So, I started xeloda and am currently on 2nd cycle after progression of mets to abdomen and ascites. As my abdomen was so full of fluid, I put my problems walking down to that but this has improved as my problems walking have got worse. I can hardly get out of the house these days and the problem has got so bad that I can only shuffle around the house using a crutch. It's not painful to walk - it's a really strange sensation like I've lost all power in my legs. When I try to get upstairs, I have to drag myself up like my legs are somehow full of lead. Has anyone experienced anything like this? It's really getting me down as it's beautiful weather here just now and I'm stuck indoors the whole time.
My onc ordered an MRI of my brain and spine when I described my symptoms to her and I have a meeting to discuss the results on Tuesday. In the meantime, any advice or words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you, as ever, for your support.
Katie xxx
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Jan50 Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 58 |
Jun 28, 2009 07:43 pm
Jan50 wrote:
Hi Katie, I'm also on Xeloda, but I think this started earlier, so I'm not sure about the cause. But I have a similar problem with walking. It's not painful, like you said, but for me it's like having 10-pound weights strapped to my thighs and then trying to walk in a swimming pool. I can get around in stores with shopping carts, but otherwise walking any distance just seems like too much effort. I don't even try the stairs. Well, I guess there's no words of wisdom here because I don't have any. I hope your tests come out OK. Original dx 2000, Stage IV dx 2005, bone and skin mets, ER+/PR+
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PJB Joined: May 2004 Posts: 2,633 |
Jun 28, 2009 08:08 pm
PJB wrote:
Katie, when I was on Taxol/Avastin, my onc told me some chemos (that group was one of them) can cause problems with leg muscles, particularly thigh muscles. As in, make them much weaker. I know I have a much harder time climbing stairs now than I used to, using those muscles. Downstairs? I'm fine.... I hope your onc comes back Tuesday with good news for you. Paula |
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LinTol Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 284 |
Jun 28, 2009 08:31 pm
LinTol wrote:
Hi Katie. I have problems walking, but it is due to hand-foot syndrome from Xeloda. (and other issues) I just wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you and hope that you get good advice on how to handle this awful side effect. I will be praying for good scan results!! Take care. Linda
Dx 5/2006, Stage IV, ER+/PR-, HER2- |
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WendyV Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 900 |
Jun 30, 2009 07:54 am
WendyV wrote:
KIss , Kiss, Kiss, Hug, Hug, Hug - I hope all goes well on Tuesday! Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain.( bone,liver,brain mets)
Dx 10/9/2006, IDC, 4cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2+ |
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hollyann Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,327 |
Jun 30, 2009 07:57 am
hollyann wrote:
I didn't do chemo but I am on Arimidex and have problems walking...What's up with that?...I am only 45 and feel 85 some days....... Katie hope you get great results today!..... Hugs and love, Lucy
Dx 1/15/2007, IDC, 1cm, Stage Ib, Grade 1, 0/6 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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Irina Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 686 |
Jun 30, 2009 09:50 am
Irina wrote:
When I was on Xeloda it was same problem. I'm one year with out chemo and have sometimes tis problem. Chemo affects peripheral nerves. Dx 2/2004, 4cm, Stage IV, 5/0 nodes, mets ER+PR+HER2-
Dx 2/2004, IDC, 4cm, Stage IV, 5/0 nodes, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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katie11 Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 2,082 |
Jun 30, 2009 04:30 pm
katie11 wrote:
Thank you for all your replies and support so far! So, here's a thing - the brain MRI was clear (Yea!) and one small lesion showed up on the spine but not big enough to worry the onc or lead her to believe that it would have any impact on my ability to walk. It's all a bit of a mystery. The onc thinks it may be due to muscle wastage as I lost a lot of weight when I suffered the progression and ascites. Anyway, she's recommended some physiotherapy to try and get the strength in my tired old legs. Anyone done this? Katie xx |
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PJB Joined: May 2004 Posts: 2,633 |
Jun 30, 2009 04:37 pm
PJB wrote:
YEA on the MRI! I hope the therapy helps get those muscles back working like they should. Paula
