Neulasta / Has anybody yet?

krkath
krkath Member Posts: 72
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
HI Gang,
In need of sanity help once again. Has anyone had Taxotere combined with A/C at once in 6 sessions: 21 days apart? With 6 shots of Neulasta?
I had my Primary Doc and yearly Physical 6/14 last Wed. and now am 5'4'" tall. I've shrunk 2 inches in a year! I know because I was for SURE 5'6" a year ago in my chart.
Now, my other concern is that I also had the Neulasta shot after each treatment and it does leach out the white blood cells to keep you healthy to complete your chemo on time. (supossedly Neulasta effects the larger bones)
Now, I'm wondering if that is one of the reasons I am having so much difficulty walking? I still ride the golf cart to shop and am pretty pissed off that it's been a year and I don't feel any better.
But it's starting to make sense that the Neulasta has maybe stunted or shrunk me. (I'm SHRINKING! Hee Hee.. Wicked Witch of the West.)
Anybody, anybody that can steer me to more info or have anybody who's still having difficulty with leg pain lower back, jips, kness and joints... Really appreciate you guys feedback.
Thanks,
Kathy R

Comments

  • LesleyH
    LesleyH Member Posts: 370
    #2
    Hi Kathy,

    I didn't have that combination, but I did have 6 AC two weeks apart (dose dense) and then 12 Taxols (one a week). I had Neulasta after each AC. I only had occassional fleeting bone pain from that. It never lasted longer than 5 minutes and I didn't have to take anything for it. I don't think I've shrunk, but my kids are shooting up around me so I feel short anyway. I am 5'6". I did walk whenever I could. That was difficult while on the AC, but I walked while on the Taxol. I now walk 5 - 7 miles a day. I was getting a lot of backache but have found some exercises that really help that. I now do about half an hour of stretch and strengthening a day as well.

    I did have a lot of achy joints when I started the tamoxifen, but that seems to be easier. I still routinely take Motrin about twice a week - even when I don't have pain.

    I asked my onc for a prescription to see an oncology physiotherapist and will start seeing her soon. I want to learn to exercise and strengthen the surgery arm to minimize risk of lymphedema. Perhaps some physio might help?

    I hope you start to feel better soon.

    Hugs.

    Lesley
  • tlmac
    tlmac Member Posts: 272 Member
    #3
    The most common cause of shrinking, as we age, is orteoporosis. The Arimidex I take for my ER+ cancer worsened my osteopenia. To prevent the spinal compressions that result in pain & shrinking and to restore the density to my bones, I take Fosamax. I took Neulasta after each chemo and suffered bone pain and aching but no shrinking. Chemotherapy has been documented to increrase the osteoporosis risk and you're taking several powerful drugs at once. You might find something of value in this article on the subject:
    http://www.breastcancer.org/research_chemotherapy_080001.html
    If it is osteoporosis, there are things that can be done to reverse the condition. Discuss it with your doctor.
    Best of luck.
    terri
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #4
    I agree with Terri....Dexa scan. Now. I had AC then Taxol, Neulasta after each. I was always osteopenic (-1.7). I am now Osteoporotic (-2.7). PLEASE do you a favor and DEMAND a scan...If for no other reason than peace of mind!
    I am now on Actonel weekly and upped my calcium intake. My onc will start me on Tamoxifen, even tho I qualify for the aromatase inhibitors, until I get my bone density back up...
    Hugs, Kathi
  • krkath
    krkath Member Posts: 72
    #5
    KathiM said:

    I agree with Terri....Dexa scan. Now. I had AC then Taxol, Neulasta after each. I was always osteopenic (-1.7). I am now Osteoporotic (-2.7). PLEASE do you a favor and DEMAND a scan...If for no other reason than peace of mind!
    I am now on Actonel weekly and upped my calcium intake. My onc will start me on Tamoxifen, even tho I qualify for the aromatase inhibitors, until I get my bone density back up...
    Hugs, Kathi

