try.  Mix the exercise up so that you don't cause more damage.  When your ancles start to ache during a jog move to a walk.  When your hips and knees ache after a cycle change to swimming.  I invest in a good personal trainer.  I spend the same on him a week than I used to spend on painkillers and alcohol.  8 glasses of wine at a pub can buy you a session.  He is brilliant! he watches how I move and identifies the weak and unbalanced parts of my body.  He then corrects them with the right exercises.  This prevents injury and his positive  up-beat attitude is like a therapy session to me as well.  Also remember that alcohol and sugar causes inflimation and inflimation causes pain.

4.Skin. Your skin is going to be slow on the repair so do not allow damage.  Keep hydrated.  I dehydrate easily from all the knight sweats so I often pop some electrolytes in my water.  Slap on the moisturiser.  I keep a nice eye cream in my handbag and continually re-apply.  Have as much sex as possible. It stimulates some hormone production and his testosterone every now and then is quite healthy.  If like me, you are just not in the mood.....make a plan....;)

Last but not least.  Whenever that deep dark depression hits me once a month around the time I am suppose to have a normal period but don't - funny that - I try and remind myself that there is more to me than just a body.  Nobody ever misses bits of somones body when they pass away, they miss their essence.  I think this is a great time to get to know and love ourselves again.

Good luck Xx

[Bibi44]

This is an interesting thread.  I was diagnosed with osteoporosis recently & my gums have definitely receded after chemo, leaving me with dental issues. My fingers & toes hurt in the morning & my knees when I exercise.  I did not have any of this straight after chemo, it all started when I took tamoxifen.  Could have been a delayed  reaction from the chemo.  I'm  too scared yo see the GP in case he says it's arthritis.  x

[rubycat]

Thanks for the info Emma, I shall have a looksee. I never had chemo, but now have osteoarthritis everywhere and about to have spine MRI - putting it all down to anastrozole, not that I'm getting any older! But just had clear 2nd mammo, so grateful for that. xxx

[Emmac]

Hi

I don't have much knowledge about all these what you mentioned above. But yes i can share you few things which helps you to get relief of pain in Osteoarthritis. I read an article from a website 10 Ways to Manage Osteoarthritis at Home. Thses tips are just few lifestyle changes which you have do. I considered the articles from this website and you should also try these tips. It may help your pain in relief.

Source: 10 Ways to Manage Osteoarthritis at Home

[Emmac]

Hi

I don't have much knowledge about all these what you mentioned above. But yes i can share you few things which helps you to get relief of pain in Osteoarthritis. I read an article from a website 10 Ways to Manage Osteoarthritis at Home. Thses tips are just few lifestyle changes which you have do. I considered the articles from this website and you should also try these tips. It may help your pain in relief.

Source: 10 Ways to Manage Osteoarthritis at Home

[Shirlie]

Hi I'm new to this site. I had triple negative breast cancer, aged 37, I am now about to have my second total hip replacement next Monday! Having worked in a Breast unit since I was diagnosed, I am well aware of all the ladies who have to have hip replacements due to them having had chemo and the dr have said it's a side effect. I know it's not ideal situation to be in, but I count my blessing that I am alive and well. Wishing everyone health and happiness xx

[Katy]

Hi again, not sure if this will help but I have read somewhere on another thread that someone has found that green tea seems to help with bone pain, so it might be worth a try.  I have got some with mint which could possibly help anyone with nausea.

[Petal88]

Thank you. That is kind of you to get in touch and a very good idea to work out what affects us as individuals.

[Katy]

Hi, I have not had chemo but have osteoarthritis.  I have noticed that for me, tomato based sauces seem to aggravate my arthritis causing more pain in my thumbs and neck.  Some people react to dairy foods. It might be worth you keeping a food diary to help see if any make your condition worse.  It could possibly make your lives a little more comfortable  if you identify any triggers.  Good Luck.

[aylachemo]

I am 62 and have had my 2nd breast cancer bialateral mastectomy August of 2015. I had triple negative cance, did the genetic testing and tested positive for braca2. I have had an extreme amount of discomfort in my hands, I work and type alot on the computer. Any more  I cant make it thru the day with out taking 3-6 Advil. It seems like my right side of my body is very weak and my knee and hip hurt alot. I try to walk but sometimes its just too much. I have to work and need to save myself for working.  

