calves ache standing or walking uphill post TAC

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Stacie
Stacie Member Posts: 607
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer

My calves throb and ache badly when I stand or walk up any incline. Walking on a flat surface I do great. We don't know if it is neuropathy or not. Doc says it could take months to heal. And it could be permanent. Feels muscular vs bone but not sure. I am 4 weeks 4 days post chemo. Any hopeful experience? I have to airport travel weekly for work after treatment.

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  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited July 2012

    Hi - I have a lot of muscle and joint pains I never had before chemo.  My last Taxol was May 15, 2012.  When I stand up from my couch or get out of bed every time I do I say "God help me" because I feel 90!  Once I am up and walking it is probably 80% better.  My MO says it will get better with time.   I have a tiny tiny bit of neuropathy on my right foot toes.  Feels nothing like the muscle pains.  

  • Stacie
    Stacie Member Posts: 607
    edited July 2012

    I hope we both get better in time!

  • Lou10
    Lou10 Member Posts: 332
    edited July 2012

    I'm sorry you feel sore and ancient and I can relate! How about this for a positive take on it: if you and your doc aren't sure it's neuropathy, then if it is, it's probably mild and more likely to resolve quickly?

    I've had quite limiting neuropathy that started with Taxotere (had the dose reduced because of neurotoxicity) and continues a year later. My walking is best described as "clomping" at times. I went to a massage therapist who said something like the nerves are stimulating the muscles all the time so you're basically tiring them out even when you're at rest. 

    I think the Tamoxifen may be aggravating things as I also have diffuse musculoskeletal pain (and arthritis, so hard to say what's what). I've just gone off Tamoxifen for a trial period to see what happens.

    Have you tried Epsom Salt baths? I use up to 2 cups of salts in a hot bath. I'm also going to start massaging my legs before having the bath.

    I heard one woman say her leg pain improved after she started hiking and biking/running again (something about it breaking up deposits in her legs?), but I can't imagine doing those things at this stage. 

    Wishing improvement to all with sore legs, toes, and other parts!

  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 16,882
    edited July 2012

    I'm sure u r having all the blood work done to see if anything is running low.  Otherwise it is what it is. so many SE and who knows how long they'll go on Really. I'm sorry u'r both feeling these things but it's not unusual.

  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited July 2012

    Ifinishedchemo Feb 29. It just takes time. I thought my muscle pain would never go away your body has just been fucked over . It takes time for the muscle cells to rebuild.

    I have some soreness today but that's only because I did 5k sat and then went out and danced my ass off with hubby

  • Stacie
    Stacie Member Posts: 607
    edited July 2012

    Thank you all for taking the time to reply. Time will tell I guess...

  • Stacie
    Stacie Member Posts: 607
    edited August 2012

    My neuropathy is getting better daily. It is going away.

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