Forum Discussion

catcrazy's avatar
catcrazy
Member
12 years ago

Is this normal?

Hi Ladies,

Well, I started chemo last Tuesday for mets to bones and lungs. Chemo is chychlo??? and doxyrub???

Have been really well, still mowing lawn, tending to my menagerie of animals etc.

Today however, I have had a few nosebleeds, feel shaky and my back pain is excruciating.

I realise I am at day 10 of my cycle now so my cell count will be down and this could be the shakiness. I am wondering if chemo is supposed to ease pain?

Perhaps only 10 days into the whole thing is a bit soon to expect anything but I do worry that if I am in pain, it is not working.

Have been quite optimistic but the uncertain is playing with my mind now. Also, am waiting for hair to come out. I know I have been ready for this on the outside for many months since my whole saga began with my initial diagnosis 11 months ago, but I think I am going to lose it emotionally when it does happen.

I am interested to know how other ladies perhaps in my circumstance get by ( 39 years breast cancer 11 months ago, now have in lungs and bones).

Also my lungs give me absolutely no symptoms at all and am scared that the chemo which is destroying the good stuff is gonna create problems in the lungs.

I wish you all the best.

chemotherapy

6 Replies

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    12 years ago

    I had the same chemo combo as Leonie and possibly you.I had terrible aches and pains from day 3 to day 6 and then it eased off abit.I also had a bad headache on those days too.Feeling"shakey"could mean you are overdoing it or that you are coming down with an infection which is what happened to me on day 10.Check your temp and if it's 38 go straight to hospital,don't muck around.My hair started to fall out bit by bit from around day 16. I cut it to a bob cut and it took another week or so for it all to go.I was a sook and clung onto to it as long as I could.Being bald is a big adjustment so don't feel bad or vain if you get an attack of the miseries.I bought most of my headgear from www.headcovers.com  I'm so sorry to hear you have mets .I hope the chemo knocks it off for you. Tonya xx

  • Leonie_Moore's avatar
    Leonie_Moore
    Member
    12 years ago

    My trusty little diary - it is a good idea to keep a diary during chemo then you will know what to expect each cycle.  I just tracked that the day before my second chemo my husband shaved my head.  I remember that the hair just kept falling out even though it was quite short.  This was day 20 after first chemo.  You will appreciate the shaved head during the hot weather.  It is important though to keep it covered to guard against sunburn.  I also wore a soft cap to bed to help regulate my body heat.  Remember to keep an eye on your temperature - once it gets to 38 you need to ring your oncology nurses.  Very important.  Any more questions??  Happy to assist. XLeonie

  • Nicca_Grant's avatar
    Nicca_Grant
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi catcrazy (I love your username! I am a bit cat crazy myself)

    I'm very sorry to hear you are in so much pain. This is definitely something to raise with your nurse or doctor, as I am sure they will be able to help you in some way.

    You may also like to consider ordering our Hope & Hurdles kit, a free resource for women diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. There is quite a lot of information about treatment, care and side-effects in the kit (you can elect to receive dedicated booklets about secondary breast cancer in the bone and lungs too), but also stories from women in similar situations as yours.  The Inside Story, our newsletter for women in secondary breast cancer, also contains many stories from women with secondary breast cancer.  Sometimes it can be good to hear about others with similar stories, as you are certainly not alone.

    If you'd like to order Hope & Hurdles, you can do so online at the Hope & Hurdles webpage.

    I hope your back pain eases soon, and that the side effects from the chemotherapy don't last too long.  Remember the nurses and doctors are there to help you, so don't hesitate to tell them about your concerns.

    Make sure to let us know how you are travelling if you feel up to it, and take care of yourself. 

    Nicca (from the BCNA policy team)

  • Nicca_Grant's avatar
    Nicca_Grant
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi catcrazy (I love your username! I am a bit cat crazy myself)

    I'm very sorry to hear you are in so much pain. This is definitely something to raise with your nurse or doctor, as I am sure they will be able to help you in some way.

    You may also like to consider ordering our Hope & Hurdles kit, a free resource for women diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. There is quite a lot of information about treatment, care and side-effects in the kit (you can elect to receive dedicated booklets about secondary breast cancer in the bone and lungs too), but also stories from women in similar situations as yours.  The Inside Story, our newsletter for women in secondary breast cancer, also contains many stories from women with secondary breast cancer.  Sometimes it can be good to hear about others with similar stories, as you are certainly not alone.

    If you'd like to order Hope & Hurdles, you can do so online at the Hope & Hurdles webpage.

    I hope your back pain eases soon, and that the side effects from the chemotherapy don't last too long.  Remember the nurses and doctors are there to help you, so don't hesitate to tell them about your concerns.

    Make sure to let us know how you are travelling if you feel up to it, and take care of yourself. 

    Nicca (from the BCNA policy team)

  • catcrazy's avatar
    catcrazy
    Member
    12 years ago

    Thanks Leonie, yes, these are the two potions. I too have a runny nose. I will talk to nurses regarding the pain. Interested to know when your hair fell out - if at all? Thanks for taking the time to answer xxx

  • Leonie_Moore's avatar
    Leonie_Moore
    Member
    12 years ago

    DOCETAXEL and CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE are the two "potions" that I was on.  Are these what yours are.  I had loads of joint pain - especially from day 3.  To answer your question re if chemo takes away pain.  In my case it gave me pain.  I understand that radiation is used to ease pain from bone mets..  The cylophoshmide gave me a runny nose and sore eyes.  If you have side effects, the best people to consult are the oncology nurses.  Good luck with it all.  It is good to stay active during chemo.  Just listen to your body - if you need to rest then so be it.  It is all about "going with the flow of things" XLeonie