Good luck has been wished @braveheart60
The uncertain nature of cancer treatment means that things can actually change for the better. Always keep that in mind.
One thing that seems to be consistently overlooked is the impact Neulasta can have on some people. It made me feel like I had a total body toothache until I did some research and found that plain old fashioned Claratyne (loratadine) can significantly reduce the amount of bone pain in days 3-6. It's standard practice for some oncologists to prescribe Loratadine for a week from the day before chemo. It worked brilliantly for me; when I asked my onc if I could take it he said 'Ah, you can, no reason you can't.' but some practices don't seem to have heard off it. I've never heard of anyone being told not to take it once they have asked. And you must ask.
There was research done in the UK about Loratadine's efficacy and the conclusion was a bit 'meh' but it was a very small study into a drug that costs a dollar a day. The cynical side of me thinks there isn't any money in it so no-one bothers to explore if the theory that is reduces bone oedema. Which is where all that pain comes from. I was at the point of pulling the pin on chemo after miserable experiences with Neulasta in 2006 and again last year, I took Claratyne for the last three cycles and the effect was remarkable. Was it all in my head? Who knows and I don't care.
I'd recommend you ladies who are on the chemo train at the moment ask about it if it hasn't already been prescribed.
Marg
