Getting tired of being the outlier - and questions on anyone else with chest pain or cardiac toxicit

Kathryn_in_MN

I've mostly been away from the boards for a bit, due to time management issues. Apologies in advance; this is a long post.

I had a WONDERFUL extra week off over New Year's and was allowed to go to my place in Mexico where I could walk in the fresh air along the ocean! It was a wonderful time of resting and recharging. I walked 3-6+ miles every day but one of my 10-day stay. After my walks I rested most of the day - getting some work done via laptop from my bed. In the evenings I enjoyed some great dinners. Our nights were earlier and shorter than normal, but enjoyable anyway. It was just so good to get away from medical appointments and my bedroom, and into fresh air! I've been swamped trying to catch up with work and everything, since I got home last Wednesday night, with chemo Thursday morning.

Right before I left I had tx #5 which included a nasty allergic reaction to oxy. I'd had two prior ones, but those were smaller. This one hit even after getting Decadron and Benadryl pre, and Benadryl post oxy. The scary thing is it didn't hit till a half-hour after infusion was done. Due to a fluke (problems on a phone call that stuck me there), I was still at the oncologist's office when it started. Major dose of Solumedrol got it under control.

Now I am back to the living day to day, dealing with my oddities with chemo. Due to my allergic reaction tx #5, it was discussed that something needed to be done for tx#6. My choice was skip the oxy, or take major steroids 12 and 6 hours prior to infusion. I found this out while on a plane right before take-off, listening to my messages on my cell phone. I had no chance to call and ask any questions as the flight attendant scolded me to turn my phone off (but they hadn't closed the door yet). The NP had called the script in for the steroids just in case. I cried a lot of the way home. I just didn't know what to do. I can make an informed decision, but no one can inform me - was I ever stage IV or not? If I only make it through 5 tx with oxy instead of the 8 that my onc is pushing for, how much difference will it make? If I don't continue the oxy and the cancer comes back, I know I'll be kicking myself. But is it worth the risk? I was too tired and too stressed to make a decision. So my decision was to go ahead with the steriods, but wait until the next morning after discussing things with the onc to make my decision.

So when we got home at 9PM, totally exhausted, I had to dig through the mail to find our new insurance and prescription cards (ours changed on Jan 1 while we were gone). Then my husband headed back into town to get the Decadron. I took 20mg at 10PM, and set my alarm for 3AM to take another 20mg. But I didn't wake up. I did wake at 5AM and took the rest. After meeting with the NP and my nurse navigator (after a LONG scary drive in, due to weather here), the plan changed.

My NP and onc were not aware of just how bad my allergic reaction was last time. They didn't see it, so the information they gave me was based on knowing I had an issue, but not the severity. But after I explained to the NP and my nurse navigator, and they looked at my chart again, it was decided that we needed to pull my onc in for a conference too. Since the reaction was 30 minutes after I would have been gone, there was much concern about what could happen on the drive home. Especially last Thursday, when roads were awful. If I had a bad reaction again, I wouldn't have the extra notice of my daughter pointing out the rash spreading before I felt anything. First was the rash, then my throat started hurting and swelling. We'd be on the road, stuck in between hospitals.

It seems that I should be under observation during AND after infusion, probably in the hospital, if I get oxy again. Now, my onc is known as being the most aggressive onc around. And once he joined the discussion, he told me NO oxy that round. Period. Not worth the risk, and won't hurt to miss one cycle while we work on this problem. Totally shocked me, and makes me worry that maybe I should just say no to any more oxy. He didn't even push for the option of chemo being the next day at the hospital instead like I'd discussed with the NP and the navigator. He just cut the oxy for this one. And he sent my case to an oncology pharmacist that helps out with problem patients like me. He said they'll get the recommendation to quit oxy, or what to try to minimize another reaction if we are going to try again. IF I do more, it will only be 3 more. We'd already agreed that I'm not doing 12. My onc says that studies have shown that the biggest benefit is from 8, that the last 4 don't add a lot - so for anyone with complications 8 is enough.

