On 1/1/2006 Suzette wrote:
I was diagnosed with Stage III colon cancer last February, during a
routine colonoscopy, taken immediately to surgery where about 12 inches
of my right colon was removed. I started chemo 6 weeks later, 5 FU,
Leucovorin and Oxliplatin. When I had liver pain and vomitted bile, a
PT scan showed liver inflammation so Oxliplatin was changed to
Irrocantin in May. Although the neuropathy was no longer a problem,
constant diarreha was. In September my stomach started cramping and I
had severe chills also. Chemo ended October 6th and another colonscopy
was done 3 weeks later which the dr. said showed ulcerative colitis. By
November 7th, those symptoms left and a blood test run just after
Thanksgiving said there is not colitis afterall. I am very grateful for
that and feel that the false test and the symptoms of cramping and
chills, etc. were brought on by the chemo regime. Now, however, I have
constant joint pain, especially my fingers, ankles, knees and my legs
just ache. Has anyone else experienced such things and could it be from
chemo? If so, does it ever go away? Why is it MDs can not be more
honest with patients as to what to expect as permanent results once we
have made it through the chemo? I had nine positive lymph nodes and
understand that makes my chances for recurrence that much higher too,
but, how much and what should I watch for? Where does it usually move
next if that happens? I'd like more honesty from the medical people. I
had a hernia appear on my incision from the original surgery and had
that repaired before Christmas and my port removed. I really don't want
to see a doctor or hospital ever again if I could avoid it and want to
do some real living now just in case my life is cut short. I promised
myself if I lived through chemo, I'd take a trip so I'm planning it
now. Cancer does give us a different perspective on life.
Hi,
I realize that you wrote this a year ago but was wondering if you have
had relief from your joint pain? I had 5-FU starting in March of
2006 and ended in September. I also had 30 doses of
radiation. Since the end of my chemo, I have had extreme,
sometimes excruciating pain and numbness in my buttocks and down the
back of my legs and feet. I chose not to have oxaliplatin because
of the chances of having neuropathy (I am also diabetic, so my chances
were increased). It seems to happen mostly at night or when I've
been sitting or reclining for an extended period of time. I take
motrin but it doesn't help at all. Did your pain go away?
Did you have oxaliplatin? I would sure like to know if I can
expect this for the rest of my life or if it's even related to chemo
and or radiation.
Thanks for any information.
Best regards,
Mary Scott