Back pain

Hello Mad,

I think we’re on a similar journey, at the end of 2020 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and finally told it was also in my bones in February 21.  I’ve been on palbociclib since April 2021 but a reduced dose and still having extra week off every other time because of low neutrophils. I never felt any different and even had covid at the worst time in the cycle and wasn’t that ill.

on Thursday I was told it’s now in my liver so going to start paclitaxel in the next couple of weeks. The oncologist said I might be able to tolerate it better and not have so much time off but it doesn’t sound that way for you.  

Can I ask, if you don’t mind talking about it, how were your hands on paclitaxel?  I’m hoping to take in some knitting and crocheting on chemo days and quite worried about the numbness it might course. Also did you opt for a cold cap? 

It’s great to read about someone on a similar road and your positive words were definitely needed between my ears this morning, so thank you  

Thanks for your reply irunonpotatoes. Love the name. Irunonbread. 

My toes and fingers are still numb after the first lot of chemo 7 years - Not too debilitating though. I don't knit or crochet (although I keep meaning to try to learn) so I can't really say. I wasn't aware of any specific symptoms. I have fairly constant back pain but am not prepared to go up on the morphine dose as it makes me so drowsy and I can't get anything done! I do have liquid oramorph to top up but it is only required when I'm having a more physical day.

By the way I don't work anymore because I was too tired most of the time following my bloods being too low and fatigue was awful. I thought 'fatigue' meant 'tired' but it is totally debilitating. Like someone pulled out your plug!

I tried the cold cap for the first few chemo doses but was told it probably wouldn't work. Cap was hell and my hair fell out anyway. I wouldn't bother. I'm sporting a mohican type thing at the moment as when it started falling out this time I just clippered it off.

Good luck with it all. 

Have you tried oxycodone for the pain? I have only a few days on morphine to compare it too and I was in hospital with a calcium dump in my blood, I was pretty off my nut to be fair.  I’m on 40mgs twice a day plus a liquid if I need it.  I don’t feel drowsy but if I sit down I just fall asleep out of nowhere. 

I’ve just ordered some henna, I’ve seen photos of fellow cancer ladies with mandalas on their heads which I think this is the way for me.  Not sure I’ve got the guts to shave it off before it has a chance to fall out but that would probably be the boss move.  I’ve got 10 days until my 1st session maybe I should try lots of haircuts until then.

I think the numb hands will really get to me, the hot flushes and night sweats have just about finished so I guess I’m due a new ailment.