So chemo #6 - no oxy! And because of no oxy, no Neupogen shots this week! It is so nice not to have oxy or the shots. I did well enough through the weekend that I cancelled my fluids for Monday. Friday, Saturday and Sunday were easier than all other rounds. No jaw spasms, no face spasms, no hand cramping, and lesser nausea. But I couldn't sleep for over 40 hours due to those dang steroids (that I didn't need). And when I crashed, I crashed hard. And my chest pain has gotten worse again. My INR was down to 1.2, way too low. So my Coumadin got bumped up again. I didn't know if the pain was the PE, or something else. I just don't know what to think about that. Then Monday night the severe stomach cramping and double-whammy (projectile out both ends) hit harder than ever. Darn. I was so excited that this cycle was much easier, and then that happened. The GI tract trouble is better, but the chest pain is crushing. And the exhaustion this cycle is pretty comparable to the others. But then again, that could partially be the steroid crash.

Yesterday I saw the PA when I went in for CBC and INR labs. Something just isn't right again - I feel like such a hypochondriac, but every time I've spoken up, there has been something actually wrong. My INR only went up to 1.3, still way too low. So my Coumadin is bumped up again, with a re-test on Monday. I was sent in yesterday afternoon for another CT scan. Soon I am going to glow! This means in the last few months I've had 3CT, a PET, a PET/CT, an MRI, dental Xrays, mammogram, and 4 chest Xrays. Good news - I got to use my PowerPort as a "Power" port finally, and the orginal PE is gone, and there are no new ones.

Disturbing part of that - this means there is something different wrong with me, causing this much pain (with small fever, higher blood pressure, racing pulse at times). So now I have to see a cardiologist. They couldn't get me in till next Monday. In the meantime, if I get worse, I'm supposed to go to the ER.

To top it all off, I'm losing my hair. A small percentage have hair thinning on FOLFOX. And almost no one goes bald (although in my onc's office they had one person go totally bald since several years back when they started using FOLFOX, so I won't be the only one). We know where I fit into the weird side effects categories. I have about 1/3 left. If I didn't have super thick hair to start with, I'd be bald already. If I don't go bald, it will be a miracle at the rate it is coming out. My husband is sure I'll be bald soon. He's been brushing my hair the last several days. If it doesn't get brushed a few times per day, it gets all tangled due to all the hair falling out. This could be funny. I've always had long hair, so no one will recognize me with no hair - it is the main thing people notice. I think I could have some fun!

My question to everyone is has anyone else had chest pain troubles on 5-FU? Mine gets worse if I bend over, or if I exert myself walking up a hill or stairs. It also gets worse lying down sometimes, or if I lay on my left side. Even getting my blood pressure taken made it hurt worse, and caused pressure to build all the way into my head. I feel like someone is sitting on my chest all the time. A pressure sensation in my whole chest. When I exert, I get more specific shooting pain, and shortness of breath. Has anyone else had this happen?

I did NOT get Neupogen shots this cycle, so that isn't the cause. I've had some chest pain all the time since the beginning of treatments. We thought the PE was causing the pain, but it is gone. This cycle the chest pain is worse than in the past. It has let up a little sometimes in the past, but never gone away. Now it is not letting up. I'm having trouble sleeping due to it.

Has anyone had cardiac toxicity from 5-FU? If so, was it like what I'm going through? This is what my onc suspects might be the issue, so it is why I am being sent to the cardiologist.

Sundanceh

KMN
Hi Katherine

Wow - I personally had no problems with the 5-fu by IV, the Xeloda caused feet issues and upset my stomach in a major way.

So, this is really interesting.

The only thing I can really add is that my heart began giving me trouble after about 8 months on Avastin. It hurt bend forward and I found myself catching my breath hundreds of time each day, no telling what happened when I slept.

It was scary because when you breathed out, your heart contracted and did not come back, so it felt like it was stopping - then you'd catch yourself and gasp to get back in rhythm.

To this day, it still happens several times a day at any time - I researched Avastin some and found that it talks about congestive heart failure over a period of time, but that time was not spelled out. I was fine before Avastin - after taking it all those months, I got now what I got and probably will have.

Another case of robbing Peter and Paying Paul.

So, long story short, no issues with 5-fu as you talked about. I'm anxious to hear what you report back. Nice seeing you again. Sorry things are going so badly for you right now.

Oh, and on the Oxy, if you can make it to 8, that's pretty good. I used to tell my onc it was like playing Russian Roulette - each time you do a cycle of Oxy is like spinning that chamber and if the guns goes off, it could be permanent neuropathy.

But the more you do, the more chances you take and the more things can become permanent. I'd probably go another couple of rounds if you could tolerate it. But your body is the boss here. I'm not so much into the X's and O's of 3 more treatments increase my odds by 8% or whatever. I think quality of life, what are the risks for the rest of my life if I take this one more time.

