Partner is TN , treatment friday

cindoe

Hello all, I have questions and hope someone can help with info. My partner was dx one month ago TN , and hasn't had any treatments yet. She is in terrible pain the tumor is under her left arm, another between her ribs on left upper side, one path report and breast surgeon says growing in and out of her lung. The other doc which the onc. sent her to is a lung doctor said it's not in her lung but outside her lung pushing on the lung. Also bone mets. All of her pain is at the left shoulder blade and whole left breast numb but hurts inside. She is taking alot of meds, tramadol,flexerall, and some moraphine, but she doesn't like it because it just makes her tired. She also has some bone mets to hip and a couple spots t3 and t8, which she really doesn't have any bone pain. Her liver, kidneys, ect. good. The thing is the onc. is still trying to find out if it really is breast cancer or lung cancer. The lung doctor said its most likely breast cancer because lung cancer doesn't go to bone or under arm, Oncologist said unusual because breast cancer doesn't usually go to mediastinal area. Her tumor is close to the main pulmanary artery.

My question is the oncologist is starting her on Taxol, carboplatin, avastin this friday. He said all day treatment, 8 hours which includes putting the port in. He is gonna use arm port, which is ok with Chris since her chest hurts now and doen't wanna be prodded anymore. The oncologist is sending her biopsy tissue to U of M to see if they can say if it is truly breast cancer, or lung cancer. Has anyone heard of this combo of chemo? Onc said pretty tough stuff but since she is young 45, and is good for lung or breast cancer he said this combo most agressive approch. He said this combo could cause death if you get some infection or something, I think something to do with bone marrow. ( don't mean to scare anyone) No One really sugested anything else and Chris is strong now, I seen her take alot of pain and she thinks they should get going now. Has anyone been on this combo? What side effects should we expect?  Thanks for any info. You can read more about her journey under stage 4, My Partner board.

Thanks again,

Cyn

pennylane

Hi Cyn, I'm so sorry that you and your partner are going thru this....it's awful enough when we are first dx, but to have this confusion must be unbearable for you both.  I have only had experience with AC chemo, but I just wanted to tell you to be very, very carefful about fevers and infections.  I went to MSK in NYC and had fevers thoughout treatment and was always sent home when I  went to urgent care....After 4th infusion was mortally ill, and had to stay in hospital for close to a month, and very lucky to still be here.  So please be your own advocate...be the sqeaky wheel...if there is fever insist on treatment....insist on staying overnight in hospital...Do not let them dismiss you....Fevers are truly your NUmber 1 enemy during treatment....Oh and by the way Emend is a great anti-nausea drug.....I never even came close to throwing up....just had loss of appetite.........I pray for you both, Best wishes, P

pennylane

Hi Cyn, Your post just broke my heart...What a rough time you both are having...I edited my original post as it had way to much info you didn't need.  Just want to cheer you both on....Stick together and be your own advocate...You can do this!!!  There are excellent anti-nausea drugs for chemo now (especdially Emend)....Hang in there, we are here for you...Best wishes, P

Debonthelake

Hi Cyn,

What heart breaking news.  But, I am familiar with the meds that they are starting on your partner.  A close friend of mine is taking that exact same combination.  She is doing great.  She is loosing her hair, has a little bit of joint pain and lose of taste buds.  But, other than that she is really tolerating the medications well.  Everyone is very, very different.  Good luck to you and your partner.  I will keep you both in my prayers.