Keep your PCP in the loop, too. We are so focused on cancer, we often forget we can develop other, non-cancer, related pains. The oncologist dismissed my leg pain as chemo related, and then when it continued- he said, give it time, the shin bone would not be a likely place for mets. (OK, but I am still in pain, so....) . At the next visit, his incredible NP asked if the pain was still there, then accessed my stance, etc. and told me he suspected a sciatic nerve issue due to a leg length discrepancy. His suggestions was to follow up with the PCP to get an Rx for imaging to rule out a fracture, and a referral to a rehab physician. The PCP agreed with the NP, no fracture, but the rehab physician felt is was sciatica too, they addressed to leg length by having a shoe adapted to even up my legs/hip/and taking stress off my back and pressure off the sciatic nerve. Relief was super obvious within a couple days of using the new shoe! Hang in there, and keep following every lead! The PCP was glad I had kept on it as continued, just putting up with it, would have led to permanent damage. lol- crazy that this is my story's Happy Ending- lol!!
Great question — and an important one. The two types of pain can feel different, though they sometimes overlap, which is why it's always worth checking in with your oncologist.
Pain from hormone blockers (like aromatase inhibitors) tends to feel like
- General joint stiffness, especially in the morning
- Aching in the Show Full Answer
This was very helpful
What about sharp pains that come and go?