We're made up of the 5-Senses: Touch, Smell, Hearing, Taste, Sight. This is what we affectionately know as LIFE.

How much we trade or are willing to risk is always an individual question - it's a tough one and I hope you talk it over, think it over, and then do what you and your team thinks is the right thing to do. There is no one easy answer with any of this, is there?

I'm wishing you all the best!

From One Windbag to the Other (you know I meant that lovingly)

You and I could fill up a book, LOL.

-Craig

thready

cardiac Toxicity
Kathyrn,
You probably know that 5Fu and all this other stuff can lead to diffuse coronary vasospasms. They don't know a lot of this side effect, but sort of think it does not lead to coronary scaring as one might see if you actually had a heart attack-but there is that risk. There also information that it does lead to scaring-hence the need to be followed by a cardiologist. I guess I am saying this week they really don't know what is happening with diffuse coronary vasospasms caused by Folfox or just 5fu. The cardiologist will do ECG's enzyme studies etc to see if you have any underling or associate problems or if the 5fu is the problem.

O.k. what you need to do is ask for: a stress test-maybe if they don't do other more definitive test , cardiac ultrasound-important, cardiac enzyme profile-very important, and the all important EKG-done before all of the above. Please also have your electrolytes and thyroid checked.

There are also nuclear medicine stress tests that are used to help find problems for unexplained chest pain. Some of these tests can be done along with CT scans, and MRI scans. The two scans are compbined for a "better picture" so they think. There are Ct scans of the heart that can give a very clear picture of what is going on with things also called CT angiography. If there is a problem they can do Cardiac scoring with gives a better picture of involvement and they can better advise what to do next. The cardiologist will know what is best here.

What will happen-that all depends on what the cardiologist sees. So I guess you are going to be poked at and looked at again in a different way. I know you are saying more radiation? This stuff has got to be done, it is important stuff. No good to win the battles and loose the war.
Let us know and take care.
Jan

PS I am also loosing my hair, the Dr calls it "Thinning" I have come to believe that "Thinning" is a medical term for 9 out of 10 hairs will fall out.

nudgie

Some
similar issues while on FLOFOX. I had 6 treatments of FLOFOX, but at #4 my Onc reduced my drugs by 20% and at #6 I had an allergic reaction of huge hives. Benadryl did the trick, but stayed in the hospital to finish #6 just in case. They also slowered the IV infusion of oxy to make it longer, like 6 hours instead of 4 hours.

The heart. I noticed that my heart rate did increase some while on treatment, but had no chest pains. I had to see the cardio doc because when I took Neulasta and released within, it made my heart race above 150 bpm for awhile, so I freaked out and went to the ER. All turned out good. Cardio doc told me all was good; no issues.

Oxy Precautions:

Precautions
This drug can cause severe allergic reactions in some people while the drug is being given. Symptoms can include feeling lightheaded or dizzy (due to low blood pressure), rash, hives, itching, headache, coughing, shortness of breath, or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you notice any of these symptoms.
Your doctor will likely test your blood throughout your treatment, looking for possible effects of the drug on blood counts (described below) or on other body organs. Based on the test results, you may be given medicines to help treat any effects. Your doctor may also need to reduce or delay your next dose of this drug, or even stop it altogether.

This drug can lower your white blood cell count, especially in the weeks after the drug is given. This can increase your chance of getting an infection. Be sure to let your doctor or nurse know right away if you have any signs of infection, such as fever (100.5° or higher), chills, pain when passing urine, a new cough, or bringing up sputum.

This drug may lower your platelet count in the weeks after it is given, which can increase your risk of bleeding. Speak with your doctor before taking any drugs or supplements that might affect your body's ability to stop bleeding, such as aspirin or aspirin-containing medicines, warfarin (Coumadin), or vitamin E. Tell your doctor right away if you have unusual bruising, or bleeding such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums when you brush your teeth, or black, tarry stools.

This drug may lower your red blood cell count. If this occurs, it is usually a few months after starting treatment. A low red blood cell count (known as anemia) can cause shortness of breath, or make you to feel weak or tired all the time. Your doctor may give you medicines to help prevent or treat this condition, or you may need to get blood transfusions.

