Forum Discussion
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
27 Replies
Thnx Rowdy. How long were you in for? Things are moving so slowly for me. I am feeling better, am still having to antibiotics by IV every six hours. Won't go home until neutrophils are 500 - they are currently 70.
I am hanging in there Adean. Hopefully home in next few days.
Thanks Christine, was almost let home today. Neutrophils r at 70 and they have to be at 500 before they let me home.
Thanks Linda. Still here in hospital but feeling much better.
Nadine sorry to hear you are going through all this.... It sucks doesn't it??? I too ended up in hospital with 0 neutrophils and came out xmas day, and yes my veins collapsed but I did have a picc line inserted even though neutros were low. Maybe you couldn't get a picc line cause of your internal bleeding. I found this on vit D and breast cancer -
http://www.breastcancer.org/risk/factors/low_vit_d
Hope you feel better soon! Chriss xoxo
Hi Nadine I ended up in hospital after my first chemo on antibiotics, I thought I was fine and actually worked that day. I was amazed how quickly I got put through in Emergency. Hospital is boring, hope you can go home soon take care
Hi Chorsell
Thanks. Nurses are superwomen. My last nurse came in, took out all the cords to the tv, and then voila it was fixed! Yay!! It was an internet tv so all it needed was a reboot. Such a small thing but with no visitors it really helps me to pass the time. Hope you have a good 2016
Nadine
Well you will definetly remember that Xmas wonky you! Bloody thing isn't it the way just when you feel invincible something has to remind you we are not. Hope your doing ok. Adean
Hi Nadine - Crumbs - you are in the best place possible at present and that is what is most important. Chin up there are a lot of us out here willing you better. The vitamin D aspect is interesting to all and I am glad to see Ann-Marie is checking it out when the Office opens again!
Take care
Christine xx
