Joint pain and stiffness at night...getting nervous

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Annemo
Annemo Member Posts: 4
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

I am new here. Finished 8 round of chemo in Nov (4AC & 4Taxol), and finished radiation in January. Had some stiffness during the taxol but it seems worse now. I have a hard time turning in bed. My knees and hips are stiff and uncomfortable. Once I move around I loosen up and its fine. Not sure if this is reasonable or something I should have checked out. And not sure if I should call my GP or my Oncologist. GRRRR. So frutrated and mad at myself. I did great and was so positve during treatment, now I feel like a mess, scared and worried over every ache and pain. Any thoughts?? Thank you

Annemarie

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  • clariceak
    clariceak Member Posts: 752
    edited February 2013

    Based on what you have posted, it sounds like you are experiencing the normal side effects of cancer treatment.  Chemo, AI's and early menopause all can contribute to aching joints.  You'll find many women who feel like they aged 20 years in a few months.   I know when I started Femera, the first few weeks were wretched until my body adjusted.  Stiffness in joints if very common, and since you improve during the day seems suggest it is not mets.  One easy rule for mets is persistent and progressive.  I think you're fine, relatively speaking.Smile

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  • orlandpark65
    orlandpark65 Member Posts: 106
    edited February 2013

    I actually had a bone scan, ton's of arthritis.  Had some before BC, got worse after.   It's impossible not to worry, I would def mention to DR

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  • fd1
    fd1 Member Posts: 239
    edited February 2013

    Hi Annemarie - I believe a lot of (if not most) people start worrying more once their active treatment is over.  It is true that most cancer treatments, including tamoxifen and AIs, cause joint stiffness.  Certainly bring it up the next time you see your doctor but try to remember that you went through all the misery of treatments to live and enjoy your life.  I know this is easier said than done, but it's true!  Nobody knows what tomorrow brings.  :)  If your worries don't start improving over time you may want mention this to the doctor too.  Therapy can help.

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  • Annemo
    Annemo Member Posts: 4
    edited February 2013

    clariceak - aging 20yrs in a few months hits the nail right on the head! I think in my mind I expected to feel stronger everyday. In some ways I do feel stronger but I guess it is taking me by surprise to be feeling these after effects. I haven't even started taking the Tamoxifen yet! I had better get back to yoga!! Hopefully that will help :) and thanks for the tip/rule..."persistent and progressive" - got it!

    orlandopark6 and rc1 - so impossible not to worry! I may even reach out to my MO's nurse and just mention it for the record. My logical self totally gets that it makes perfect sense to have more worry after active treatment is over, its my emotional self that is getting in the way ;) I have reached out to a socal worker at the hospital where i was treated just to talk it out before it gets away from me.

    thank you all for your response and encouragement!

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  • nurseronda10
    nurseronda10 Member Posts: 209
    edited February 2013

    I also had stiff joints and achy hips and ankles after I finished chemo and started Anastrozole.  It lasted for several months.  I got back on Zija (Moringa) which is good for inflammation and arthritis, so all in all, I feel pretty good these days. 

    I do believe it takes about a year for the body to get back to normal after chemo, radiation, surgeries, etc.  Give yourself more time to heal, afterall, you have been through a lot.

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  • Magi50
    Magi50 Member Posts: 2
    edited March 2013

    Make sure you get your Vit D levels checked. I complained of worsening joint/bone pain for months upon months. My oncologist had me seen by her PA. I told the PA I thought the Femara was having serious side effects. She replied," Femara's side effects are mild and of short duration." I told her she might want to go to webmd, drugs.com, or the femara website because they all disagreed with her. I was told I could wait another hour to see the doctor, but was so angry I knew I needed to leave.



    I had my blood tests sent to my primary who said my D levels were severely low (around 13 instead of the minimum for normal 30) My bones were being stripped of calcium. I am currently taking 20-25k units of D on a daily basis to keep my levels around 38. My bones feel better, I lost weight, I feel much better emotionally, and my skin is not as dry.my primary also had me increase magesium and Vit B supplements.



    BTW, when the PA came into the room during my next oncologist visit, I told her I would never be seen by her again and get the doctor. Since then, the PA has been replaced and I am only scheduled with the oncologist.



    Ask your doc to make sure your vitamin levels are where they should be.



    Good luck.

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