1. < Colorectal Cancer

Arm Muscle pain after chemo?

Posted by terishep @terishep, Feb 2 3:55pm

Has anyone had the muscles in their arm muscles fail after Chemo? My last treatment was on May 20, 2024, I received 6 treatments of the chemo cocktail fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin for colon cancer. My right arm started hurting in August 2024 and I just thought I was overdoing it or something, but then my left arm muscles started hurting shortly thereafter in the identical way and the same pain. I got an x-ray and an MRI on my right arm because I thought for sure it was my rotator cuff but nothing was torn. It did show some bursitis, which I know is painful but this doesn't explain why the left arm is feeling the exact same way. This has gotten so painful it's hard to do anything that involves lifting and stretching my arms such as washing my hair etc. I'm trying acupuncture this upcoming week to see if that will help, but if anyone has had this happen or has any other suggestions I would love to hear about them.

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roywalton | @roywalton | Feb 2 4:30pm

Ask your doctor about possible neuropathy due to the oxaliplatin.

Experiencing arm pain after receiving oxaliplatin is not uncommon. This chemotherapy drug can cause **peripheral neuropathy**, which is nerve damage that often leads to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the extremities, including the arms (https://www.drugs.com/sfx/oxaliplatin-side-effects.html).

Here are a few suggestions to manage this pain:

1. **Consult Your Doctor**: It's important to discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider. They may adjust your treatment plan or prescribe medications to help manage the pain.
2. **Physical Therapy**: A physical therapist can provide exercises and techniques to help alleviate pain and improve mobility.
3. **Topical Treatments**: Over-the-counter creams or patches containing capsaicin or lidocaine may provide some relief.
4. **Acupuncture**: Some patients find relief from acupuncture, which can help reduce pain and improve overall well-being.

REPLY
1 reply
terishep | @terishep | Feb 3 7:51am

Has anyone had the muscles in their arms hurt after Chemo? My last treatment was on May 20, 2024, I received 6 treatments of the chemo cocktail fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin for colon cancer. My right arm started hurting in August 2024 and I just thought I was overdoing it or something, but then my left arm muscles started hurting shortly thereafter in the identical way and the same pain. I got an x-ray and an MRI on my right arm because I thought for sure it was my rotator cuff but nothing is torn. It did show some bursitis, which I know is painful but doesn't explain why the left arm is doing the exact same thing. This has gotten so painful that it's hard to do anything that involves lifting and stretching my arms. I'm trying acupuncture this upcoming week to see if that will help, but if anyone has had this happen please share your experience.

REPLY
terishep | @terishep | Feb 3 10:27am
In reply to @roywalton "Ask your doctor about possible neuropathy due to the oxaliplatin. Experiencing arm pain after receiving oxaliplatin..." + (show)
@roywalton

Ask your doctor about possible neuropathy due to the oxaliplatin.

Experiencing arm pain after receiving oxaliplatin is not uncommon. This chemotherapy drug can cause **peripheral neuropathy**, which is nerve damage that often leads to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the extremities, including the arms (https://www.drugs.com/sfx/oxaliplatin-side-effects.html).

Here are a few suggestions to manage this pain:

1. **Consult Your Doctor**: It's important to discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider. They may adjust your treatment plan or prescribe medications to help manage the pain.
2. **Physical Therapy**: A physical therapist can provide exercises and techniques to help alleviate pain and improve mobility.
3. **Topical Treatments**: Over-the-counter creams or patches containing capsaicin or lidocaine may provide some relief.
4. **Acupuncture**: Some patients find relief from acupuncture, which can help reduce pain and improve overall well-being.

Jump to this post

Thank you for your reply!

REPLY
dannyandebbie | @dannyandebbie | Feb 6 10:16am

Hopefully you did not have a Reclast infusion? That caused this to both my shoulders, left foot and lately I’ve observed my fingers locking and I have to use my other hand to physically bend my fingers on the other hand

REPLY
1 reply
terishep | @terishep | Feb 6 11:23am
In reply to @dannyandebbie "Hopefully you did not have a Reclast infusion? That caused this to both my shoulders, left..." + (show)
@dannyandebbie

Hopefully you did not have a Reclast infusion? That caused this to both my shoulders, left foot and lately I’ve observed my fingers locking and I have to use my other hand to physically bend my fingers on the other hand

Jump to this post

No, I didn't get that. Thank you for responding, and I'm sorry to hear that is happening to you. Please give yourself a huge hug for all of the things your going through.

REPLY
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