Worsening pain/neuropathy in shoulder/arm-should I be worried?

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smilonface
smilonface Member Posts: 8
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

Hi everyone.  I just completed chemo almost a month ago. Actually my last one was cancelled due to neuropathy.  I was StageII, Grade 3 Triple Neg, Brca+.  I had a double mastectomy, oopherectomy, partial breast reconstruction, 4 DD A/C chemos and 3 DD Taxols.  The pain and neuropathy has worsened in my right shoulder, arm and hand.  I can't sleep more than couple of hours as it is worse lying down or sleeping.  Why is this getting worse?  I was told that shoulder pain is a sign that the cancer has spread.  The oncologist is sending my to Physical Therapy for a couple of weeks before doing any scans.

1.  Has anyone else had these symptoms worsen after chemo?  What was the cause & resolution?  2.  Does anyone know why it is worse at night when you sleep?  What can you do?

TY for your help!

Worried Michelel

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  • KittyDog
    KittyDog Member Posts: 1,079
    edited November 2010

    My neuropathy got worse after I stopped chemo.  I know it was at least more than a month after stopping chemo.  Have they tried putting you on Lyrica yet?  I take Lyrica 150mg.  It has made the neuropathy not hurt as much since I started taking it.  I don't know why it is worse at night but it is.  My feet kill me at night and I get sharpe shooting pains in my legs and feet.  If I get too hot, my arms and hands do the same thing. 

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  • Omaz
    Omaz Member Posts: 5,497
    edited November 2010

    I read that it is sometimes called 'coasting'.  The neuropathy gets worse after chemo is over.  I am getting number 5 tomorrow, delayed 1 week because of neuropathy. I am sorry you are in pain.  Have you tried L-glutamine?  I use it and when I forget it seems that I have more numbness problems.  I also take B-6.

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