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WendyV Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 900 |
Jun 30, 2009 04:38 pm
WendyV wrote:
YEA, YEA -Brain is clear! Brain is clear! I hope you can concentrate on getting better! Love, Wendy Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain.( bone,liver,brain mets)
Dx 10/9/2006, IDC, 4cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2+ |
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abbyglp Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 457 |
Jun 30, 2009 08:53 pm
abbyglp wrote:
So glad all is clear in the head. I can relate to the heavy legs. I failed on xeloda, so I have been on taxetere and carbo, and I have noticed like what pjb said about having weak thigh muscles. My thighs ache after walking any distance.Let us no if the physical therapy helps, maybe we all need a little of that. hugs Dx 5/5/2006, IDC, 5cm, Stage IV, Grade 2, 6/15 nodes, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2+ |
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tania_s Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 25 |
Jul 1, 2009 01:11 am
tania_s wrote:
I hated Zeloda!!! I had problems with stamina when I walked and felt like I had terrible pain down the tops of my legs....that is probably the side effect. As soon as I stopped Zeloda, things changed for the better. Good luck |
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ead Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 210 |
Jul 2, 2009 09:14 am
ead wrote:
Katie t,his great news. Can you keep off of your feet for awhile?R&r for now. Bless you! Liz Ead
Dx 6/3/2006, Stage IV, Grade 3, 1/18 nodes, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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gracie1 Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 113 |
Jul 3, 2009 12:21 am
gracie1 wrote:
Katie, congrats on the clear brain MRI. Just wanted you to know that after taxotere, I developed drop-foot, which basically made it difficult to lift my feet and made the muscles in my legs ache. It was made worse by Xeloda and I finally ended up getting leg braces. They, along with physiotherapy, has helped quite a bit. I can lift my legs enough now to climb stairs. |
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IRONSIDE Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 5 |
Jul 4, 2009 01:23 pm
IRONSIDE wrote:
I have been operated on 4 times now finished chemo have been told I am cancer free (for the moment anyway) six weeks ago I started Femara...if there is a side effect I have it ...the worst first thing in the morning my knees are locked and it takes me ten minutes to get out of bed. I used to be a great walker but getting around the house st the moment is a big step. Thumb joints elbow joints too are causing pain. I want to stop the Femara but from what I am hearing this is a big risk. I took Tamoxifen for 5 years without SEs. In time do these effects pass or do I have to make a choice or better still is there something else I can try. My next ap. with my onc. is in a couple of weeks would like to go with some information. Many thanks and good luck to each and every one of you. |
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gracie1 Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 113 |
Jul 4, 2009 01:44 pm, edited Jul 4, 2009 01:45 PM
by gracie1
gracie1 wrote:
Ironside, yes the se's from Femara come and go. I had the same joint pain, particularly in my thumbs, and it did go away approx. a year after I started Femara. Be prepared though, for every weird pain that goes away with time a new one pops up. A very bizarre drug, that Femara! In my experience, oncs tend not to believe that aspect of the side effects but I can assure you it does happen, to many women. |
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PineHouse Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 485 |
Jul 4, 2009 04:16 pm
PineHouse wrote:
Katie, I had similar situation. May 16th I was walking normal, then left leg started weakening etc. Spinal MRI showed "possible" something. Within 2-3 weeks I couldn't walk anymore. But don't panic. Getting physical therapy ASAP is the concern. I had to ask my doctor for it (they didn't automatically order one). I am improving now with PT, but I developed complications (deep vein thrombosis, blood clots) from non-activity. I was sedentary for too long. The small lesion on MRI may need to be looked at too, even though it's too small to cause damage. You can at least ask the doctor what the plan would be. I think you're doing the right thing. HUGS Numerous in-vivo studies have determined that chocolate-containing "treat"ment regimen SIGNIFICANTLY improved quality of life for breast cancer patients.
Dx 12/1996, IDC, , Stage IV, Grade 3, / nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2- |
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