Getting Discouraged
Hi All,
I've been up and down with side effects since I started Tykerb in May. The diarrhea seemed better for a while and then it hit me like a ton of bricks last Sunday night. It was so bad that I had to cancel my flight home on Monday (I was visiting my daughter and family in Buffalo) and reschedule for the next day. When I weighed myself this morning, I have lost another 5 lbs. That makes a total of 15 lbs since I started tykerb and 25 lbs since last January when I had the pleuradesis. (155 to 130) My doc didn't want me to lose anymore weight when I went below 140. He's not going to be happy. I look a lot better without the extra lbs. but I'm afraid to lose anymore weight.
I stopped the tykerb on Sunday just to give myself a break. Today I feel much better and can eat again. But I'm beginning to feel really discouraged. If I can't get the diarrhea and loss of appetite under control, I'm not sure I can continue. I haven't had any scans yet to check progression or lack thereof... but I'm pretty sure the doc is going to order a ct next week when I see him.
Just venting to you who understand my dilemma.
UGH!
__________________
Debbie
8/96 - Diagnosed Stage I - 1.8 cm tumor in left breast
0+ lymph nodes, ER+/PR-
Lumpectomy, radiation, CMF x 9, Tamoxifen
6/99 - Stage IV - 1.2 cm tumor in left lung, HER2 NEU +
VATS thoracotomy, Herceptin and Arimidex
2000 - Bone mets to left scapula and right ribs
Herceptin; Taxol x 9, Zometa
2/2001- Rt. lung - 6 mm tumor
Mini-thoracotomy
2/2001 - 12/2006
Xeloda-10 months, Navelbine-10 months,
Gemzar, Abraxane, Taxol/Carboplatin x 10, Aromasin, Faslodex,
Zoladex, Tamoxifen
2001 - Radiation to left scapula for pain managenent
9/2004 CyberKnife to right rib
7/2006 - Pleural effusion - thoracentesis performed twice
1/2007 - Pleuradesis and Taxotere x 5
4/2007 - Stopped Herceptin after 8 years (weekly).
Started Tykerb with Taxotere but stopped after 10 days
5/2007 - Stopped Taxotere, restarted Tykerb and Herceptin
Currently on Tykerb, Herceptin, Zometa
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