Forum Discussion
Beery
Hi, I'm new to this type of blogging but I have a lot of questions to ask. Firstly I wold like to know if anyone is having targetted treatment - oral chemo. The name if the oral chemo we are using at the moment is Afinitor. It's not on the PBS yet. I have been taking it for 6 weeks now and have had nearly all the side effects mentioned. Currently I have been told to stop taking tablet because of side effects, coughing, tiredness, shortness of breath. Had bloodwork,ecg and xray of lungs which showed no infection. My onc has since been in touch and advised that he would like a high resolution ct scan done of lungs - looking for minute changes to lungs. Having it done tomorrow-Friday and see onc that afternoon for results. Not sure what's going to happen next. I'm still trying to work fulltime but have had the past week off because of the debilitating side effects and decided that I, or I should say my health comes first. Looking forward to hearing from anyone taking oral chemo and their story.
19 Replies
- Hi Sue Glad you had a nights sleep at least. We have to be strong and positive all the time. Got my blood results back and the liver has a few more tumors. I did a normal chest X-ray and the is more fluid on my lungs. Had it drained about 3 weeks ago. I will be having another one done by Friday. Breathing was not to bad today. Your antibiotics should have started working already, maybe give it another few days and see. Let me know how you go on Friday. Which state are you in Sue? Best wishes for Friday. Cheers Desi
Hi Desi,
The chest x-ray will probably show nothing but your bloods should show some changes. Are you sure you were have an ordinary chest x-ray and not a ct scan of the chest, as the ct scan will show up pnuemonitis, which most probably is the cause of the breathing difficulties you are having.
I did have a better nights sleep, thankyou and went to work today. Wasn't feeling the best and came home about 2pm. Not sure what's happening regarding the antibiotics, as I should be starting to feel a bit better. See how I go tonight.....might be another trip to the hospital. See my onc on Friday for follow up after having the Afinitor reduced to 5mg, 3weeks ago. Let me know how things are going. sue:-)
Hi Desi,
Sorry to hear the extent of your cancer. Last bone and mri scan showed that I only have bone mets. So far, fingers crossed, nothing showing in soft tissue:-) .
I wouldn't muck around with your breathing problem though, as it could be doing your lungs more damage. This side effect happened to me. My onc was very concerned and emphasised that i was to ring them with any sign of a cough and breathing problems. I ended up in hospital for a couple of days and a visit to a lung doctor for a spirometry test.
Today I've spent at home as I had a rough night without much sleep (kidney pain and pain in all my joints). Went to hospital yesterday with kidney infection and got script for antibiotics, and it seems that I forgot to take pain meds, hence bad night. Should be able to goto work tomorrow. Let me know how you get on with your breathing problem....Sue:-)
- Hi Sue I have started on the Afinitor a week ago and has had terrible headaches, I now find myself out of breath and coughing quite abit. Seeing my onco in a weeks time. I have bone mets, liver mets and cancer on the lining of my lungs. Hope you feeling much better. Best wishes Desiree
- Hi Sue I have started on the Afinitor a week ago and has had terrible headaches, I now find myself out of breath and coughing quite abit. Seeing my onco in a weeks time. I have bone mets, liver mets and cancer on the lining of my lungs. Hope you feeling much better. Best wishes Desiree
Take care of yourself, and try to rest - give your body a chance to heal.
Best wishes.... Pam
Take care of yourself, and try to rest - give your body a chance to heal.
Best wishes.... Pam
Take care of yourself, and try to rest - give your body a chance to heal.
Best wishes.... Pam
Discharged from hospital yesterday. Still very tired. Drs have me on prednisione, antiobiotics and taken me off the Afinitor for the time being. My electrolytes were very low, especially potassium and phosphates and of course the wcc were very low. So was given an iv drip of potassium and effervessent phosphate tablets 4 times a day. Once the potassium was completed, fluids were given.
I might have to rethink about working full time, as I'm taking too much time off work at the moment.
Now that I have a little time on my hands, will checkout the Aussie website you have recommended while laying about recouperating
Discharged from hospital yesterday. Still very tired. Drs have me on prednisione, antiobiotics and taken me off the Afinitor for the time being. My electrolytes were very low, especially potassium and phosphates and of course the wcc were very low. So was given an iv drip of potassium and effervessent phosphate tablets 4 times a day. Once the potassium was completed, fluids were given.
I might have to rethink about working full time, as I'm taking too much time off work at the moment.
Now that I have a little time on my hands, will checkout the Aussie website you have recommended while laying about recouperating
