Late onset of chemo side effects

Hi, I had breast cancer 8 years ago and had chemtherapy surgery and radiation. I had significant problems with the chemo and the herceptin afterwards but they disappeared once the treatment stopped. About 3 years ago I started having breathing problems , palpitations and digestive difficulties. I as seen by various specialists who carried out endless tests and ended up shrugging their shoulders and scratching their heads. In the last couple of months along with the continuing breathing problems, I have developed pain, numbness and tingling in my hands. My GP thinks that this is chemotherapy induced neuropathy. Has anyone else started to have symptoms so long after the treatment stopped. I must add I have been referred to a neurologist so I hope I will get some answers at last.

Parents
  • HI I may have some insight. Im not a professional just another cancer survivor whos dealt with other chronic illness so feel free to take this with a pinch of salt but I started getting some similar symptoms to you about 5 years ago and even put a similar post on here myself at the time, now im being tested for something called POTS. It doesn't mean thats it in your case but may be worth looking it up to see if you relate, people with pots are often misdiagnosed/undiagnosed for a long time. I've also heard it can sometimes be linked to chemotherapy. Fibromalygia may be something else to look into whch is often caused by extreme stress and traumatic expereinces such as going through cancer, I've dealt with cfs which is very similar. But yeah I dont think its that uncommon to have effects so long after. I've heard quite a few people have. I hope you get some answers soon when you go to the neurologist. :) I know how frustrating it can be to not have answers! 

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  • HI I may have some insight. Im not a professional just another cancer survivor whos dealt with other chronic illness so feel free to take this with a pinch of salt but I started getting some similar symptoms to you about 5 years ago and even put a similar post on here myself at the time, now im being tested for something called POTS. It doesn't mean thats it in your case but may be worth looking it up to see if you relate, people with pots are often misdiagnosed/undiagnosed for a long time. I've also heard it can sometimes be linked to chemotherapy. Fibromalygia may be something else to look into whch is often caused by extreme stress and traumatic expereinces such as going through cancer, I've dealt with cfs which is very similar. But yeah I dont think its that uncommon to have effects so long after. I've heard quite a few people have. I hope you get some answers soon when you go to the neurologist. :) I know how frustrating it can be to not have answers! 

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