Not Neuropathy, Loss of Muscle?

Gingermiss65:

Have you seen a neurologist and had an EMG and nerve conduction study done? Those two tests can detect nerve and muscle issues. Also, are you on statins? I know two people who were on statins who had to be switched to non statin cholesterol medications due to neuromuscular issues the statins were causing. In any case, I think a neurologist who specializes in neuromuscular issues would be obe of the kinds of doctors to see for your issues.

Gingermiss65 - I ran into a woman at the grocery store last week who had a cancer cap on. I always seek out those women as I know what it is like, and we engaged in cancer chat! She told me she took Taxol for a non-breast cancer and she was having terrible stiffness in her lower legs. I told her I had neuropathy, but she said her doctors did not think it was neuropathy, but something else caused by Taxol. She said she felt like she was walking on "wooden legs", your exact description, and they had not gotten to the bottom of it yet.

When I just saw your post, I was amazed because your descriptions sounded exactly like hers.

I know just what you mean. In my right arm and hand, I have a combination of neuropathy, lymphedema, joint pain and trigger fingers from letrozole, and perhaps some degree of carpal tunnel that was there before dx. The LE and neuropathy got very bad after taxol started and I have also noticed severe changes in my bicep especially. It's not exactly atrophy because I have used my arm as normally as possible throughout this...but...the muscle isn't in the same place as it was and it doesn't flex and lengthen as it did and as compared to the left arm. It was almost as if it had been torn, and it felt stringy, and had moved toward the inner part of my arm, yet I could still use it to some degree. Very distressing on top of everything else! Two or three months ago, I started using one- and two-pound hand weights again, trying to increase strength in my arms, chest, and upper back to support my spine which has mets and a compression fracture. These are gentle exercises but at first my 'bad' arm was just really awkward, although it would bend and lift in some fashion. Over the weeks it has gotten a little better and the muscle seems to be more in line with where it should be so I'm hopeful it will keep improving. It has been very weird and uncomfortable.

Ciprofloxacin and other drugs in that family have been known to cause tendinitis and tendon rupture. It isn't super common but not unheard of. not aware of long term muscle side effects, however.

I don't know if anyone will see this as it is a topic from 10/2018 however I am seeing my Oncologist tomorrow for horrible weak legs and arms, similar to the descriptions in the previous posts, weak and stiff legs and hard to make it up stairs or hold heavy items, things I used to do without trouble. I wish I knew if this is from the Taxol or from the previous A/C. I still need 2 more Taxol infusions I know these are important but may skip these if they are causing the leg trouble. I don't want to have this side effect long term as it will make my life very difficult.