Hi, I am about to have my third cycle of FEC on wednesday this week, but over the last few weeks I have developed very bad knee and ankle discomfort I am finding it very difficult to bend my knees and experiences pain in my ankles if I walk for more than 10 mins or so. Has anyone else suffered any of the these side effects from FEC? I don't know if it a side effect or something else, do I tell the oncologist or go to my GP. I would be grateful for any advise on what to do or if anyone else has had anything like this.
Pam
FormerMember
Hi Pam, had my second FEC just over a week ago and did have bad back ache following it (took some brufen ) which helped. Also do feel quite achy at times.
I do however take glucosamine tablets for joint pain as had bad pains over a year ago (PET scan as part of investigations for c showed some arthritus in both knees and small of back). Dont know if this has stopped me having worse pains from the chemo, but do know I'm stiffer than normal also walking etc is much harder and become tierd qwicker.
I'd discussit with both GP and oncologist, to be safe.
With glucosamine it isnt a qwick fix, when I started GP warned me that would take at least a month to kick in with releaving joint pains.
i had 8 fec.. legs, knees,ankles and the strangest one..... heels all ached.... i stuggled to get down the stairs some mornings, i finished in sept last year and the symptoms wore off but i think it took till about feb for them to completely go. as far as i am aware its quite common. i didnt take pain relief as it can have its own side effects... but everyone is different. and i didnt have any aches or pains before the fec.
good luck with your treatment keep reminding yourself chemo works and its doing a job. liz xxxxx
Thank you both for your advise and support, I was beginning to think this dammed disease had spread!! I also have problems getting down the stairs, but will try some of the glucosamine to see I can relieve some of the aches and pains.
I am not looking forward to the next chemo as I have had an extended break for my daughters wedding, but I know it will do the trick.