You may have nausea and vomiting on the day you receive this drug or in the first few days afterward. Your doctor may give you medicine before your treatment to help prevent nausea and vomiting. You will likely also get a prescription for an anti-nausea medicine that you can take at home. It is important to have these medicines on hand and to take them as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not get any immunizations (vaccinations), either during or after treatment with this drug, without your doctor's OK. This drug may affect your immune system, which could make vaccinations ineffective, or could even lead to serious infections. Try to avoid contact with people who have recently received a live virus vaccine, such as the oral polio vaccine or smallpox vaccine. Check with your doctor about this.

This drug may cause damage to certain nerves in the body, which can lead to a condition called sensory neuropathy. This can cause unusual sensations on the skin, such as numbness, tingling, or burning, which are worsened by exposure to cold temperatures. You should avoid being exposed to cold for 3 to 5 days after your treatment (with oxaliplatin). Avoid ice, cold drinks, and ice packs. You may need to use gloves if you need to handle anything cold or reach into the freezer. Make sure you dress warmly and cover exposed skin if it is cold outside, and have your car heated before getting in. Be careful of air conditioners in warm climates.

This drug can cause a condition known as hand-foot syndrome, in which a person may have pain, numbness, tingling, reddening, or swelling in the hands or feet. Peeling, blistering, or sores on the skin in these areas are also possible. Let your doctor know right away if you notice any of these symptoms.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Possible side effects


Common

nausea*
vomiting*
numbness and tingling in hands and/or feet due to nerve irritation*
numbness of lips
diarrhea
abdominal pain
mouth sores
difficulty breathing
tiredness (fatigue)


Less common

trouble walking*
decreased white blood cell count with increased risk of infection*
decreased platelet count with increased risk of bleeding*
trouble swallowing or breathing*
poor tolerance to cold temperatures*
abnormal blood tests which suggest that the drug is affecting the liver (Your doctor will discuss the importance of this finding, if any.)

Rare

allergic reaction with rash, itching, swelling lips or tongue, or sudden cough*
scarring of the lungs
vision problems, including short-term loss of vision

If you take Decardron (steriod) the side effects: It took, it just made me hungry and unable to sleep:

Stomach upset, headache, dizziness, menstrual changes, trouble sleeping, increased appetite, or weight gain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), bone/joint pain, increased thirst/urination, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, eye pain/pressure, heartburn, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, puffy face, swelling of the ankles/feet, stomach/abdominal pain, pain/redness/swelling of arms/legs, tiredness, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, mood swings, agitation), unusual hair/skin growth, muscle pain/cramps, weakness, easy bruising/bleeding, slow wound healing, thinning skin, seizures.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

I hope this helps

Shayenne

nudgie said:

Some
similar issues while on FLOFOX. I had 6 treatments of FLOFOX, but at #4 my Onc reduced my drugs by 20% and at #6 I had an allergic reaction of huge hives. Benadryl did the trick, but stayed in the hospital to finish #6 just in case. They also slowered the IV infusion of oxy to make it longer, like 6 hours instead of 4 hours.

The heart. I noticed that my heart rate did increase some while on treatment, but had no chest pains. I had to see the cardio doc because when I took Neulasta and released within, it made my heart race above 150 bpm for awhile, so I freaked out and went to the ER. All turned out good. Cardio doc told me all was good; no issues.

Oxy Precautions:

Precautions
This drug can cause severe allergic reactions in some people while the drug is being given. Symptoms can include feeling lightheaded or dizzy (due to low blood pressure), rash, hives, itching, headache, coughing, shortness of breath, or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you notice any of these symptoms.
Your doctor will likely test your blood throughout your treatment, looking for possible effects of the drug on blood counts (described below) or on other body organs. Based on the test results, you may be given medicines to help treat any effects. Your doctor may also need to reduce or delay your next dose of this drug, or even stop it altogether.

This drug can lower your white blood cell count, especially in the weeks after the drug is given. This can increase your chance of getting an infection. Be sure to let your doctor or nurse know right away if you have any signs of infection, such as fever (100.5° or higher), chills, pain when passing urine, a new cough, or bringing up sputum.

This drug may lower your platelet count in the weeks after it is given, which can increase your risk of bleeding. Speak with your doctor before taking any drugs or supplements that might affect your body's ability to stop bleeding, such as aspirin or aspirin-containing medicines, warfarin (Coumadin), or vitamin E. Tell your doctor right away if you have unusual bruising, or bleeding such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums when you brush your teeth, or black, tarry stools.

