12 yrs ago I received 4 treatments 3wks apart. Adriamycin and Cytoxcin and something else after a breast removal and underarm lymph nodes revealed stage 2 cancer. I opted not to do radiation or anyother continued medicines. I turn 64 in April. My parents and grandparents were very active and strong into their 80's.
I have all ways been a very stong active woman until 4 yrs ago when I started having a host of crazy symptoms.
Mostly times of very strong muscle pain and swelling in my hands. The past 2 years, I'm on a steady decline. I'm losing my strength and cannot not work at any yardwork or housework without suffering a great deal of pain and stiffness.
Now my toes and fingers and turning white in the warm bath and then dark blue to deep red. One of my finger nails know has white streaks and a yellow cast. I must wear warm sock and slippers at all times. If my feet are cold at night, I can not sleep and must warm them in the bath first. Every morning, I wake up with swollen hands and feet and yes,pain ! I have bouts with stomach reflex and must remain on med for that. I take thyroid do to the removal of my thyroid one year after my breast removal for a "safeside cancer possibility".
Has anyone in the Medicial field done follow up research to see just what damage is done to the body by chemo in the years outside the immediate treatment side effects? I can't shake the voice inside that keeps bringing up "the chemo damage ,...long range. Is my body on the fast track of aging done to the "Chemo Hits"? Thanks, Margaret