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Nadi's avatar
Nadi
Member
10 years ago

2 steps fwd, 1 step back - the joys of neutropenia, reflux, internal bleeding and Vitamin D deficien

Hi ladies

I hope everyone had a nice christmas with family. I had a great, albeit quiet, day. It was day 8 of my first cycle of TCH.  I thought I was going really well. No nausea, no real fatigue. Other side effects were pretty manageable. I cooked Christmas lunch for the family and it was a good day. Day 9 started out well, in fact I was boasting about how good I was feeling, then BAM!! Temp 38.6, chills, shivers, aches, pains and needless to say quick dash to hospital. Yep Neutropenic at 0.02 with severe reflux and internal bleeding! Joy.

The hospital staff didn't muck around. I was surprised at how fast they worked on me in emergency. X-rays, and pumped full of drugs for everything including increasing my platelets in order to avoid a transfusion. Antibiotics by IV every six hours. At midnight severe pain, tachycardia and another round of emergency blood tests and meds.

This morning, veins have collapsed. Why?? Been pricked that many times I feel like a pin cushion. Desperately need a a pic line put in but can't due to neutropenia. Sigh.

The nurses have been fantastic and I think I have now seen 8 doctors in 16 hours. The last one was an oncologist (not my treating oncologist). So lovely and understanding. But he told me that my Vit D levels were still low. I had been diagnosed with Vit D deficiency last year but my GP never told me about the link between Vit D and breast cancer. I have been on 2000 mg per day since August this year. This oncologist told me that low Vit D increases the risk of getting breast cancer but also increases the risk of breast cancer recurring. He immediately put me on 5000mg. I asked is there any risks to having too much Vit D and he said no and that he personally takes 3000mg per day.  Is this link between Vit D and breast cancer common knowledge to everyone? Why didn't I know about this?

So bored in hospital... tv not working. Leaves me too much time to think. Still have my hair though. There's always  a positive.....

Nadine

 

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  • Lindyloo's avatar
    Lindyloo
    Member
    10 years ago

    You poor thing. Yep, been through all that myself. Hospital staff are wonderful aren't they?

    i haven't heard about the Vit D thing either. I have actually put myself on it even though my levels were OK. Just one tablet a day.

    it is boring being in hospital, but I read and finished a book, did some word games, Facebook, Internet. I couldn't concentrate on the tv much.

    hope that you are home soon and feeling better.

     Linda xx

     

  • Chorsell's avatar
    Chorsell
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hey Nadine

    Glad that you are getting the attention you need - hope they can get on top of things for you – bummer about the TV - hospital is so boring - ask them if they can put you in a room where the TV works- if you don't ask .....

    hope you feel better soon - 

    hugs

    chris

  • Ann-Marie's avatar
    Ann-Marie
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Nadi,

    I will have a chat to our policy team when we get back to see if they have information on this. Like the ladies have mentioned rest up xx

    Ann-Marie

  • Nadi's avatar
    Nadi
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thanks Karen. Seems a few of us have never heard of Vit D deficiency and links to breast cancer. Maybe the research is new?? Anyway, it can't hurt me so I am going for it.

    Hope you are well.

    Cheers Nadine

  • Nadi's avatar
    Nadi
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hey Brenda

    Not as dramatic as that but definitely not something I bargained for. Feeling heaps better today. Wish I had enough data for iView!!! How r u going?

    Nadine

  • Cook65's avatar
    Cook65
    Member
    10 years ago

    Oh Nadi,

    You poor love! It is amazing how quickly it can all turn to poop when on chemo! I always found the hospital staff to be extremely thorough and concerned as soon as they know you are an oncology patient. I hope you start to pick up soon. 

    As as far as Vit D deficiency and breast cancer, I have never heard of this before. Amazing when you consider that so many Australians are Vit D deficient. I have taken Vit D for years now. You learn something new every day. 

    As bored as you are, take the time to rest. Take care. Karen xox

  • Brenda5's avatar
    Brenda5
    Member
    10 years ago

    Omg we nearly didn't have you. Glad you got to the hospital in time.

    I haven't heard about the vitaD thing either. I must have a read up on it.

    No TV but you have internet? iview girl! <3