    Thank-You for all your help and response. It make sme crazy sometimes.
    I did have a Bone Scan about 6 months ago and it showed the usual deteriation for my age. And that's when I was in a lot of pain.
    That's why every time I try to take an aromatase inhibitor, the pain gets worse.
    Anyway, am seeing my Onc. Fri., tomorrow and will show him these e-mails.
    Has anyone else heard about Methadone for pain after chemo, since I'm still taking Percoset ( 4 - 6 a day) depending on the activity during the day.
    You are all so BRAVE, I feel like an idiot sometimes!
  • DebRoa
    DebRoa Member Posts: 31
    #6
    Sounds like you need a frank talk to your onc about being on actonel or fosamax. A bone scan is not a bone density test. Please get your density checked. I am on tamoxifen instead of arimidex due to osteopenia. I am only 43 and am not post menopausel yet.

    Hope you can figure this out.

    BTW, hope you are taking sufficient calcium also-with meals.

    Hugs,

    deb
  • tlmac
    tlmac Member Posts: 272 Member
    #7
    KathiM said:

    I agree with Terri....Dexa scan. Now. I had AC then Taxol, Neulasta after each. I was always osteopenic (-1.7). I am now Osteoporotic (-2.7). PLEASE do you a favor and DEMAND a scan...If for no other reason than peace of mind!
    I am now on Actonel weekly and upped my calcium intake. My onc will start me on Tamoxifen, even tho I qualify for the aromatase inhibitors, until I get my bone density back up...
    Hugs, Kathi

    Kathi, Be sure to see your dentist regularly and make sure he knows you are taking Actonel. Because of the bisphosphonates we're on, we have an increased risk anytime tooth extraction is our only option. If you're not already aware, Google "ONJ AND bisphosphonates." It's so important we stay on top of it!
    Take care.
    terri
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #8
    tlmac said:

    Kathi, Be sure to see your dentist regularly and make sure he knows you are taking Actonel. Because of the bisphosphonates we're on, we have an increased risk anytime tooth extraction is our only option. If you're not already aware, Google "ONJ AND bisphosphonates." It's so important we stay on top of it!
    Take care.
    terri

    WOW, terri...I will...
    (I haven't been to the dentist in 19 months...onc said no till after chemo, then I got the breast ca, so now I will go now that I am 3 days from the end of the treatment...thanks for the tip!!!
    Hugs, Kathi
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #9
    DebRoa said:

    Sounds like you need a frank talk to your onc about being on actonel or fosamax. A bone scan is not a bone density test. Please get your density checked. I am on tamoxifen instead of arimidex due to osteopenia. I am only 43 and am not post menopausel yet.

    Hope you can figure this out.

    BTW, hope you are taking sufficient calcium also-with meals.

    Hugs,

    deb

    Great, Deb, that you noticed the difference!
    Yeah, bone scan is to check for metastisis of the cancer (I may have one if we can't figure out my hip pain...ct scan is clear...yea!), and the bone DENSITIY scan is for osteoporosis. My onc has me on 1000mg plus calcium per day...thank goodness for the chewy calcium that tastes like chocolate!
    Hugs, Kathi
  • DebRoa
    DebRoa Member Posts: 31
    #10
    KathiM said:

    Great, Deb, that you noticed the difference!
    Yeah, bone scan is to check for metastisis of the cancer (I may have one if we can't figure out my hip pain...ct scan is clear...yea!), and the bone DENSITIY scan is for osteoporosis. My onc has me on 1000mg plus calcium per day...thank goodness for the chewy calcium that tastes like chocolate!
    Hugs, Kathi

    Pain is common after chemo-especially when one is on arimidex/tamoxifen. (Oncologists seem to ignore this fact!!) Don't let it prevent you from getting a bone scan to rule out mets, but I have bone pains all the time. My rule is pains lasting longer than 2 weeks I check out. I know I have a gallbladder problem-its sort of chronic...Dr said it could wait a while...so its gonna wait.

