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Becky · 04-13-2011, 04:27 PM

Dear Tricia

You have alot to discuss with your oncologist. You have 2 directions to go and you are dealing with 2 problems so I think your discussion should focus on:

1. you have some allergy problem now
2. you have had white blood cell count issues.

I think you need to discuss what treatment plan will be easiest on these two issues so that you can at least be able to stick with something and see how/if it works for you. The white cell count can be dealt with if you can tolerate Neupogen or Neulasta. The allergy part can be tougher to deal with if that happens. And, whatever you and your medical team choose, if it is not going well, you can stop and then regroup and try the other one.

Your doctor can help you shift through these issues so your next try is easiest on what is bothering you now. Make sure the doctor explains what other kinds of side effects you might experience and make sure you have OTC drugs or prescription drugs to deal with that prior to your first infusion so you are 100% ready for anything.

You have 2 great options so don't second guess yourself or your team as long as you are 100% aware of the choices they are recommending for you. I may not have captured everything that is a concern - perhaps also ask what is easiest on the heart too.

Love and hugs

04-13-2011, 04:27 PM	#11
Becky Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Stockton, NJ Posts: 4,179	Re: What to do now??!!TriciaK Dear Tricia You have alot to discuss with your oncologist. You have 2 directions to go and you are dealing with 2 problems so I think your discussion should focus on: 1. you have some allergy problem now 2. you have had white blood cell count issues. I think you need to discuss what treatment plan will be easiest on these two issues so that you can at least be able to stick with something and see how/if it works for you. The white cell count can be dealt with if you can tolerate Neupogen or Neulasta. The allergy part can be tougher to deal with if that happens. And, whatever you and your medical team choose, if it is not going well, you can stop and then regroup and try the other one. Your doctor can help you shift through these issues so your next try is easiest on what is bothering you now. Make sure the doctor explains what other kinds of side effects you might experience and make sure you have OTC drugs or prescription drugs to deal with that prior to your first infusion so you are 100% ready for anything. You have 2 great options so don't second guess yourself or your team as long as you are 100% aware of the choices they are recommending for you. I may not have captured everything that is a concern - perhaps also ask what is easiest on the heart too. Love and hugs __________________ Kind regards Becky Found lump via BSE Diagnosed 8/04 at age 45 1.9cm tumor, ER+PR-, Her2 3+(rt side) 2 micromets to sentinel node Stage 2A left 3mm DCIS - low grade ER+PR+Her2 neg lumpectomies 9/7/04 4DD AC followed by 4 DD taxol Used Leukine instead of Neulasta 35 rads on right side only 4/05 started Tamoxifen Started Herceptin 4 months after last Taxol due to trial results and 2005 ASCO meeting & recommendations Oophorectomy 8/05 Started Arimidex 9/05 Finished Herceptin (16 months) 9/06 Arimidex Only Prolia every 6 months for osteopenia NED 18 years! Said Christopher Robin to Pooh: "You must remember this: You're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think"