Effect of Chemo on Preexisting Health Issues

ChasSuz

Hi All,

Though I was dx in April, I am new to the boards as I've been waiting for test results this entire time. I just got Mammaprint results yesterday and it doesn't look like I can avoid chemo, as I'd hoped based on being ER+, PR+ and HER2-.

Though I look healthy, and am an avid runner, pescetarian, all around health junkie, I have autoimmune thyroid disease, have had several flares of autoimmune symptoms and indicators that the docs could never figure out, and currently have inexplicable low platelets. They went from 150 on April 23 to 56 last week when I was being screened for a clinical trial. I see the hematologist on Thursday, but my guess is autoimmune. I mean, I'm under just a BIT of stress right now, right? I also have migraines, have had pneumonia half a dozen times, including being hospitalized at 20, AND had c. diff about 12 years ago.

I'm very concerned about the effect of chemo on my body with all of these underlying issues. All of the docs say, "oh, you're young and healthy, you'll do fine." Is anyone in a similar boat who can give me some real talk, and maybe measures I can put in place to minimize the damage?

Suzanne

couragement

Hi ChasSuz,

I am so sorry you are having to go through this. It was about two years ago that I was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer and I had (and still have) many underlying autoimmune conditions, as well as other comorbidities. I also have always looked healthy, eaten clean, was an athlete, etc. which led pretty much all my doctors to always assume I was fine on all counts and not take things too seriously. The looking good part is a bigger deal than most people think. I now have doctors that listen to my words vs just look at me and make assumptions. The biggest advice I can give you is to stick to your guns about your concerns for your health. Even though I had shingles 8 times my doctors played down the neuropathy issues. I developed bad neuropathy from chemo after my second round and it took several visits and multiple tumor board meetings to finally decide to give me gemzar as my chemo to avoid worsening neuropathy. I had botox injections for migraines which we discontinued during chemo so that I was not overwhelmed with meds. I also discontinued other meds as well (like plaquenil). What I have found to be the case with my doctors is that they will downplay any potential complications but once they arise they will take them seriously.

I did a lot of research on what issues can arise with chemo. A lot of folks said not to, as it can make you kind of crazy with fear, but I found that I was prepared when side effects presented themselves. For example I developed hand and foot syndrome and when I saw it I immediately knew what is was and was able to get help immediately. I had a kidney stone and was able to handle it well. I just took one symptom and side effect or emergency at a time and stayed present throughout. I did not worry about going to the ER for UTI's, dehydration, or anything, and was adamant that they separate me from the crowd so I didn't pick up any illness' from others. I stayed kind but firm always with everyone helping me. Due to illness' since I was about 19 my main course of caring for myself has been self regulation through meditation and it has held me in good stead in this terrifying process. I am not saying I don't feel like falling apart occasionally (and do), but I usually bounce back in strength once again. Fear is a big thing throughout chemo and I found my therapist to be invaluable.

I used everything at my disposal to stay strong and healthy throughout. Eat well, drink plenty, exercise even when you don't feel like it, even if it is just walking around the block. Use pedialyte if you can't stand the taste of water. Gargle with baking soda and salt and warm water a lot, swish with coconut oil if it doesn't make you feel sick. Treat yourself to good things, positive and uplifting movies and music, write, get in water. One thing you may want to check out is the use of fasting during chemo. I explored it a bit, but honestly was so overwhelmed and scared that I didn't do it. But the data is good. A guy named Valter Longo at USC has found that people who fast around the time of chemo (his studies have the specific times and hours of fasting) have fewer side effects and the chemo does the job better. If you google him and also see him in youtube videos to get the exact info.you can watch videos of him and his work. I now fast 14-17 hours a day due to data that shows it can reduce roccurance by 39% (check out Dr. Ruth Peterson's work at UCSD).

I hope some of this info is helpful. I am thinking of you with much hope and send it your way. May you be well and strong.