This drug may lower your red blood cell count. If this occurs, it is usually a few months after starting treatment. A low red blood cell count (known as anemia) can cause shortness of breath, or make you to feel weak or tired all the time. Your doctor may give you medicines to help prevent or treat this condition, or you may need to get blood transfusions.

You may have nausea and vomiting on the day you receive this drug or in the first few days afterward. Your doctor may give you medicine before your treatment to help prevent nausea and vomiting. You will likely also get a prescription for an anti-nausea medicine that you can take at home. It is important to have these medicines on hand and to take them as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not get any immunizations (vaccinations), either during or after treatment with this drug, without your doctor's OK. This drug may affect your immune system, which could make vaccinations ineffective, or could even lead to serious infections. Try to avoid contact with people who have recently received a live virus vaccine, such as the oral polio vaccine or smallpox vaccine. Check with your doctor about this.

This drug may cause damage to certain nerves in the body, which can lead to a condition called sensory neuropathy. This can cause unusual sensations on the skin, such as numbness, tingling, or burning, which are worsened by exposure to cold temperatures. You should avoid being exposed to cold for 3 to 5 days after your treatment (with oxaliplatin). Avoid ice, cold drinks, and ice packs. You may need to use gloves if you need to handle anything cold or reach into the freezer. Make sure you dress warmly and cover exposed skin if it is cold outside, and have your car heated before getting in. Be careful of air conditioners in warm climates.

This drug can cause a condition known as hand-foot syndrome, in which a person may have pain, numbness, tingling, reddening, or swelling in the hands or feet. Peeling, blistering, or sores on the skin in these areas are also possible. Let your doctor know right away if you notice any of these symptoms.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Possible side effects


Common

nausea*
vomiting*
numbness and tingling in hands and/or feet due to nerve irritation*
numbness of lips
diarrhea
abdominal pain
mouth sores
difficulty breathing
tiredness (fatigue)


Less common

trouble walking*
decreased white blood cell count with increased risk of infection*
decreased platelet count with increased risk of bleeding*
trouble swallowing or breathing*
poor tolerance to cold temperatures*
abnormal blood tests which suggest that the drug is affecting the liver (Your doctor will discuss the importance of this finding, if any.)

Rare

allergic reaction with rash, itching, swelling lips or tongue, or sudden cough*
scarring of the lungs
vision problems, including short-term loss of vision

If you take Decardron (steriod) the side effects: It took, it just made me hungry and unable to sleep:

Stomach upset, headache, dizziness, menstrual changes, trouble sleeping, increased appetite, or weight gain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), bone/joint pain, increased thirst/urination, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, eye pain/pressure, heartburn, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, puffy face, swelling of the ankles/feet, stomach/abdominal pain, pain/redness/swelling of arms/legs, tiredness, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, mood swings, agitation), unusual hair/skin growth, muscle pain/cramps, weakness, easy bruising/bleeding, slow wound healing, thinning skin, seizures.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

I hope this helps

All This
Week, since getting disconnected from my pump, I felt like I had a pinced nerve. My whole shoulder and back and front felt really sore, and I felt pain when I would breath in, I still feel it...you know how it feels when you slept wrong, or slept in a position too long, that it may have caused a pinced nerve?? This is what it's feeling like.

Since Monday now, the pain in my shoulder and back have gone away, but I still feel chest pain in my right side of the chest, where I breathe in, and then sometimes gasp even when I breathe out, I have no clue what it is, but I can sleep well with it either. My hubby thinks it's a pinched nerve, you know that feeling where you just slept wrong? or just a tight muscle?? and with a heating pad and icy hot that he puts on me, it actually feels alittle better...I just hope it's not my heart, I just had scans yesterday, so when I see the doctor on Tuesday, I'm hoping it's not bad news, my pain pills aren't even helping it, though it seems Motrin does help abit. I hope you feel better, but I'll ask my onc on Tuesday what she says, if it's the Avastin or 5fu, I know I heard Avastin can cause the heart some problems, I'm just experiencing it now.

Hugsss!
~Donna

cn42599

Shayenne said:

All This
Week, since getting disconnected from my pump, I felt like I had a pinced nerve. My whole shoulder and back and front felt really sore, and I felt pain when I would breath in, I still feel it...you know how it feels when you slept wrong, or slept in a position too long, that it may have caused a pinced nerve?? This is what it's feeling like.

