End of chemotherapy

Hi, I too had severe muscle pain from Docetaxal. It was in my thighs, so like you, mobility was a serious issue. My consultant said just before surgery that It should improve, but there was a chance that I could be left with it. She operated on me (Mastectomy plus axillary clearance) one week after my last cycle. Two days after surgery I walked three miles. I was so happy that I could walk again that I kept going forward, forgetting that I had to walk back again. I was a bit tired, but was proud of myself. My BCN told me off for doing too much (in a nice way though) - but she too was glad that I could walk  more than 10 yards again (it really was that bad during chemo). I hope that helps a little x 

Hello Cej,  You certainly have been through a lot and your body wants to recover.  For each of us it takes time and not easy to be patient.  I didn’t have chemo but do realize the side effects can be awful.  Sometimes when we go through a rough patch we can’t see the end but you have youth and being fit and active before all this cancer treatment.  You had major surgery and chemo and that is enough to knock you down for awhile.  Just take it slow and easy and do what you can.  Can talk with consultant but give your body a chance to do its thing.  I wish you the best and hope you feel stronger very soon.  
Barbara

Cej said:

I think I just need some reassurance that I will be able to get back to enjoying my life after this hellish few months. 

Probabilities say you will, and patience has nothing to do with it. I never had any patience with any of it, and now, 8 months after last chemo, even less so. For me, some side effects improved fast, some are still taking time, but I am stubborn and usually end up overdoing it and paying the price the next day. My oncologist said to wait until a year past last chemo, then take stock. 

Some patients report vast improvement within 6 months or less. Your age and your having been fit and active previously put you in a good position for a faster recovery, so you may be surprised for the better. 

You could ask to be referred to physio or to see an occupational therapist, or any other professional who might be able to help with the mobility issues and speed up recovery, and your oncologist may be able to give you some estimate of what to expect too.

Hi Cej

i had terrible lead legs for weeks after my last docetaxal. They weren’t painful but I could go to the gym and use the rowing machine for 20 mins but the second I tried a cross-trainer or bike, ny legs just wouldn’t play ball.

im now 8 weeks after final chemo and almost back to normal.

you’ll get there x

• I am in the same position, just had my last docetaxel and the last three the pains have been horrendous, the itching feet is getting me down, but is taken over by the sore mouth/throat at the moment but aching is worse at night time and from neck to my toes, is this normal?
  Like you cej, I am hoping this eases on the next few weeks and doesn’t take over my life as I pray for some sort of normality in order to manage life moving forwards.