neulasta

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I know I have read alot on here about Neulasta. But now that I am on it I can't find anything. this is the first time I have had it.After my first TCH I had Neupogen which I had to inject myself and hated but now that my back is killing me, maybe that drug is better? Also, I haven't been this depressed in months (since I found out I had to lose my breast). Of course, my hair is going but I have just been crying all day. Have others had this experience with Neulasta? Or is it just BC and self pity?

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  • easyquilts
    easyquilts Member Posts: 876
    edited July 2008

    Hi Magentagirl!  I can't answer your questions, but do want to tell you that I am sorry you are feeling so down....I know I would be feeling the same way were I in your shoes.....Have you asked your doctor for something to take for the depression?  I know from personal exerience that depression can really do a number on you....So...I hope you will be feeling better soon...And I know that one of the sisters here will be along to give you some insight into Neuslasta...

    Sandy

  • vhqh
    vhqh Member Posts: 535
    edited July 2008

    I had very little trouble with Neulasta, just some occassional achiness.  Here is a link to an info page:    http://www.chemocare.com/BIO/neulasta.asp

    I would guess your depression is more related to dealing with your diagnosis than the meds you are taking.  It's a huge shock to your system dealing with cancer and all the uncertaintly and treatments that go along with it.  Please talk to your onc about this depression, it is not at all unusual to need a little help coping.  Many ladies here have dealt with depression after being diagnosed, I know that I have, and there is nothing wrong with getting some help for it.

  • MargaretB
    MargaretB Member Posts: 1,305
    edited July 2008

    I didn't have any trouble with neulasta.  I had a treatment the day following each dose dense chemo for a total of 4 treatments.  You've been through a lot and I too would guess your depression is related to the dx rather than the treatments.  Good luck to you.

  • magentagirl
    magentagirl Member Posts: 101
    edited July 2008

    Thanks, ladies. i was on Zoloft before I started chemo, but the shrink said there was a slight chance it could interfere with the chemo so I stopped. Are u all taking anti depressants thru treatment?

  • vhqh
    vhqh Member Posts: 535
    edited July 2008

    My depression was brief and intermittant so I did not seek any help, it's been 9 months since my diagnoses and I still have brief spells.

  • Mary-Lou
    Mary-Lou Member Posts: 2,230
    edited July 2008

    I took Prozac all through my treatments.

    Also the neulasta had me in much pain for up to 4 days.

    I just kept the pain pills in me.

    Best of luck

  • dpbrown523
    dpbrown523 Member Posts: 40
    edited July 2008

    Neulasta made me have sharp shooting pains in my bones at times.  I took Norco or Advil for the pain.  Slept as much as I could until I had to go back to work on Monday.  Neulasta worked though, I never got a cold or anything while on chemo!

  • Jen44
    Jen44 Member Posts: 631
    edited July 2008

    Hi Magentagirl.  I also had a lot of pain with the Neulasta.  There were some days that the pain made it very difficult for me to go up and down stairs, which isn't a good thing when you live in a two story house.  I would also get spasms in my leg muscles at night.  I used Tylenol PM a lot the first few days after the shot.  After about the third day my legs would get better, but they were sore almost the entire time I was on chemo.  My last treatment was in March and my legs finally got back to normal around June.  I have to say though the shots were necessary.  Even on the Neulasta my white count would get pretty low, can't imagine what would have happened it I hadn't had the shot.  Just try to remember that this to will pass.  It is a crappy road that we have to travel with this monster but it is a road that takes us to a longer life.  The pain will end and it will become a distant memory.  Be good to yourself.

    Keep laughing,

    Jenny

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2008

    I had a lot of pain from the Neulasta starting the day after I had the shot.  The pain - muscle and bone aches - lasted a couple days.  I never got sick though.  Most of my coworkers were sick over the winter and I never got sick!  I take Lexapro for depression and have for several years.  I was told it did not interfere with the chemo and is ok to take with Tamoxifen too.

    Take care,

    Pam

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 6,416
    edited July 2008

    I had the Neulasta shot on Tuesday.(first timer here ).. I have had no pain from it at all. Nothing. They told me I would have had the pain by now if I was going to.

    Just wanted others to know... :)

    Laura

  • Rosygirl
    Rosygirl Member Posts: 5
    edited July 2008
    Thanks Laura for that word.  I too had my first dose of Nulasta last week and I didn't have any pain, and after reading the post I was starting to wonder if I had that to look forward toTongue out  Even with the Nulasta my WBC dropped to about 25% of normal, I developed a nasty fever and had to start on Leviquin for infection.  I'm a little anxious about the next treatment, worried that I will get really sick again. 
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2008

    I had zinging back pain in my back bones and pelvis after neulasta.  My was weird.  It always kicked in 6 days after the shot.  Right when my WBC's were crashing.  Although, after the first couple of shots, I got smart and got to know my symptoms.  So I would take a Darvocet right when I knew the pain was gonna kick in and the rest of the shots went pretty good.

    Nicki

  • towens88
    towens88 Member Posts: 26
    edited July 2008

    I had to go to the emergency room after getting the Neulasta shot.  The pain started in my neck and shoulders.  They were just tender and sore, so I just assumed I slept wrong.  But by the 3rd day, I had pains shooting thru my lower back.  I was upset because the nurses/doctors never told me that this may happen.  I am now taking a muscle relaxant for the pain. 

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