[CMSMPLS]

Hello, I had AC and Taxol chemotherapy and radiation for breast cancer ending about a year ago. I started on the long term aromatase inhibitor's but had terrible joint pain so stopped taking them. After I stopped taking them I continued to have terrible pain in my legs and hips and was referred for an MRI. I was diagnosed with severe arthritis in both of my hips and told I had no cartilage left. I also have been diagnosed with severe bone loss in my mouth and shoulders. I have to have both of my hips replaced and I'm having serious dental problems. Of course I'm glad that the breast cancer is gone but my day-to-day life sucks because of this arthritis that I totally believe it is related to the chemotherapy. Never did I have any arthritis or pain prior to chemo. I am an athlete and this has really put a crimp on my life. I'm stunned that I was not better informed about the possible side effects of the chemo. I can't say that I would've traded being cancer free for being crippled.
I'm mad
Carol

[Petal88]

Hi. I would definitely go to the GP and get it on your records there. I also had 6 doses of Docetaxel and Carboplatin plus Herceptin and have had various reactions to my questions of whether the chemo caused my osteo arthritis, osteopenic hips and osteoporosis of the spine. Doctors are reluctant to admit it but the general consensus is that the chemo is to blame and the radiotherapy probably played a part too. I have been advised to keep moving as much as I can and walk to help the bone density. My oncologist also suggests an exercise bike but I have nowhere reasonable to put one. My GP has offered me injections into the finger joints and although I am now finding I have more problems with my hands these days I have declined so far.

[eddigoodwin2013]

Saw my oncologist this morning and he said that I have osteo arthritis in both hips.  When I asked if it was due to chemo (very aggresive chemo-docetaxol and carboplatin) he brushed me aside.  But I just noticed this thread.  What is the official line on chemo and arthritis?  I had terrible pain in my joints and immobility during chemo and for about 5 months afterwards.  Now I just have pain in the right hip, not very bad but wakes me up sometime.  Should I go to my GP now?

[Petal88]

Hi there. I can only really suggest using Ibuprofen gel directly on areas that hurt rather than taking tablets which can cause stomach problems. My GP attended a lecture where he learnt that this is a far more effective way to get the pain relief where you need it. Obviously I can do that as mine is a smallish area, fingers, thumbs and wrists and I only do it twice a day when I have a flare up and it does help.

[Cbell7153]

I also have gone through almost exactly your situation. Although I'm an ovarian cancer survivor, but I joined this group because of the arthritis. My two knee replacements have allowed me to walk but I still have a lot of pain. I have arthritis in my ankles hips and back. I'm very lucky to be alive but I'm trying to think of creative ways to handle the daily pain. Swimming is actually great but our local pool is so cold in the winter it makes it worse. I have not taken stronger medication then Aleve or aspirin suspect I should consider that Any creative off-the-wall ideas?

[Petal88]

Hi Egret. In my humble opinion, the Anastrozole could be the culprit for your joint aches and pains but your doctor should be able to tell if you have arthritis or send you for an X-ray to confirm it. Osteoarthritis affects the shape of the joints so you can see it.

Have the swollen fingers settled? Make sure you check with the doctor or nurses that you don't have lymphoedema as that can affect your hand as well as your arm. I still get a lot of pain in the breast (after wide excision) from oedema and I have recently been told the nerves near the ribs have probably been damaged which causes pain. If you do have lymphoedema though, you do need specialist help to control it. I still attend a lymphoedema clinic.

Even now I find it hard to come to terms with the way my life has changed, and I was diagnosed three and a half years ago, but hey, I am still here! It it took a long time to get answers to my questions about various side effects and only now will doctors admit that some of the difficulties I have had were probably caused by the chemo.

Good luck and let us know how you get on. Petal x

[Egret]

Hi everyone! I am glad to have found you too. I have lumpectomy, chemo and rads for 4 weeks. During the Summer my feet and hands were so swollen that I had to carry another pair of sandals and flip flop as well to change the pressure. I also have pain in my ribs, under my bra. Was it arthritis-like? Or arthritis? Could the pain be a sign of a secondary bc? Panicked, I summoned courage and went to see my GP. "Lose weight" she said. How enlightening. I am a bit overweight but not that much!!! Don't see how weight has anything to do with sausage-like fingers or painful ribs and struggling with bras! Anyway I joined Weight Watcher, weight going down, but pain on ribs still bad, and pain in joints and legs aahhrrr? So I am back on the forum to get some support and perhaps some insight as to what is happening: Chemo? Rads? Or anastrozole side effects? If anyone manages to ask an oncologist and to get answer(s) please let us know. If it has "nothing" to do with bc treatments, why was I free from those ailments before my bc treatment?