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Lynda01's avatar
Lynda01
Member
9 years ago

Chemo honeymoon is over

I'm writing on behalf of my amazing mum - she was diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer at 71. She has a mammogram every year but her specialist thinks her cancer has likely been there for at least three years - it couldn't be detected on mammogram or ultrasound and was only found after an MRI and because of a determined doctor who didn't like the feel of her breast.  We're still in shock because it was 9cm and in 5 of 14 lymph nodes and we have no family history. She's had a mastectomy already and was petrified of chemo but here we are 1 week into 4 rounds of AC and 12 then of taxol. She was doing so well after chemo last Monday but all her medication for nausea stopped yesterday and now she is so ill with indigestion, nausea and tiredness.  She's also been hallucinating at night after stopping the atavin 2 days ago. Her bladder also can't hold all the water she needs to drink. Just wondering if anyone has had similar  experiences - does the nausea normally last for long? She has to start antibiotics in two days and is worried how she'll do that as they usually make her really crook too! Are there any tips for what to offer her to eat also? 
family
  • socoda's avatar
    socoda
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi Lynda, thank goodness you mums doctor was so attentive - what a gem!! How lucky also that the cancer had not increased beyond the 9cm in three years!! :o  wow I reckon someone is looking after your mum (as well as you).  Just coming on to wish the both of you all the best. Let us know how you're both getting along. Hugs Xx Cath
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    9 years ago
    So many fabulous medications to control the nausea...contact the team asap and they will sort. A lot can be done.
  • Lispy's avatar
    Lispy
    Member
    9 years ago
    I'm another one who is constantly nauseous. When I asked about another prescription for the anti nausea/vomiting tablets my onc was surprised by how many I had as they effect the heart so I've reduced how many I'm taking considerably (just to keep in mind). I'm much younger so my heart is ok but I imagine at her age it might be more of a risk.
    i find I feel much better by the weekend before I have my chemo (on a Tuesday) then I start the nauseous cycle again.
  • Tracey62's avatar
    Tracey62
    Member
    9 years ago
    Lynda, thank you so much for looking after your Mum, it means the world to have someone be there for you. I took extra maxalon all the way thru for my 3 week cycles, also went back into the Onc clinic every 2-3 days for Iv fluids. If your Mum isn't on it already something like nexium will help the indigestion. I lived on bland food like rice, white bread and milk. Mashed veg was soothing for my poor aching tum.  As Alice said, talk to the Doc and arrange the extra meds your Mum needs. Mention the bladder trouble too, just in case it's an infection.  As for the tiredness, lots of rest, gentle exercise and TLC. Let us know how you both get on, we are here for you too xx
  • SoldierCrab's avatar
    SoldierCrab
    Member
    9 years ago
    Lynda01 get in touch with her team she can normally be given more anti nausea meds etc....only way they can tweak meds is if they know..... ask them what they expect when side effects are bad? Is she to front up to casualty etc  .....