    My concern is if you are shrinking, your spine is really at risk and you need more intervention than just calcium. And you should take 3 of the chewy things a day. One with each meal for better absorbtion. Keep us posted-

    Sending many hugs your way,

    deb
  • AuthorUnknown
    AuthorUnknown Member Posts: 1,537 Member
    #11
    Hi Kathy,
    I remember well the bone pain. I took shots of Neupogen (which has a similar effect) for 3 or 4 days after chemo. I couldn't walk or move hardly. Toward the end of tx, the dosage was lowered since my labs were o.k.
    This drug is used to lower the risk of infection since the immune system is lowered and works in the bone marrow where our red blood cells are made.
    I have degenerative bone disease in my lower spine and arthritis.
    I would lie down and imagine the medication swirling around in my bones and strengthening them.
    My mother died from bone cancer (listed on death certificate) but it had metasticised to there from her breast. During my treatments, I was constantly thankful that we have such wonderful drugs available and it was much easier to tolerate.
    I am also a retired nurse so I do not take anything until I research it. I am not afraid to talk to doctors and nurses and question everything.
  • krkath
    krkath Member Posts: 72
    #12
    AuthorUnknown said:

    Hi Kathy,
    I remember well the bone pain. I took shots of Neupogen (which has a similar effect) for 3 or 4 days after chemo. I couldn't walk or move hardly. Toward the end of tx, the dosage was lowered since my labs were o.k.
    This drug is used to lower the risk of infection since the immune system is lowered and works in the bone marrow where our red blood cells are made.
    I have degenerative bone disease in my lower spine and arthritis.
    I would lie down and imagine the medication swirling around in my bones and strengthening them.
    My mother died from bone cancer (listed on death certificate) but it had metasticised to there from her breast. During my treatments, I was constantly thankful that we have such wonderful drugs available and it was much easier to tolerate.
    I am also a retired nurse so I do not take anything until I research it. I am not afraid to talk to doctors and nurses and question everything.

    Thank-You all for your advice. I did have a bone scan and density test, so all is well except, yes, I have slight to moderate osteoporosis. All blood tests came back good and I finally have been referred to a Pain Specialist. (After all this time).
    What is the name of that chewy calcium chocolate calcium vitamin? Everyone has stated to take at least 1500mg ? Of calcium to strenghten our bones. Even though I love drinking milk with dinner, always have, Guess it's not enough?
    I'll go and try to find a chewy calcium tabs and see what happens. (Goodie Chocolate)
    Thank you all for the input and have a good weekend, all.
    Kathy
  • cruf
    cruf Member Posts: 908
    #13
    krkath said:

    Thank-You all for your advice. I did have a bone scan and density test, so all is well except, yes, I have slight to moderate osteoporosis. All blood tests came back good and I finally have been referred to a Pain Specialist. (After all this time).
    What is the name of that chewy calcium chocolate calcium vitamin? Everyone has stated to take at least 1500mg ? Of calcium to strenghten our bones. Even though I love drinking milk with dinner, always have, Guess it's not enough?
    I'll go and try to find a chewy calcium tabs and see what happens. (Goodie Chocolate)
    Thank you all for the input and have a good weekend, all.
    Kathy

    The name of the calcium chewie choco. is Viactiv. It comes in several flavors. Good excuse to eat chocolate! Cathy
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #14
    cruf said:

    The name of the calcium chewie choco. is Viactiv. It comes in several flavors. Good excuse to eat chocolate! Cathy

    The caramel flavor is yummmy, too!
    (THIS from a chocoholic..hehehehhehe)
    Hugs, Kathi
  • DebRoa
    DebRoa Member Posts: 31
    #15
    krkath said:

    Thank-You all for your advice. I did have a bone scan and density test, so all is well except, yes, I have slight to moderate osteoporosis. All blood tests came back good and I finally have been referred to a Pain Specialist. (After all this time).
    What is the name of that chewy calcium chocolate calcium vitamin? Everyone has stated to take at least 1500mg ? Of calcium to strenghten our bones. Even though I love drinking milk with dinner, always have, Guess it's not enough?
    I'll go and try to find a chewy calcium tabs and see what happens. (Goodie Chocolate)
    Thank you all for the input and have a good weekend, all.
    Kathy

    I know I sound like a broken record....Actonel, Fosomax or the one Sally Fiels is promoting-Your body is not estrogen deficient and needs help using the calcium to strengthen your bones.

    Deb

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