[dxsParticipant]

Read thru the first 40 entries on Bendamustine and didn’t find what I wanted so thought I’d create a new topic. I have lambda light chain myeloma and when Lenalidamide wasn’t too successful, my consultant said the choice was between Pomalidamide (an updated version of Lenalidamide) or Bendamustine. He opted for the latter because it was a drug my body hadn’t seen before. After 2 treatments – only the 2nd with Dexamethasone – my lambda count has come down from 3400 to 2580. So I suppose it’s been successful. Had my 3rd lot of Bend and Dex last week but haven’t had the blood test to check the latest lambda count.

But what I really wanted to say is that the 2nd and 3rd lots of Bend have left my forearms really achy and sore. Has anyone else experienced this? Ibuprufen gel doesn’t seem to be doing much; anyone found a better remedy? Thanks.

[ellenModerator]

I am sorry that no one has yet replied to your post, it may be that no one has had a similar experience to the one you describe.
I hope you don’t mind if I try to answer your question, my name is Ellen and I am one of the Myeloma Information Specialists at Myeloma UK
I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing achy forearms after your treatment. There are several possible causes of this.
One of the recognized side-effects – all be it rare – of bendamustine is pain in the extremities. Lowering the dose of the Bendamustine either temporarily or permanently may help.
Sometimes chemotherapy given intravenously can cause a type of chemical phlebitis. This is where the veins can become irritated and inflamed causing pain, swelling and redness. If this is the likely cause then slowing the rate of infusion can reduce the risk of it happening along with a good flush of saline into the vein before and after the infusion to help protect your veins.
Whilst unlikely, your achy forearms may also be due to muscle weakness. Dexamethasone can cause proximal myopathy (a symmetrical weakness of the upper and/or lower limbs) although this is less likely in someone who has had dexamethasone with no such issues previously.
Your symptoms are certainly worth mentioning to your consultant or nurse specialist.
I hope this has been of some help, but if you have any further questions, or would like to talk things through, please feel free to call the Myeloma Infoline on 0800 980 3332 – I or one of my colleagues can clarify things for you further. Alternatively you can email directly to askthenurse@myeloma.org.uk
With best wishes
Ellen

[Author]

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