question

[lolam]

Do you live in the Seattle area? Do you know how often you have to go to the UofW to be in this trial?
Thanks, Lola

[Jackie]

Hello ladies,
I would like to know if anyone has experienced anything like what I am right now, and if so, what worked for you? I have been feeling very very lethargic (all I want to do is lie on the sofa) daily for almost 3 wks now, and usually run a temperature at some time during the day. I take Motrin as soon as it reaches 100, which is effective. I have mets to bones, skin, and just found 2 small areas in brain that will be treated soon (but have no symptoms of brain disease). Am on wkly gemzar + herceptin. Have never had much in the way of ill effects from chemo and have remained pretty active, so this is very unusual for me. Blood wk doesn't show anything. Skipped a wkly treatment to take a trip which didn't seem to make any difference in these symptoms. My onc feels it's been going on too long to be viral and put me on an antibiotic to see if I have a sinus infection (I have lots of drainage and a cough but no congestion, and everything is clear looking) No positive effect so far. Sure am down about feeling like this chronically and hope someone has gone thru something similar and has some ideas!
Thanks for any help!
Jackie

[Steph N]

Sorry to hear you feel that way - could it be the Gemzar??
A couple of other things to check:
1. Have you seen an allergist in the last two years??
2. Has you thyroid been checked lately??

I have allergies and they do make me feel tired during the height of the pollen season (the last few weeks). The allegra helps my breathing, but it can't stop all symptoms.
Hope you find out what it is soon.

[Jackie]

Thanks, Steph. I am on synthroid for thyroid, but maybe my levels need cking again. I got some Allegra for this rotten drainage/cough and it didn't seem to do anything. But what the heck, with all of the drs I see, you're right...I shd prob add an allergist to the list!
Thanks very much..I appreciate any and all suggestions!
Jackie

[rose]

IT might be the gemzar which is known to cause fever in almost 30% of patients. Has your onc done a sinus x ray?

Hope you feel better.

[Steph N]

Hi -
Guess you probably have the thyroid thing under control. But, there are many other 'stones' to turn over. You could have a low grade sinus infection. I get those from time to time and just use a q-tip to put a little antibiotic salve up my nose. This and/or some ZICAM seems to do the trick and get my sinus under control.
An allergist is not a bad idea - just to find out exactly what all you may be sensitive to - and then able to avoid to the best of your ability.

[Jackie]

How do you know if you have a sinus infection? I don't have any congestion, just have to blow a little after a coughing episode. Nothing is yellow or green (if you know what I mean) I think my onc is going to order up some tests after I tell her the antibiotic didn't do squat. Hard to imagine what hasn't already been looked at, tho. Appreciate your thoughts!

[Jackie]

Thanks, Rose. The gemzar question will be answered because in order to have the Gamma Knife done, my rad/onc wants me off it for 3 wks. Sure would like to find a resolution. