Interpreting bone scan/PET/CT |
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ds21 
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Joined: Dec 23 2011 Location: Michigan Status: Offline Points: 92 |
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 Posted: Feb 27 2012 at 12:12pm |
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Being proactive on the GI seems to help. My wife had some of the achiness after round 1 of neulasta, but not so much later.
We decide about what to cook day by day because it is hard to predict what will taste good. She loses weight the first few days after chemo and she works to gain it back before the next round.
David |
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Charlene
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Joined: Aug 14 2010 Location: Atlanta, GA Status: Offline Points: 613 |
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Posted: Feb 27 2012 at 12:35pm |
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Hi, Turtle,
The constipation from the pain/antinausea meds was a major unpleasant side effect for me, too. By the third treatment, I had it under control by taking Miralax as soon as I got home from infusion. And, continuing to take it the first few days. Once that time period passed, I was OK. Wishing you the best.
Charlene
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DX 3/10 @59 ILC/TNBC
Stage 1, Grade 2, Multifocal; Lumpectomy/re-excision SNB 0/4 nodes, BRCA-; Taxotere/Cytoxan X4, 30 rads 3/14:NED |
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123Donna
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Joined: Aug 24 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO Status: Offline Points: 13510 |
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Posted: Feb 27 2012 at 1:01pm |
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I found Collace to help also.
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DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09)
11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15 |
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steelers67
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Joined: Feb 27 2012 Location: ohio Status: Offline Points: 1 |
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Posted: Feb 27 2012 at 3:19pm |
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i was diagnosed with tnbc back in sept
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Lee21
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Joined: Dec 22 2011 Location: Michigan Status: Offline Points: 752 |
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Posted: Feb 28 2012 at 8:52am |
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Hi Turtle
I had the same kind of constipation problems the first time around and had better luck the second time. Even though I am already on a high fiber diet normally, the constipation was still a problem. I started taking Peri-colace (stool softner + stimulant-laxative) on Saturday (chemo on Monday) and would continue with daily Peri-colace through the weekend. When my bowel habits started normalizing, I would switch to Miralax for a couple of days and then stop altogether, until Saturday rolls around again. As you know, the GI mucosa is getting nuked the same way and they don't want us straining which could lead to undesired consequences such as bleeding. Regarding nausea, the first time, in addition to Emend and Dexamethasone, I also took a Compazine the first 3 days. That added to the constipation. The second time around, I didn't take Compazine and didn't have any worse nausea. I also wore "Seabands" -- these are wrist bands that are supposed to work off acupuncture principles. I wore them on a cruise once and I never did have the seasickness I always had before. I seemed to tolerate the Neulasta reasonably well except for developing head fullness that evolved into a heavy-throb over my right eye. It went away in a day or two. Are you getting the Neulasta shot in your arm or abdomen? My second dose was self-administered and I chose the abdomen (more of a skin fold). The nurse training me said the abdomen might be preferable for some drugs, allowing for better absorption. The first week when my appetite was at its worse, I found eating in smaller installments helped. The second week I felt better. I was also instructed to take a proton pump inhibitor (initially Pepcid, then Prilosec) daily. I took the inhibitor daily the first week and part of the second week. The reason for the proton pump inhibitor (which inhibits acid reflux) is presumably because of the AC nuking the gastric epithelium. That might also help with the queasiness. You might want to check with your onc team if you should take Prilosec. Prilosec is over the counter and I think a little expensive. You NP can write you a prescription for the generic variety as well. You should definitely start to feel better this week. Lee Edited by Lee21 - Feb 28 2012 at 9:37am |
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12/9/11 @59,IDC,grade3, TNBC,3cm(MRI),SLNB0,stage IIA, BRCA1 variant
1/30/12 DD AC-T, 6/7/12 Lumpectomy, ypT1b(0.8 cm), 7/9/12 Rads x 30 11/9/12, clinical trial cisplatin/rucaparib, cisplatin-only arm |
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LRM216
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Joined: Mar 18 2009 Location: Marietta, GA Status: Offline Points: 1196 |
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Posted: Feb 28 2012 at 8:55am |
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Welcome Steelers:
Happy you have found us, but also sorry that you had to. Please feel free to inform us of your stats, treatments, etc. and jump on board with us. TN can be a very lonely scary disease, but it doesn't have to be once you know all the facts, which you will certainly do here on this thread. The greatest bunch of men and women ever - I couldn't have gotten as far as I have without each of them.
Hugs,
Linda
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Linda - diagnosed at age 62
Diag 2/23/09 IDC 1.2 cent. IDC right breast,Stage 1, Grade 3,0/1 nodes - Triple Neg 4 DD AC every two weeks, 1 Dd Taxol, then 3 Taxotere every three weeks - rads x 33 |
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turtle
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Joined: Feb 05 2012 Location: Durham, NC Status: Offline Points: 161 |
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Posted: Feb 28 2012 at 1:21pm |
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Hi Lee and all, thanks for the good advice!
I think you and Charlene are spot on about managing the constipation, and I will start doing Miralax, etc. early, rather than waiting for symptoms to appear. I did not take compazine for nausea (although it may have been prescribed), but instead did ondansetron (Zofran) with the Dex and the Emend on days 2 & 3 (in addition to the day of). These worked well enough, still have this mild nausea that feels like you are car sick. I know that one of these also has headaches as a side effect, which I also did get. I was also VERY thirsty after chemo, so I drank a lot of liquids, which helped get the red devil (doxorubicin) out. For some reason, I have been craving koolaid  (all non-citrus flavors: black cherry, blue rasperry, etc.).Interestingly, it was my doctor who suggested before starting that I self-administer the Neulasta shot, saying it would save time by not having to come in and wait around for someone to do it. From the sounds of some other posts, it may also save on insurance costs (although I have yet to get a bill for anything). My husband just pinched the skin in my upper arm to do it. I still feel like I have some achiness from this though, but am managing this with ibuprofin and claritin. I am definitely feeling better, but still get pretty tired. I am not looking forward to the last couple of rounds. Cancer really sucks.
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DX IDC TNBC 1/15/12 @ 46; MRI 2.4cm gr3 BRCA2+ 6174delT; LMX 1/31/12 2.5cm, pT2pNO(i)pMX, lymphovascular invasion present; 2/20/12 TAC X 6; 7/2/12 Rad X 25; 9/27/2012 2nd mastectomy & BSO surgery
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Lee21
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Joined: Dec 22 2011 Location: Michigan Status: Offline Points: 752 |
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Posted: Feb 28 2012 at 1:49pm |
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Turtle,
Regarding Neulasta, G-CSF is supposed to mobilize the granulocytic lineage pretty quickly after administration of the drug. The bone pain is thought to be due to G-CSF induced changes in the bone marrow cavity (e.g. pressure). So we get a good bounce in the WBCs, especially the neutrophils. But there is a lag in our own stem cells/progenitors rebounding so the nadir of our counts is stated to be between 7-10 days after chemo administration. Hopefully our own stem stems/progenitors rebound somewhat so that we are in reasonable shape when the next round comes about. For dose dense the cycle is 14 days, so it could be dicey. Our RBCs depend only on our stem cells/progenitors rebounding so the erythroid lineage may be the most at risk. Of course the platelets are an issue too. In my own limited experience (2 cycles only), my platelets have been less of an issue. However the insult from the chemotherapy agents is cumulative, so it will only get worse before getting better. Drinking plenty of fluids is a really good thing -- in addition, I was told it will help with constipation. Zofran I am sure is very bit as good if not better than compazine. Another thing I noticed is the skin gets really really dry as the days go on. When I was at the onc clinic yesterday I was told in forceful terms to make sure my nasal passages are humidified (Ocean saline spray), lips greased with chap stick, and to put oodles and oodles of moisturizing skin lotion. Of course Michigan winters don't help either. Keep us posted as we go through this chemo journey together. Lee |
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12/9/11 @59,IDC,grade3, TNBC,3cm(MRI),SLNB0,stage IIA, BRCA1 variant
1/30/12 DD AC-T, 6/7/12 Lumpectomy, ypT1b(0.8 cm), 7/9/12 Rads x 30 11/9/12, clinical trial cisplatin/rucaparib, cisplatin-only arm |
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TNBC_in_NS
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Joined: Jul 26 2009 Location: NS Canada Status: Offline Points: 2028 |
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Posted: Feb 28 2012 at 5:32pm |
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Hi David & Turtle!
Welcome to our wonderful web site! There are so many wonderful people here that know so much about this awful disease...from personal experience....that any questions you have feel free to ask away, someone always comes by that has the answers. I am so sorry that you have to be here but happy you found us!
