My mother is taking Arimidix. She done with chemo and surgery (BMX) Now she is going through radiation treatment. She has lot of pain in her legs . She is taking oxsicodone for pain but still her legs hurt. Any information will be helpfull.
My legs hurt at that point, and it was inflammation left over from taxotere. It eventually got better after about 3-4 months. Anti-inflammatories would be more effective, if that is what it is.
My legs (hips) often ache and I attribute it to arimedex. My oncologist told me to take glucosamine and swore that it works. I'm taking it....seems to help a bit. Regular exercise helps too.
The leg pain is most likely from her chemo, especially if she had Taxotere. I had pain in my right shin that was so bad, it would keep me awake at night, and it went on for several months post chemo. I even had an MRI at one point, because even my rad onc was concerned.
One thing that helped some was elevating that leg with a pillow. Your Mother may also be experiencing neuropathy (nerve damage/pain and/or numbness), and muscle weakness. Something as simple as climbing a flight of stairs can be extremely challenging, and even depressing, because you feel like you may never be normal again. I literally worried that chemo had propelled me into old age, and I was afraid the weakness and pain could be permanent.
But our bodies have a tremendous capacity to heal and rebuild, and I think it's really important to reassure your Mother that, with time, it should get better. I found walking helped tremendously, although it can be difficult to start, and she may have to go slowly and build up a little each day. Walking is also really good for helping keep your energy level up during radiation. The supplement B6 can also help if she's experiencing neuropathy (numbness).
(((Hugs))) to you both, and don't let her get discouraged! You'll be amazed at what a difference a few months will make, but she has to be patient and keep moving. Deanna
