body pain after chemo

I can tell you there have been times when I would rather not be here and I am sure others on this site have thought the same thing. I am struggling with the inconvenience in my life. I have practically no family support what so ever and have had to carry on like before I had cancer, working, looking after the family and running the house. I am struggling to appear normal to everyone. The façade is crumbling as cracks now appear. The pain I am having is like the straw breaking the camels back.

I know it's hard but fair doesn't really enter the argument. No-one deserves cancer or the treatment, and no it isn't easy. But please pause and consider that the treatment you are offered is offered because your medical adviser thinks it's your best protection against cancer continuing or recurring. You can of course get other opinions. And you can choose not to undertake any or some treatment. We've all been there. But treatment is often as much for those around us, who would miss us if we weren't there, as it is for ourselves. 

Hi Vinn. I experienced painful joints and tendons after chemo and radiation. My chemo nurses said this was normal. I had mild arthritis before chemo but afterwards it seemed to go into overdrive with lots of achy joints and the general hit by a bus feeling. I struggled with my hands, knees, feet, hips, lower back and shoulders. I tried normal pain killers but in the end had to go on Norspan patches just so I could walk around. The pain prevented me from doing so many things as well as going to the gym. I also lost sleep because of the pain.  In the last few weeks I decided I had had enough and I needed to do something because I felt like I was 150 yrs old. I decided to give an anti inflammatory diet a go. I am so pleased with the results so far. Basically I aim for 1000 calories a day and have cut out caffeine, dairy, carbs and processed sugar. All I eat is eggs, meat, vegies, berries and bananas and a tiny bit of greek yogurt. I drink fresh ginger and a little lemon in water during the day. So far this diet has made a huge difference to my pain and I have cut right back on my pain medication. I've also lost another 4.5 kgs bringing my total weight loss since chemo to 14.5 kg which is also helping my joints. However I still have the occasional flare up of pain. Last night  my foot was so bad that I ended up having to take panadeine but this morning I am fine and I have just spent 2 hours gardening. A nice hot bath also helps my joints enormously.  I think it is worth talking to your oncologist about it and hope you get some relief soon.

All the best, Nadi

Hey!
Its so full on absolutely and can be so relentless. Radiation is cumulative, so as the weeks go on the fatigue builds and your body essentially feels like a dead weight, it does pick up after treatment however just takes time for your body to recover. I finished Chemo 9 months ago, and you have described how I STILL FEEL all this time later, my physical activity is so limited and Im in constant pain everyday. I was told it is the side effects of Chemo, I also take Arimidex that causes joint pain too. My Team said it can take a year or two to fully recover. But everything you described is spot on to side effects. I too am angry and frustrated somedays as youre trying so hard to find normality again or through it all and when you cant exercise due to pain. I think just listen to your body, do what you can or feel you can and rest, its a balance for a while I think.
Hugs Melinda xo