I had the Neupogen and did the self injections in the tummy. Not pleasant but did the trick with the severe bone pain! Constipation is awful at the best of times but with the chemo it is worse. Stool softeners and lots of fluids are the best method. We need to keep our systems hydrated because the chemo is so harsh it takes all the goodness we have until our bodies begin to make more when the chemo is done....
We do have a wonderful Spiritual thread and those members pray every day sometimes all day long for everyone here on this site and others. Drop over is you like. We have daily scripture readings to start our day and each leave a prayer when the spirit moves them... God bless.
Take care and once again, WELCOME.
Helen in Canada
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Diag@57TNBC04/092.5cm Lquad 05/09 TCx4Radsx30CT03/01/10 FU03/31/10ClearBRCA- 01/2011 RTNBC BMX 06/14/2011~2013 clear
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Autumn10182001
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Joined: Aug 18 2009 Location: Highland, NY Status: Offline Points: 557 |
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Posted: Feb 28 2012 at 10:28pm |
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regarding the constipation... i had it terribly... the PA suggested I (granted this is not a good thing to put in our bodies..).. that I go to mcdonalds and get a big mac.. well I did a couple of times.. and guess what.. within in an hr, no more issue... I don't eat those things .. but they did help those few times.. when all else failed..
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DX2/99 Stg I,ER+PR+ Chemo lumpectomy - Neg nodes,rads, tamox,femara. DX4/09, Stg IIB /III, TNBC IDC, Grade III, 2.5CM, mastectomy. 4AC DD,12 wkly taxol,BRAC1&2Neg, Right Mast 11/25/09
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turtle
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Joined: Feb 05 2012 Location: Durham, NC Status: Offline Points: 161 |
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Posted: Feb 29 2012 at 11:42am |
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Too funny Autumn...that made me laugh! A big mac to go with my liters of koolaid! If I do it, at least when I'm done with chemo I probably will never be able to stomach either again!
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DX IDC TNBC 1/15/12 @ 46; MRI 2.4cm gr3 BRCA2+ 6174delT; LMX 1/31/12 2.5cm, pT2pNO(i)pMX, lymphovascular invasion present; 2/20/12 TAC X 6; 7/2/12 Rad X 25; 9/27/2012 2nd mastectomy & BSO surgery
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turtle
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Joined: Feb 05 2012 Location: Durham, NC Status: Offline Points: 161 |
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Posted: Feb 29 2012 at 11:47am |
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Lee,
Have you read anything about glucosamine chondroitin to help maintain bone density with all the hits our hematopoietic lineage takes? I know there have been suggestions to take Calcium + D3. My big problem is that I haven't been taking these since I have a hard time swallowing large pills anyway, and with chemo, the thought of trying this makes me gag. I just saw an add for chewable Calcium + D3 which I'm going to try to find, but the chondroitin looks like it's just a tablet form.
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DX IDC TNBC 1/15/12 @ 46; MRI 2.4cm gr3 BRCA2+ 6174delT; LMX 1/31/12 2.5cm, pT2pNO(i)pMX, lymphovascular invasion present; 2/20/12 TAC X 6; 7/2/12 Rad X 25; 9/27/2012 2nd mastectomy & BSO surgery
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Lee21
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Joined: Dec 22 2011 Location: Michigan Status: Offline Points: 752 |
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Posted: Feb 29 2012 at 12:35pm |
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Turtle,
No I haven't heard anything about glucosamine for preventing osteoporosis -- I don't mean to be flippant : the only time this was brought up was when our dog developed an anterior cruciate ligamental tear. I just did a literature search in PubMed "glucosamine" and "bone density" -- the only relevant article again talked about osteoarthritis associated with ACL tears (in rabbits). "glucosamine" and osteoporosis did not bring up anything. You might want to have a baseline bone density scan if you don't have one already. Bisphosphonates could also be helpful. I have osteoporosis by bone scan and my onc mentioned giving me a yearly IV injection of one of the bisphosphonates. I am taking Ca 1 gm and Vitamin D3 2000 IU daily. I took bisphosphonates orally previously but couldn't tolerate them and stopped after a few months. There have been several trials on whether bisphosphonates are efficacious in preventing recurrences and bone mets. I believe the current thinking is that the data are not there to support bisphosphonates being part of the standard of care (there are others on the forum who may know more about this than I do). The theory on preventing bone mets is that if you strengthen the bones, then mets are less likely to successfully seed. Donna may be able to provide you with more information -- she is the resident expert on Ca and Vit. D3. Lee Lee |
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12/9/11 @59,IDC,grade3, TNBC,3cm(MRI),SLNB0,stage IIA, BRCA1 variant
1/30/12 DD AC-T, 6/7/12 Lumpectomy, ypT1b(0.8 cm), 7/9/12 Rads x 30 11/9/12, clinical trial cisplatin/rucaparib, cisplatin-only arm |
