Joint Pain

[malliz]

I had breast cancer, operation to remove lumps and nodes removed. I had 6x chemo treatments and 6 weeks of radiation. 12 years later I still suffer from chronic joint pain which becomes all over pain by the end of the day. I drag myself to work, and collapse on my bed after work. At times I wonder if it was worth the treatment, as I am so sore I am not able to do much. I take pain medication to get through the day. Have any other sufferers any advice re: new meds to treat the pain.


This discussion is related to Post Chemotherapy & Neulasta Bone & Joint Pain.

[japdip]

PLEASE don't ever feel stupid .... we get so caught up in that horrible diagnosis that we rarely think things out. That's why I always advise women who are going to a first appointment with a Breast Specialist to write down (at home) any and all questions they might have and to not let the Dr. leave the room until she goes down the list one thing at a time. Dr.s for the most part will listen but only if you ASK. Sometimes it's almost like you have to demand their attention but that's OK too. Good luck with the Pain Clinic option.

[malliz]

THanks so much. I am fired up to go to the pain clinic. ( makes me feels stupid tho cuz thats what i was told...no T because its Oestrogen +ve!!! and we just do what were told without asking questions.....well i did) regards

[japdip]

Yes we do just "put up" with things that seem to become "chronic" over time but we shouldn't when there are other options available .... I think it's called being a "woman" :)
One thing that you posted does puzzle me though; IF breast cancer is shown to be Estrogen positive then Tamoxifen or one of the other similar drugs is ALWAYS prescribed for at least 5 years and even sometimes 10 after all the initial treatment. Give the Pain Clinic a try ... they have lots of options when it comes to controlling pain.   Regards .....

[malliz]

Thank you for that. I have always been under the illusion that the chemo destroyed the cartilage( hence bones 'rub' on bones) ...and seems to have "created' nerve endings that are over sensitive and therefore register pain constantly.....my cancer was oestrogen positive and therefore no tamoxifen etc.
So far all scans are clear..BUT you give me hope to go back and do more investigation. A pain clinic is a great idea. I dont know why but we seem to just put up with things instead of researching further. I came across your website last night. Thank you

[japdip]

If you aren't currently on any type of medication related to your previous breast cancer 12 years ago I see no connection between that and the joint pain you now describe. Are you currently followed by you Oncologist regarding the cancer issue such as having CT scans? If not I suggest that you do some investigation in this direction. With the degree of pain that you describe there is a remote possibility of some metastatic bone involvement. If scans are "clear" then a Pain Clinic would be my next suggestion. There are many other solutions besides the daily pain medication you are taking now. Pain of this type has a cause which needs to be discovered. Regards ....