balance problems

[al]

Just a quick update on Linda's condition after today's appointment in Toronto. Linda had extensive liver mets (80% +) and 3 months ago was given 2 weeks to live. We found out today that the Oncologist considers her one of her "miracle" patients and recalling that conversation 3 months ago, the doctors would have been surprised if she lasted another week. She has been on Navelbine and Herceptine for the mets. We have battled low WBC's and recently anemia resulting from the chemo. She is on daily neupogen and more recently, weekly eprex shots. She is also on Dilaudin for bone marrow pain.
Recently, she has been having trouble with her gait and large muscle co-ordination such as walking. Anyone else have experienced this with the Navelbine / Herceptine combo? Could this be a result of the anemia + narcotics? Should we fear the worst?
Comments appreciated,
Al

[Lisa]

I'm very surprised she wasn't given a brain MRI at the very beginning of her treatment. Of course, the outlook was gloomy then. By all means she should have one immediately.

I was on Navelbine/Herceptin and did have a couple of days of very minor coordination problems. But nothing like you mention.

Let us know.

Love and light,

Lisa

[al]

Sounds like we are going to book an MRI.
Many thanks, Al
PS, why is good advice always a double edged sword?

[Steph N]

A brain MRI is always a good idea. But you should NOT "fear the worst." When I was on heavy chemo for liver mets I got to where I would be clumsy and had some balance problems. I had a brain MRI at the time of the mets diagnosis and it was negative.
The weakness does take its toll. I got to where my vision also was affected and could not do things like carry a basket of laundry down to the laundry room. And the stairs are not steep and have a landing in the middle. I had to use the handrail all the time.
I also slipped in the bathtub from loss of balance and not a slippery tub. I had another hand bar installed so I could hold something when getting in and out of the tub/shower. This was a needed item until many months after getting off chemo.
My toes got stubbed on steps and curbs as I just did not pick my feet up like normally. This was the result of fatigue and nothing else.

[Elisabeth Disley]

Al, I am pleased to hear that Linda is hanging in there. Pardon the pun but a lot of folks seems to have brain mets on the brain, yes it is a potential reality (which I am personally dealing with) but I am also a former orthopedic nurse and if your wife had some bone mets in her spine we could be dealing with spinal cord compression that can produce muscle weekness and gait issues and be relieved by some rads. I would seek that first- but that is my personal thought. Does Linda have a homecare nurse? I am from London ON and have home care nurse from the palliative care team that is very helpful and can go to bat for both of you.
Make choices you and Linda are comfortable with. The other thing is that a CT would also detect brain mets and is less time consuming and my thus be less uncomfortable for Linda. Lots of factors to think about but perhaps the less complicated the better at this pointI hear you about the double edged sword thing. Pardon the blethering, at times the nurse in me takes over.
Blessings, Elisabeth

[Esther]

Al:

I also have liver mets, which was extensive when diagnosed in Feb. 04. I have been on Navelbine/Herceptin since then, and experienced loss of balance.

I started taking yoga classes, and using a balance board and I am finding that my balance is slowly improving.

It's always a good idea to check with your oncologist about new symptoms, but the balance issue might be just a side effect of the medication.

Esther

[Lolly]

Al,
I don't really have anything to add, as the others have pretty well got it covered. I just want you and Linda to know I'm keeping you in my prayers, as I do all our friends here; the image I keep in mind is a circle of love that goes around the world!
Love, Lolly