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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Draining With Achy Muscles And Shortness Of Breath During Chemotherapy?

I am going through chemo and am 5 days off my third round of EP. I do 5 day regiments w/ 2 weeks off. I am concerned because the last 3 days I have been unable to do anything but stay in bed and that has not helped. I feel drainrd with ache muscles and shortness of breath. Could I be acing a chemical imbalance or what do you think.

Exhausted
Fri, 23 May 2014
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Oncologist 's  Response
EP chemotherapy is a two drug protocol containing Etoposide and Cisplatin.
Etoposide's major toxicity is myelosuppression ( i.e it decreases blood cell counts) and Cisplatin is notorious for kidney toxicity and electrolyte imbalances. The toxicities of both these drugs is cumulative that is it adds on as the chemotherapy cycles progress.
Now feeling of being drained with aches and shortness of breath can be due to anemia secondary to myelosuppression. The muscle aches and weakness may be due to hypokalemia (low serum potassium levels) and/or hypomagnesemia (low magnesium levels).
I would suggest that you have your lab investigations including Complete blood counts (CBC) and Renal function tests (RFTs) including electrolytes to see if there is any abnormality which can be rectified.
I hope I have answered your query. If you any further questions I will be more than happy to help.
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What Causes Draining With Achy Muscles And Shortness Of Breath During Chemotherapy?

EP chemotherapy is a two drug protocol containing Etoposide and Cisplatin. Etoposide s major toxicity is myelosuppression ( i.e it decreases blood cell counts) and Cisplatin is notorious for kidney toxicity and electrolyte imbalances. The toxicities of both these drugs is cumulative that is it adds on as the chemotherapy cycles progress. Now feeling of being drained with aches and shortness of breath can be due to anemia secondary to myelosuppression. The muscle aches and weakness may be due to hypokalemia (low serum potassium levels) and/or hypomagnesemia (low magnesium levels). I would suggest that you have your lab investigations including Complete blood counts (CBC) and Renal function tests (RFTs) including electrolytes to see if there is any abnormality which can be rectified. I hope I have answered your query. If you any further questions I will be more than happy to help.