Major weakness during chemo. Is this common?

Happygalina

I can stand for only a few minutes before my legs start shaking and I feel light headed, like I'm about to collapse. I thought about using a wheelchair, but i feel guilty about it because I CAN walk, just not far and standing in one spot is even more difficult. Do any of you use one?

Im Stage 3 Breast Cancer with 4 lymph nodes involved. Just competed 3 months of the Red Devil and starting 3 mouths of Taxotere today. Followed by a double mastectomy and radiation.

Thank you

debiann

I was very weak during chemo too. Despite drinking as much as I could, it turned out I was still very dehydrated. After a trip to the ER for symptons like you describe, they started giving me extra fluids at the infusion center a few days after each round and that helped.

Talk to your MO. The chemo should not be that debilitating. Extra fluids can help or you may need your dose reduced.

SpecialK

Often a low hemoglobin level can result in feeling weak. Hemoglobin oxygenates the muscles and if they don't get enough due to a low level as a result of chemo induced reduction, you can experience weakness or early muscle exhaustion and pain upon exertion. Along with debiann's excellent suggestion regarding extra fluids after each infusion, if your hemoglobin is on the low end it might be time for a blood transfusion. The combination of an anthraxycline and taxotere is a particularly tough regimen, your levels are likely to drop more. I would check your hemoglobin level and let your oncologist know that you are symptomatic

MinusTwo

Yes to all the above. And also get a cane. They have folding canes which are even kind of pretty. I never would have considered that until I just crumpled one day waiting for an elevator at the docs office. I wasn't even aware of it happening & I didn't fall. My legs just folded under me. Extra fluid between each infusion helped me the most.

Racy

My leg muscles were significantly weakend after chemo and I could only climb a few stairs and walk slower than usual.

I saw a physiotherapist and did exercises to strengthen the muscles.

illimae

I've heard of someone feeling very weak after the first cycle or two, then getting much better. I continued my daily 20-30 minute walks and never had fatigue. I read that staying active reduces that side effect, maybe or maybe I just got lucky. I hope it's just temporary but I agree, it's worth mentioning to your MO.