Blood clots in lungs from chemo

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Elaine62
Elaine62 Member Posts: 6
edited June 2014 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

I am a 62 yr old with triple negative breast cancer with no lymph node involvement. I had a lumpectomy with good margins.  I have had many side effects from chemo.  I am on cytoxin/taxotere (TC) chemo.  I was hospitalized with low WBC of 1000.  Also developed blood clots in my lungs while hospitalized.  I have  2 chemo left to go and am getting really scared about further side effects especially the blood clots in the lungs.  I have 2 rounds of chemo left and hope that the Neutrogen injections help with the WBC and am on Coumadin for the blood clots.  Has anyone had these kind of side effects?  Tx  Elaine

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  • TenderIsOurMight
    TenderIsOurMight Member Posts: 4,493
    edited July 2008

    Hi Elaine,
     
    I'm very sorry you have had such serious problems while on TC. Your fear is so understandable given what you have gone through.
     
    What does your oncologist say about continuing with the last two doses? It seems a judgement call best handled by your own doctor(s).
     
    Would you consider a second opinion on the chemotherapy?
     
    I'm glad you found bc.org and hope you'll continue to use us as a resource.
     
    ((Hug))
     
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  • Sadie-Rose
    Sadie-Rose Member Posts: 222
    edited July 2008

    Hi Elaine,

    I didn't develop blood clots to my lungs during chemotherapy, but I had a surgery in October and developed several in my lungs.  I hadn't known this before, but my oncologist told me that chemotherapy makes one more prone to blood clotting.  Since I hadn't had a problem during chemotherapy, she did a test to determine if I had a gene mutation that would predispose me to  form blood clots.  The test came back positive for the gene mutation.  My daughter has the same blood type so we tested her too.  She also came back positive.  My oncologist also checked to see if I might have Lupus, an autoimmune disease.  I am unclear if that has been ruled out. I took Coumadin for five months and then we did PET scan to see if my lungs were clear.  They were so I could stop taking the medication  I am doing fine now.

    I agree with Tender that it might be helpful to getting another opinion. If the two doctors agree, you will feel much more confident in your treatment. 

    Keep posting and let us know how you are doing.

    Warmly,

    Sadie

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  • Elaine62
    Elaine62 Member Posts: 6
    edited July 2008

    Hi Sadie,

    My doctor has ordered tests to check for possible underlying reasons for the blood clot.  The results should be back next week. One of them I know was for Lupus.  I think there were 4 and 2 have come back normal.  I worked for Kaiser for 34 yrs so I know all of the doctors there.  I have had several opinions.  Some think that the blood clots were caused due to laying in a hosp. bed for 8 days without moving much.  Hopefully I will know more when all of the tests are back.  Glad to hear your outcome was successful.  I still have 2 more chemo treatments to go.  Tx for your support.  I will keep posting.   Elaine

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  • Elaine62
    Elaine62 Member Posts: 6
    edited July 2008

    My Oncologist thinks that my chances will be better for no reoccurance if I finish the last 2 chemo's.  She has ordered some tests to check for underlying reasons for the blood clots. I should get those next week.  Since triple negative breast cancer has no other options but chemo I think I will have to finish the last 2.  We are going to discuss this at my next appt. I am on blood thinners which will control the blood clots and will have the injections for WBC's.  Hoping that next round will be better.  Tx for your response.  It helps to have others who are going thru the same thing that I am.  I have alot of support but no one that has the same problem.  Stay well!!!  Elaine

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  • Sadie-Rose
    Sadie-Rose Member Posts: 222
    edited July 2008

    Hi Elaine62,

    Just thinking about you this morning.  Do you have chemotherapy this week?  I know you said you were waiting for your test results to come back to determine why you formed blood clots.  I hope your treatment goes well and your test results are negative.

    Warmly,

    Sadie

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  • Elaine62
    Elaine62 Member Posts: 6
    edited July 2008

    Hi Sadie,

    I see my doctor tomorrow morning.  I will get my third chemo on Thursday.  I am nervous but I will get thru it.  My Coumadin is at the right level and I will get the Neutrogen injections so hopefully that will take care of any complications.  I don't want this to come back so I will finish the Chemo and pray for good results.  I found some info on Cytoxin and I guess it can cause blood clots in some people.  It seems that I am determined to get every side effect they have!!  ha  Thanks for your good thoughts!  Keep well.   Elaine

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  • Sadie-Rose
    Sadie-Rose Member Posts: 222
    edited July 2008

    Hi Elaine,

    Hope you doctor's appointment went well and you are all set for Thursday.  Just keep counting down your treatments.  I'm glad your coumadin level is established.  It will be easier to keep it at the right point now.  Hope you have a good day tomorrow.  Do something fun.

    Warmly,

    Sadie

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  • Elaine62
    Elaine62 Member Posts: 6
    edited July 2008

    Hi Sadie,

    My doctor appt went well yesterday.  All but 1 test came back normal.  The test for Lupus is still not back but she expects it will be normal as well.  I go tomorrow for chemo and am thinking positive. Hopefully it will be easier this time.  I went to lunch yesterday after my appt and also went and got my wig trimmed as it was to long in the front and top area.  It looks better now and I feel better as well.  Tx for your support.  Hope all is well for you.  Elaine

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