question on weird possible Gemzar side effect

lisa42

Hello,

I'm a regular on the colorectal board & I have stage IV colorectal cancer. I'm on the ovarian cancer board now, though, because I know that several of you may be on or have been on Gemzar (gemcitabine). I am in the unusual position of having "used up" all the chemos for colorectal cancer and I am now on a combo of Gemzar, 5FU with leucovorin, and Avastin. This was recommended for me to take based on a clinical trial with it for colorectal patients with some decent outcomes.
I've now been on it for a year and will be continuing to take it for awhile probably.

Anyhow, I have developed something recently that may or may not be related to Gemzar, but I'm thinking it might be. I've experienced the usual side effect of Gemzar with my platelet count going low (although it's been very good lately- totally in the normal range, which I'm very pleased about). What I've experienced lately is similar to something I used to have happen when I was on oxaliplatin- that is, I get a tightening or squeezing effect in my throat when I swallow something, for both food and water. This has just been happening off and on over the past month, with it happening at least half the times that I swallow food or drink this past week since my last chemo infusion.
I don't think it's like an allergic reaction or anything, but it's very uncomfortable. My onc said he's never heard of this as a gemzar side effect, but I'm betting that I'm not the only person who's experienced this! It's like when I swallow food or drink it hurts for a few seconds and I have to just wait for the few seconds until it passes. Some of the time the feeling will last for a few minutes.
*Have any of you experienced this sensation- either on Gemzar or not?
I've already talked to my oncologist and the chemo nurse about it- they both said they haven't heard of this happening to anyone on Gemzar, but I know that it still may be possible that others have experienced it.
I'm just wondering if it's related to the chemo or not and what can be done about it. I've been eating less lately because I don't look forward to this sensation. (I'm actually wanting to lose a few more pounds, but would worry if it kept going too much).
Any input would be appreciated- thanks!

Lisa

LaundryQueen

Esophageal problem
Lisa

Whatever is causing your problem, you probably should have diagnostic testing done to see if you have an esophageal stricture, hiatal hernia or esophageal webs or rings. The medical term for what you are experiencing is called "dysphagia" if you want to do a Google search on it.

Sorry that you are not enjoying eating as eating should be one of the pleasures in life.

Best wishes to you.

lisa42

LaundryQueen said:

Esophageal problem
Lisa

Whatever is causing your problem, you probably should have diagnostic testing done to see if you have an esophageal stricture, hiatal hernia or esophageal webs or rings. The medical term for what you are experiencing is called "dysphagia" if you want to do a Google search on it.

Sorry that you are not enjoying eating as eating should be one of the pleasures in life.

Best wishes to you.

Thanks Laundry Queen
Hi,
Love your name, lol!
Thanks for the info- I will google "dysphagia".
It only happens the week following chemo. This has been my "off chemo" week & I haven't had the problem at all, so I really believe it's from the chemo.

Lisa

LaundryQueen

lisa42 said:

Thanks Laundry Queen
Hi,
Love your name, lol!
Thanks for the info- I will google "dysphagia".
It only happens the week following chemo. This has been my "off chemo" week & I haven't had the problem at all, so I really believe it's from the chemo.

Lisa

esophageal spasm
OK, if the symptom is triggered by the chemo, it is most likely a muscle spasm which can occur like getting a muscle cramp in your foot.

I think I read somewhere that chemo can cause a loss of blood electrolytes such as postassium, sodium, and magnesium.

I know that magnesium is helpful for muscle cramps and it probably won't hurt to supplement with magnesium (200 - 500 mg)--the result of too much magnesium is laxative (Milk of Magnesia is a form of magnesium that is difficult to absorb so it stays in the colon and draws water back into the intestine to create the desired laxative effect).

The only people who are cautioned NOT to take magnesium are those with chronic kidney disease.

Best wishes to you.

lisa42

LaundryQueen said:

esophageal spasm
OK, if the symptom is triggered by the chemo, it is most likely a muscle spasm which can occur like getting a muscle cramp in your foot.

I think I read somewhere that chemo can cause a loss of blood electrolytes such as postassium, sodium, and magnesium.

I know that magnesium is helpful for muscle cramps and it probably won't hurt to supplement with magnesium (200 - 500 mg)--the result of too much magnesium is laxative (Milk of Magnesia is a form of magnesium that is difficult to absorb so it stays in the colon and draws water back into the intestine to create the desired laxative effect).

The only people who are cautioned NOT to take magnesium are those with chronic kidney disease.

Best wishes to you.

Thanks again
I appreciate the information- very helpful!


Lisa

LaundryQueen

lisa42 said:

Thanks again
I appreciate the information- very helpful!


Lisa

feedback
Maybe you could let me know if you try the magnesium and if it doesn't help or does.

lisa42

LaundryQueen said:

feedback
Maybe you could let me know if you try the magnesium and if it doesn't help or does.

I will
I will try it this week. If it's from the chemo, then I have more coming this week, as I get chemo this Tuesday. I actually have highly absorpable magnesium as part of the minerals that my naturopathic dr has me on (I take minerals, supplements for detox, and also several antioxidants). My onc is supportive, but told me to stop 24 hrs before chemo and resume again 24 hrs after chemo. I imagine he was referring more to the detox and antioxidants, not the minerals. I had stopped everything during chemo (5 days total, since I go home with a chemo pump on). This time, I will continue with the calcium and magnesium through chemo and see if that makes a difference.
I will hopefully remember to let you know but if I somehow forget (since I'm not regularly on this board & I get a bit forgetful when I get tired from the chemo), you can always send me a pm message asking too.
Thanks for input and interest

Lisa