Hello
I have been diagnosed with lung cancer i am 38. Its small cell carcinoma. I have had 2 rounds of chemotherapy cisplatin and etoposide. I have shooting pains in the rib areas on both sides. The cancer is on the left side. Could this pain be related to the chemotherapy? I also have pain in the back legs and arms. Its a shooting burning type pain. I also have anxiety and panic disorder so this pain is really concerning me. Thank you .
Hello Kescon1
Thank you for getting in touch with us. Welcome to the online community. My name is Lynsay, I am one of the cancer information nurses with Macmillan Cancer Support.
I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis, it is really hard to receive a cancer diagnosis and I can imagine this may have come as a shock to you. It is completely natural to worry about aches and pains that may occur during treatment, so I am glad you got in touch with us to ask about this.
Chemotherapy can sometimes cause aches and pain in other areas of the body. However, we would always advise you to report anything that is new, changing or worsening to your hospital team so that this can be assessed properly.
The burning, shooting pains you describe could be due to something called neuropathic pain which is caused by the chemotherapy affecting your nerves and this should be reported to your team as soon as possible.
I understand it can something be difficult contacting someone at the hospital. We would suggest trying to contact your specialist nurse today, it you are not able to contact them then you can call the chemotherapy unit where you receive your treatment.
This is not to worry you, it is always the best advice to speak with someone involved in your treatment as soon as possible about anything new, changing or worsening. This will also help ease the worry and concern having these pains must be causing you. You are more than welcome to call us on the Support line as sometimes it can really help having the chance to talk things through.
I was also wondering about counselling support to help with emotional impact that comes with a cancer diagnosis. There is counselling support available through us if this would be helpful to you, the information about this is available here.
I hope this information is useful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in contact by email, webchat or phone, if you need further information or support.
Best wishes
Lynsay,
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us.
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