Long term chemo side effects

I was wondering if anyone else has long term side effects following chemotherapy and radiotherapy for breast cancer? I finished my treatment 4 years ago but I am still suffering with peripheral neuropathy, joint pains, bowel problems and tiredness. I have had regular check ups and am pleased to report that I am still in remission but find the on-going side effects leave me feeling a bit sorry for myself occasionally. 

  • Hello there.  I have no personal experience of chemotherapy or radiotherapy so can not give any personal information but I thought you might like to read the information on this website on the subject.  Best wishes to you.  Annie

    https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-in-general/treatment/chemotherapy/side-effects/late-effects

  • Yes, although I had womb cancer, not breast. Last treatment was in November 2017, still suffering neuropathy, joint pain, severe muscle weakness, fatigue and bowel and bladder problems.

    GP is sympathetic, but basically has no solution except more pain killers - which aggravate the stomach issues.

    I've decided to treat it as a challenge. I'm starting with the digestive system, because I think that's the one I've got most chance of sorting on my own.

    I'm in the process of putting together a diet to try to tackle the IBS that GP thinks was triggered by radiotherapy - I never had digestive problems before having cancer.

    The muscle weakness has aggravated issues I already had with joint hypermobility, so every attempt to get fit since treatment finished has resulted in injury. 

    This is also a challenge to be tackled, so I'm devising my own progressive exercise regime. I'm starting with low-level resistance and weight training to gradually improve the stability in my joints. Once that's improved, I will hopefully be able to step up the walking/jogging to improve my cardio fitness. 

    I'm also hoping that better fitness will help with the IBS, but that might be wishful thinking!

    So, basically, I've turned myself into an academic research project. Makes life more interesting, if nothing else!

  • Hello, I too am suffering with post chemo issues, I'm interested in what you've said about neuropathy, see I've sufferred with my legs since about this time 2 years ago, also, all other joints seem to be affected, all of this since chemo radiotherapy, I would love to have started to change things with regard to diet and exercise but can't develop motivation to do it, fatigue also an issue x