Vasospasms

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Cazz
Cazz Member Posts: 106
in Anal Cancer #1

I started bi-weekly Cisplatin/5-FU infusions mid-May, mainly because Dr Eng at MD Anderson said I couldn't get into the Opdivo Trial without having done a Platinum therapy.  The first round didn't go too well as the usual anti-nausea meds didn't work for me and I ended up having to have a steroid suppository that knocked me on my butt for a couple of days.  The 2nd round, I had a bunch of different anti-nausea stuff and a couple of the steroid suppositories just in case.  However, this time, I went for a very short walk while on the 5-FU pump and got crushing chest pain that radiated into my jaw and down both arms - and we all know what that means.  After it didn't go away in a few hours, it would subside and then when I went to do anything it would come back, I went to the ER.  They admitted me and ran every cardio test known to man over two days, decided I hadn't had a heart attack and luckily had no damage, but they could see irregularities on my EKG.  The cardiologist and oncologist between them decided that I was having vaso-spasms brought on as a very rare chemo side effect, probably from the 5-FU.

In the hospital they gave me first nitro-glycerin pills, which worked like magic, and then a nitro patch.  I phoned my own oncologist and asked how we are going to handle the next chemo round, due next Monday.  He seemed very unconcerned, just said he would prescribe some calcium channel blockers and that should do it.  I have an appt on Friday and am going to demand/ask/beg for a nitro patch or pills as I am very worried and don't want to go through that again.

So, anyway, has anyone else had these vaso-spasms and how did you and your doc handle further chemo?

Yes, I am special, not only do I have Stage IV anal cancer but I am the one that had it metastasize to my calf muscle as well, which is almost unheard of!  Still, I guess it keeps things interesting.

Carol

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  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #2
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    Cazz.....

    Hi,

    I'm so sorry to hear you are having these side effects. I just 3 weeks ago completed a 3 month course of 5FU/Cisplatin every 3wks for a recurrance of anal cancer in my lung. (Also considered Stage4) My first round I too was terribly nauseas even with the new anti-nausea meds but I think I was also not taking in enough fluids or food. I found that just a soda cracker here and there through out the day/night helped.

    While I did not have spasms as you described I did have what felt like I was beat in the face (don't know how else to describe it) pain. All the facial bones like cheek, jaw, nose, forehead, hurt....a LOT!! Nothing relieved it. When I went to the walk-in (it was Sunday) the doctor on call as well as the oncologist he spoke with were stumped. The day after the pump was disconnected it went away???? My oncologist said that that can be a side effect of some other chemo drugs but not reported  (until now) with 5FU or Cisplatin.

    I had surgery to remove my left lower lobe of my lung prior to chemo as that contained the mass. After that I was put on digoxin to regulate my heart rate and wonder if that kept me from a situation such as yours. I did have cardio tests before the surgery and had no concerning issues at that time. I was like you, terrified to go through the next cycle of chemo out of fear that my jaw/face pain would be worse and involve the heart. My doctor prescribed Ativan to relax me but I never took it as I just couldn't see adding more drugs to the mix. I am happy to say I never had such an episode throughout the rest of my treatment.

    I am no doctor but have done some reading on channel blockers and my gut tells me you can trust your oncologist on their success. I think many doctors appear to be unconcerned at times yet really do care, its just not their heart beating out of their chest!!

    I will keep you in my thoughts and say prayers that you can put your worries to rest as you move forward through this treatment. As I said, I recently finished my chemo and just a short time ago felt sick, tired and frustrated, and today is a completely different story! Hang in there and keep in touch.

    katheryn

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