there. My name is Fran from Ireland. I recently have had a recurrence of ovarian cancer stage 4 clear cell after a wonderful cancer free time of 12 years. I know I’ve been very lucky
on chemo at the moment. I was wondering if any of you ladies have been affected by violent shaking in the legs which if I don’t sit down will lead to me falling. I have had all ct scans and mris and pet scans to no avail. My team is totally baffled. My scenario is as follows -
This happens spontaneously particularly when I’m away from the house. When I get up from a sitting after about 4 steps my legs start shaking increasing in intensity until I sit when goes away very quickly
this has me afraid to go out. Please help. Fran
Hi Fran
I am sorry to hear that you are having some side effects from your chemo.
I had my chemo (carboplatin and paclitaxel) in 2022.
I did experience some shakiness during chemo but I feel it was more due to general weakness. I have not heard of anyone who has experienced more violent shaking but I would feel somewhat reassured that you have been thoroughly checked and scanned by your team.
I do know that chemo can sometimes have some weird effects and that they can be quite individual at times.
I do understand that it can make it feel difficult to go out. Have you someone who can go out with you when you walk anywhere? I did find generally trying to keep active did help during my chemo. During my chemo I developed peripheral neuropathy that led to different sensations, pain and weakness in my feet and lower legs and at times I did fall and stumble.
Perhaps continue to monitor these episodes and write them in your chemo booklet and see if there is any pattern developing as to when and where it is happening. Then when you have your review the doctors may be able to spot a link somewhere. I know for me it helped to do this and led to changes in medication, particularly involving a tapering steroid dose and this led to a reduction in side effects from my 2nd cycle.
Jane
