2nd and 3rd Chemo Treatments Led to Disaster For Me!

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lana830
lana830 Member Posts: 12
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

First treatment cytoxan and adriamycin were fine. 2nd treatment landed me in hospital with c diff. for four days.   3rd one landed me two weeks in hospital with diverticulitis plus I had surgery and now have ostomy bag. Never had the cancer removed. Now chemo delayed until the infection line I have is removed. Having it checked this week. IF it can be removed Weds. then I do 12 weeks of Taxol, then breast surgery, then reversal of ostomy surgery I HOPE! I'm wondering did chemo totally screw me up like this alone or are there other such horror stories? To say I cry every day is putting it mildly. I had stage 1A breast cancer, now wondering how far it spread since constant interruptions in chemo treatments. Sighhh. I seem to not get a break here, you know?

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  • Racy
    Racy Member Posts: 2,651
    edited June 2013

    Hi lana, I'm sorry to read of your difficulties and that no-one has replied to you yet.  Most ladies find chemo bearable, though unpleasant.

    I would suggest a serious discussion with your oncologist and other specialist/s about your legitimate concerns, and maybe a second opinion too.

    I understand how distressing the extra problems must be on top of coping with cancer.  I hope you get the answers you need and back on track with treatment soon.

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  • Maureen1
    Maureen1 Member Posts: 614
    edited June 2013

    (((lana830))) so sorry you are going thru this, I had the same chemo meds that you are getting and it is tough but it's hitting you harder than it did me...I hope your oncologist is giving you lots of meds to prevent side effects? I hate taking meds but I really needed them. And, drinking lots and lots of water helped me. The AC was the worst - I had 4 cycles of that and then went on to the Taxol - I did not find the Taxol as hard on my GI track as the AC so I hope that is true for you. At least BC is usually slow growing and you've started treatment... Hang in there, let us know how you're doing...you're in my thoughts and prayers (((Healing Hugs)))Maureen

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  • lana830
    lana830 Member Posts: 12
    edited June 2013

    Maureen



    The only meds for side effects were for anti nausea. Also had the day after neulasta shots. Not looking forward to taxol after all this but will still have poopbag around so gi tract should be ok?? Just wish this could be over with already!!

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  • pennylane
    pennylane Member Posts: 177
    edited June 2013

    Hi Lana, You are not alone.  I too was hit hard by chemo...This was back in November of 2005.  I had a rough time with the A&C for the 2nd and 3rd rounds just like you.   In my case I was plagued by high fevers...I was given the green light for Round 4 even though I had a fever that day...WTF?  So after a week of feverish delerium (and ensuing double pneumonia) was placed on life support for 2-weeks ...ICU for a month... and major rehab to learn how to walk again...I was Stage 1 like yourself, but in those days surgery came first unless it was more advanced....In spite of my horror story, I do not regret taking the chemo, and feel it greatly improved my odds of being a survivor....You and I are definitely in the minority...most bc patients find chemo to be awful but uneventful...However, I have to say, I never realized I had such deep reserves of strength...and it's pretty hard to ruffle my feathers since that ordeal...I also feel that I, and now you, have taken a bullet for so many of fellow bc sisters...Hang in there Lana....You are going to have your long easy days back again...I promise you...Best wishes, P

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  • Jupiterjo
    Jupiterjo Member Posts: 6
    edited September 2013

    Hi Lana - I had similar experience!!! Was diagnosed also March 2013; stage IIB - double mastectomy w/immediate reconstruction; (believe it or not this was the easy part!) then started chemo June 20, 2013. Dense dose, a/c (adreomycin/Cytoxin) every other week. First round horrible, white counts went to 0 within a week; I was weak & in tears; my oncologist was out of town & I saw her nurse after next 3 treatments; 2nd not as bad but no picnic; also had neulasta shot after each round. 3rd chemo, started having lower abdominal pain and called oncologist office, thought I was dehydrated; this was tues after 3rd treatment. On Wed, went to onc. Office; had IV- fluid, they sent me home. Next day, thurs, one week after 3rd chemo, had fever of 100.2 (RED FLAG, RED FLAG!!) and abdominal pain and blood pressure of 89/ 60 something, my husband took me to onc. Office, fever over 100; ABDOMINAL PAIN, my husband had to help me walk, they have me fluid and sent me home. I called office and thankfully, nurse (who is my hero) said go to ER. I was in hospital 6 days; diverticulitis; almost had to have bag; after 2nd ct scan was no worse and after neutropenia (which means you have 0 white count & are anemic) I came home to recover, switched to a new oncologist, said no to 4th a/c. Was told off the record by 2nd opinion dr & 2 nurses "chemo was too strong". Started Taxol once a week, for 12 weeks; just had dose 2 last Thurs; world of difference. I am so sorry for what you have gone through, they will be able to get you back on your feet again and please know I am praying for you, as awful as it is it was a life saving surgery for you (I didn't realize it when it almost came to that) and they would not hand done it lightly - be good to yourself, say what you think, you are so entitled to it strong lady! Taxol much much easier (the weekly round!) and new study (June 2013) just as effective as dense dose / please don't give up - with love from your friend in Jupiter - Jo

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