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123Donna
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Joined: Aug 24 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO Status: Offline Points: 13510 |
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Posted: Feb 29 2012 at 12:50pm |
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Lee and Turtle,
We've had a couple of threads on bisphosphonates in the past. I was in one of the clinical trials in 2009 and elected to the clodronate (daily pill) arm. When I had my recurrence in Nov 2010, I had to leave the trial. http://forum.tnbcfoundation.org/bisphosphonates-clinical-trial-any-info_topic4591_page8.html?KW=bisphosphonates http://forum.tnbcfoundation.org/sabc-bisphosphonate-results-clodronate-zometa_topic9413.html?KW=bisphosphonates My personal opinion is that chemo is harsh on our bones, plus puts us into menopause if we're not there already. It's important to know our bone density and possibly use bisphosphonates to maintain the density. I'll be asking my onc at the next visit. Donna
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DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09)
11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15 |
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ds21
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Joined: Dec 23 2011 Location: Michigan Status: Offline Points: 92 |
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Posted: Feb 29 2012 at 1:25pm |
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@Autumn - LOL! Maybe MacDonalds should advertise this as a new use for the Big Mac.
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Co-survivor
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Grateful for today
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Joined: Sep 21 2011 Location: U.S.A. Status: Offline Points: 1835 |
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Posted: Mar 11 2012 at 11:53pm |
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Turtle,
Sending lots of caring and positive thoughts for your chemo.......3/12 Monday. Grateful for today............Judy |
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Lee21
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Joined: Dec 22 2011 Location: Michigan Status: Offline Points: 752 |
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Posted: Mar 12 2012 at 3:39pm |
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Hi Turtle, hope you sail through cycle 2!
I just got back from cycle 4 -- they warned me this will be the toughest in terms of fatigue. Are they using lower arm veins or hand veins for you? I guess the nurses want to stay away from hand veins -- they used them 3x already. Everytime they go elsewhere, I get stuck twice (it's happened twice now). Sometimes I wonder if I wouldn't have been better off with a port but there are a lot of problems with ports too. And I am half way through. Thinking I should do some upper body/arm exercises to build muscles and veins! Lee |
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12/9/11 @59,IDC,grade3, TNBC,3cm(MRI),SLNB0,stage IIA, BRCA1 variant
1/30/12 DD AC-T, 6/7/12 Lumpectomy, ypT1b(0.8 cm), 7/9/12 Rads x 30 11/9/12, clinical trial cisplatin/rucaparib, cisplatin-only arm |
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debB
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Joined: Sep 14 2011 Location: Central Illinoi Status: Offline Points: 692 |
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Posted: Mar 12 2012 at 7:01pm |
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Lee,
I was told that they stay away from joints. Since Adriamycin is a vesicant, it will damage the joint if it leaks out so they try to steer clear. Before my port, they did my first cycle halfway up (or down!) my forearm. It didn't leak but I did react to it and now have a three inch stretch of very hard vein. You would OT want to have that anywhere sensitive! Glad you made it through that part uneventfully! Deb |
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Dx 4/29/11, 46 yrs old, 3.9 cm tumor, Stg 2 Grade 3 chemo 4 rounds DD AC, 12 weekly taxol, finish. Lumpectomy, 2mm residual tumor. 37 rounds rads completed. Cisplatin/PARP trial
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Grateful for today
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Joined: Sep 21 2011 Location: U.S.A. Status: Offline Points: 1835 |
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Posted: Apr 22 2012 at 11:09pm |
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Hi Turtle,
Sending caring and positive thoughts for TAC #4 tomorrow. Think you you said on another thread that you planted some native species to attract butterflies. So, hope there are some butterflies to greet you when you get home. Grateful for today..............Judy |
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Grateful for today
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Joined: Sep 21 2011 Location: U.S.A. Status: Offline Points: 1835 |
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Posted: May 13 2012 at 2:26pm |
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Hi turtle,
Sending caring and positive thoughts for TAC #5 tomorrow. Hope the TAC from 3 weeks allowed you to enjoy a fairly good Mother's Day today. And if the butterflies didn't greet you when you got home from chemo #4, hope they greet you tomorrow when you get home! Grateful for today.............Judy |
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