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Cathi was admitted again!

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Breast Cancer
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Posted 6/8/2005 2:59 PM (GMT 0)
   sad Darn, Darn, Darn. Cathi is having problems with this treatment. Her doctor thinks she has an allergy to the taxotere family of chemo.  She was not well and tried to go back to work and got really ill. Now she has been admitted again. She is going to take a break in her treatment and try to get herself built back up a bit. Her doctor recommends she take off until about August. She said she should only be in a few days. I would appreciate it if you could please include Cathi on your prayers and good thoughts list. Love and Hugs Joyce
Posted 6/8/2005 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Joyce,
I don't know if this is similar, but I had a reaction to taxotere when I first took it - it made my chest tight and my face red - I was given benedryl, and it was given very slowly. Days later I was hypersensitive to everything and became neutropenic. I had to argue with the on-call oncologist that it was a serious condition :

"hi,doc, I'm calling because I hurt everywhere, and now I have a 102 deg fever."

"hmm...why are you calling?"

"Because the taxotere help sheet says I may have these other symptoms, but a fever of 102 deg means I have a serious situation."

"hmmm...why don't you wait until tomorrow when your doctor is back? He knows your case better."

"Because I have the fever TONIGHT and it says on the sheet I need imediate attention."

I did wait until the AM, just cuz I couldn't drive to the hospiutal and I didn't want to wake up friends, but I did have a blood draw early am that showed my neutrophils were at the "hey, you could die from a papercut" stage.

Anyhow, I thought the story might sound familiar to some and have a laugh, even though it is true.

I had neulasta shots, and did not get neutropenic again, but still had bone pain pretty bad, and was hpersensitive to everything. I had to keep shoes or very thick slippers on because just walking was bad.

Did Cathi mention any benedryl? Or neulasta? Or any vitamin mineral, naturalpathy supplements? Here at CTCA, they gave me a sheet with what supplements are specifically given for breast cancer. Oh, I also had from the Walgreen's (pharmacy) website, just before surgery and after and when I was worried about getting an infection Impact Recover - a drink mix that was basically whey protein, amino acids, and some extra vitamins that is supposed to help the immune system. Maybe that could help her?

Cathi, you're in my prayers!
Posted 6/8/2005 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
It is awful Cathi is back in the hospital once again. Is this the third or fourth time while trying this series of treatments? Jen, I don't know if she had fever or not, but she had intestinal problems and got dehydrated and was very sick before she would give in and go to the hospital. Thanks for letting us know again Joyce, I am so glad you keep in touch with her as well as Luci does. Please keep us posted as to how she is doing. I will be sure to keep her in my prayers. Hugs MK
Posted 6/8/2005 4:34 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for letting us know.  Wow!!  I am saying prayers for her and a quick recovery.  Hugs, Candy
Posted 6/8/2005 8:53 PM (GMT 0)
Oh no, not again. This is so unfair! Taking a break will give her the much needed rejuvination, in body and spirit. And it will give the onc a couple months to come up with a great new plan!

Hugs and prayers to Cathi....

Lori
Posted 6/8/2005 9:21 PM (GMT 0)
I, too, had a reaction to Taxotere.  I ran a fever and my feet and legs were very swollen.  They counteracted by giving the Benadryl and doubled the courtesteroids that they give you before you take the Taxotere.  It meant more weight gain but I handled the Taxotere a lot better.  I hope she is feeling better soon.

Posted 6/8/2005 9:32 PM (GMT 0)
Joyce,
Thanks for letting us know. I am so sorry for our dear Cathi. I cannot think of anyone who deserves a break more than her. She has been such a trooper...
Hugs,
Julie
Posted 6/8/2005 10:04 PM (GMT 0)
 

Cathi is ALWAYS in my thoughts and prayers.  send my love and hugs to her. 

BEV

Posted 6/9/2005 1:03 AM (GMT 0)
I am so sorry she is going through this again! Please tell her we are all praying for her! L&H, Frayda

Posted 6/9/2005 2:24 AM (GMT 0)
Crap!! Can I say that here? Would like to use stronger language, but don't want to get in trouble. Sure sorry to hear Cathi is back in the hospital. I hope they find some other way to treat her. Sending prayers and comforting thoughts, Lauri
Posted 6/9/2005 6:43 PM (GMT 0)

Cathi, my prays are with you and I hope you are feeling better soon.

In my thoughts and prays.

Randi

Posted 6/9/2005 11:29 PM (GMT 0)
Oh, not again! Cathi, We love you and hope that they come up with a better plan. I'm always praying for that. You are so terrific! You rest while we all pray for you. I want a new drug for you and I WANT IT NOW! Lots of love, Di

Posted 6/10/2005 4:23 PM (GMT 0)

"Her doctor thinks she has an allergy to the taxotere family of chemo."

Being fairly new to the board, I really haven't had the opportunity to meet Cathi but from what I have read and been told by others, she is a wonderful, caring sister. I am furious that she is having to go thru all of this. The one question that I have is this....Since she has had so much trouble with this drug, why the heck didn't her onco do a test to see if she was allergic to it and save her the pain and hospital stays?

Cathi, please take care of yourself. Lots of prayers being said from my family and friends for you to get back on your feet and home.

Love and prayers....Deb

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