Constant pains since treatments

KKing

I have a question for the ladies that have finished treatment and are moving on with their lives.  I finished chemo last September and rads in November.  Doc told me to move on with my life.  I have to say that I have different pains coming and going, nothing constant for two weeks. My shoulder will be sore for a couple of days then stops, then my leg will start and stop and so on. I don't have my checkup until May.  Just wanted to know if you had the same things happening??   I feel like I maybe worrying for nothing but it is a constant thing.   Thanks for listening.

Karen

Anonymous

Karen,

I will offer this...most of us become hyper-aware of all physical sensations following treatment and spend a lot of time worrying about recurrence or mets. It kind of goes with the territory. I've heard over & over again here that one should use a certain rule of thumb when determining whether to really worry about a pain and have it checked out. Most say that if it is consistent and lasts several weeks and, typically, it's deemed more worrisome if there is an increase in the pain or disabling effects over time. This is all not to discount your pain because I know that it's real. I'm only saying that after what we've been through, it's very hard to determine what pain warrants great concern and what can be left alone or treated with an NSAID or heat.

Having said all that, I'll add that many of us develop an entirely new round of pain or discomfort from hormonal therapy such as tamoxifen or an AI. So if you're on one of them, the drug could be causing your pains.

Good luck, sweetie. You're definitely not alone in this.

~Marin

KKing

Thanks Marin.  Yes, I am on tamoxifen so that is a possibility. I guess it could be that I have become hyper-aware and I should be thankful the pains subside.  Thanks for your reply.

Karen