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Low blood pressure and breast cancer

kath55
Posts: 1
Joined: Dec 2012
Dec 19, 2012 - 5:30 pm

I am a new member, having being diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2012. I had a lumpectomy in October, and my nodes and lines were clear. The bad part of my cancer is that I am a triple negative patient. I started my chemo treatment in November and have finished 3 treatments of AC, to complete the fourth at the end of the month. During the second and third treatment I developed a cold which I still have, and over the weekend I developed a fever. I have been in touch with my Medical Oncologist who has given me fluids on Monday and Tuesday. Today I started feeling a bit light headed and checked my pressure (0n top of everything else I am hypertensive) and found that my pressure is now very low. The nurse at my clinic has told me that I should go to a nearby clinic for treatment. Is there any advise that I can get at this point as to what to do. It is a very frightening experience for me, and I know it will get better, but right now I am not sure what I should do.
jessiesmom1's picture
jessiesmom1
Posts: 626
 Joined: Jun 2010
Dec 19, 2012 - 7:45 pm
Low Blood Pressure and TNBC

I was diagnosed with TNBC in Dec. 2009. I was taking medication for high blood pressure prior to that. I had a right mastectomy followed by 4 rounds of A/C and 12 rounds of Taxotere. No radiation. During this period of time I continued to see my internist as she was the doctor who was managing my blood pressure issues. During one visit she almost fell out of her chair when she could barely even get a blood pressure reading. I thought SHE might faint. Needless to say, all blood pressure medications were ceased immediately. It did come up a bit after that and it wasn't necessary to resume the meds until well after chemo was over. The oncologist took a blood pressure during every visit, also but it was the internist who determined whether meds were necessary - after running it past the oncologist.

I should mention that I also got a severe cold while I was undergoing chemo. It took me an entire month to get rid of it. The coughing was non-stop for a while. Not my finest hour.

It would be my suggestion that you consult an internist or family practice doctor who can take charge of this issue. It is not quite within the realm of expertise of your oncologist. Personally I was pleased to be taking less medication for a change but it does need to be monitored. I wouldn't get too worked up about it. You have bigger things on our plate. It is easier to deal with than the cancer.

IRENE