Pain after Cancer

[chrys738]

Six years ago I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer.  I had 7 out of 14 lymph nodes. they did a double masectomy- chemo and radiation treatments. I just got off of Tamoxifen and now started Femara for the next 5 years. I am in pain. I never know when it will start each day, but there are very few days that I don't feel any pain at all. I could be fine in the  morning and I will be sitting there at 11:00 and feel like I am getting the flu every bone and joint hurts. There are many days that I cry.  My joints and my hands hurt and my fingers are numb like they have fallen asleep. What is that? I can't wear my wedding rings any longer and  I feel like I am constantly complaining. I am forty-eight years old in the body of a 90 year old. I have gained 75 and can't lose one. I feel that if maybe I could lose some weight I might feel better, but after reading some of the stories here I realize that this affliction must be caused from the drugs.  You read all about the side effects and for some reason think that they will not apply to you. II have tried the oOmega three's and it didn't seem to help, however I will try them again. One doctor diagnosed me with Fibromyalgia, but other doctors didn't seem to take any stock in that.  I think they think it is in my head. Help!


This discussion is related to joint pain after breast cancer surgery/treatment.

[recrdpxi]

Boy can I relate to this.  I am almost 2 years out of my Mastectomy and Chemo.  I was put on Aromasin after I had the Hysterectomy and started having horrible problems, then they took me off and put me on Arimidex and still more pain and always tired.  So...he took me off everything for 3 months and I went back and her put me back on the same drug...telling me I was not in any pain!!!
After that I left him and went to a new Dr. and they told me that this can happen with these drugs.  They have put be back on Tamoxifen and I have seen a Rhuematologist in conjunction with the Oncologists and all agreed that I have developed Fibro.
It's hard everyday to push through it and some days I can't get out of bed.  But...I am pushing the best I can. I still have discomfort at my incision sites...partial numbness and then some nerve tingles and the same where they took out my nodes.  Hang in there and try and exercise a bit each day if you can.  Take 50mg of Vitamin B as well...that came from my pain mgmt. Dr.
It may be the wrong place too say this, but I started using Marijuana when I was doing Chemo....it is also helping me with my pain.
I apologize if saying this is inappropiate but it does help.

[katarina777]

Have you ever tried PT? (Physical Therapy) it really has helped me, but you need to make sure you find a good one and one who is also knowledgeable about bc and lymphatic massage and all that. I have many pains and aches too all the time, and they travel from place to place but usually are in my arms, shoulders, neck, hands and legs. (or in one or the other) At the moment it's my fingers and I can barely use my right hand at all. The two middle fingers are swollen and hurt,  and my right arm is really weak although not swollen.

It got much worse over the past few weeks when I did not have PT, and when I went back last week i immediately noticed improvement again. A lot you must do on your own, and that is hard to do religiously, the exercises. but whenever I do them, they help a lot.

These are just some thoughts. You may be having more pain at the moment after switching medicines as well.

keep us posted, OK. yes, it's definitely not over when one finishes treatment. (I mean the three big ones of surgery, chemo, and radiation)

[healingwell62]

Hi!

I'm so sorry you are going through this.  After all you've been through, you'd sure like to catch a break, wouldn't you?

Have you had a lengthy discussion with your oncologist?  That should be your first place to check things out.  Let him/her know the impact that the pain and weight gain is having on your life. Ask if there are other options.  See your internal medicine physician and have a complete physical, including going over your meds and supplements.  There are also physicians that specialize in pain management. If you absolutely must be on this medication (femara) for 5 more years, then perhaps there is a better way to manage your pain.  

I hope you are able to get some answers. Please let us know how you are doing, ok?

Warmly,

Chris
Healingwell62
Breast Cancer 1 & 2 Community Leader