Since Monday now, the pain in my shoulder and back have gone away, but I still feel chest pain in my right side of the chest, where I breathe in, and then sometimes gasp even when I breathe out, I have no clue what it is, but I can sleep well with it either. My hubby thinks it's a pinched nerve, you know that feeling where you just slept wrong? or just a tight muscle?? and with a heating pad and icy hot that he puts on me, it actually feels alittle better...I just hope it's not my heart, I just had scans yesterday, so when I see the doctor on Tuesday, I'm hoping it's not bad news, my pain pills aren't even helping it, though it seems Motrin does help abit. I hope you feel better, but I'll ask my onc on Tuesday what she says, if it's the Avastin or 5fu, I know I heard Avastin can cause the heart some problems, I'm just experiencing it now.

Hugsss!
~Donna

Chest Pain 5fu
Hi Donna,
My name is Carol Kearney. I had chest pain, traveling to the shoulder and the back of my shoulder as I was getting chemo back in 2006. I happen to have a gas pill, Phazyme, and it worked. I stopped the chest pain. Two years later I had a reoccurence and had the same chest pains only when I went to bed, usually on the 3rd and 4th day after chemo.I take a gas pill on the 3rd and 4th day after chemo.It seems to be working but I also want to have a scan just to make sure.I hope this information helps.

Carol Kearney

dianetavegia

cn42599 said:

Chest Pain 5fu
Hi Donna,
My name is Carol Kearney. I had chest pain, traveling to the shoulder and the back of my shoulder as I was getting chemo back in 2006. I happen to have a gas pill, Phazyme, and it worked. I stopped the chest pain. Two years later I had a reoccurence and had the same chest pains only when I went to bed, usually on the 3rd and 4th day after chemo.I take a gas pill on the 3rd and 4th day after chemo.It seems to be working but I also want to have a scan just to make sure.I hope this information helps.

Carol Kearney

Hi Carol!
I see you joined over 3 years ago and this is your first post! Why don't you open a new thread and introduce yourself to all of us.
Diane

Shayenne

cn42599 said:

Chest Pain 5fu
Hi Donna,
My name is Carol Kearney. I had chest pain, traveling to the shoulder and the back of my shoulder as I was getting chemo back in 2006. I happen to have a gas pill, Phazyme, and it worked. I stopped the chest pain. Two years later I had a reoccurence and had the same chest pains only when I went to bed, usually on the 3rd and 4th day after chemo.I take a gas pill on the 3rd and 4th day after chemo.It seems to be working but I also want to have a scan just to make sure.I hope this information helps.

Carol Kearney

Thanks Carol!
Thanks for sharing that. It made me nervous, thinking it's spreading or something, but the pain seems to come and go. It's funny a gas pill would be something that would help, is this something that is over the counter? I'll have to try it!

Hugsss!
~Donna

Annabelle41415

Wow
You have been through so much. So sorry that you are going through all of this but am glad that you got to enjoy most of your time in Mexico. That would be so nice if there was a get away for me - sure could use it, but glad that you enjoyed it. Hope that things start going better for you because you sure deserve it.

Kim

chicoturner

Kathryn
Hi, the first time I took oxy was on a Wed. Thurs. night I had horrible chest pains just above my port and it ran down my left arm. It started in the early evening the faded and then woke me in the wee hours of morning. I called my onc, he said get to the hospital fast. I went and the pain was intense for about 5 min. intervals and those came and went for about 45 min- hour. That would happen again in 1-3 hours again and again for about 20-24 hours. Then it was over. I ended up spending 3 days in the hospital where I had ALL the heart test they could do. EKG's, stress, catherization and such. My heart is good and shows no damage. No med they gave me eased the pain. My onc fortunately had waited to start me on avastin. After all the tests I chose to stay on the oxy as it did make my tumors go away quickley. Unfortunately, after 12 rounds and clear lungs, I took a 3 mon. break to find the tumors had returned in full force. I am now on irionotecan and avastin. New scans in Feb. I did have the chest pains each dose, but put up with it to get rid of the ugly cancer! Oh well, I keep trying! Hope you are doing better. Jean

cn42599

Shayenne said:

Thanks Carol!
Thanks for sharing that. It made me nervous, thinking it's spreading or something, but the pain seems to come and go. It's funny a gas pill would be something that would help, is this something that is over the counter? I'll have to try it!

Hugsss!
~Donna

Over the counter
Hi Donna,
Yes, GasX, Phazyme or any other gas pill is over the counter. I hope it works for you. I also get a lot of gas in the chest area after I have soda. I try to stir the bubbles away before I drink soda.
Carol