Effects on Liver Enzymes

becks89

Hello,

I was very recently diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer.  To date, I have completed my first of four chemo treatments.  I am on Taxotere, Dexamethasone, Cytoxin and Neulasta.  Prior to starting chemo, both my AST and ALT liver enzyme levels were above the normal range as determined by my GP.  After being diagnosed, I was referred to an oncologist and began my treatment.  Just prior to my second chemo, I went in for routine blood work and the oncologist was concerned about my enzyme levels.   As a precaution, they did some additional blood work to rule out hepatitis and they also did a liver CT scan both tests came back fine.  The oncologist advised that 13% of Taxotere patients respond this way to chemo but he is concerned that my liver enzyme levels aren't returning to normal range as quickly as he would have liked.  I did a bit of research online and found that Tylenol could potentially be a culprit and I did take quite a bit of tylenol from days 4-10 post my first chemo treatment to deal with the aches and pains.  As of now, my ALT level is 43 and normal range is 6-42 and my AST level is at 102 and the normal range is 4-43.  My oncologist has halted my chemo treatments and I have a liver ultrasound scheduled.  Has anyone had a similar experience?  Any insight you can provide would be appreciated!  

Babs37

When I was on chemo, one week I took Tylenol for the pain from the Neupogen. At my next blood work,just before chemo, my liver enzymes had gone up and my onc was really concerned. It freaked me out of course because I didn't want any of my treatment to be posponed! I told him that the only thing I had done differently that week was to take tylenol for pain and he told me not to take anymore because Tylenol is hard on the liver. I listen to him and did not take it anymore and at my next blood work, my enzymes were down again. Good luck.

SpecialK

Do you take Glucosamine and Condroitin?  My husband had elevated ALT and AST while on these supplements after a routine blood panel.  He stopped taking them and his levels returned to normal within a couple of weeks.  I had inflammation of all soft tissue from Taxotere which did not resolve until weeks after the end of chemo, so the Taxotere itself could be to blame also.

Jejik

Have you had a pet scan to rule out liver mets? While there are other less ominous explanations, I would ask for one just to put your mind at ease.

becks89

I really appreciate the prompt feedback.  Very comforting and I will definitely ask for the PET scan at my next appointment on Monday.  As of now have had 3 ultrasounds and one CT scan but agree that a PET scan would help put my mind at ease.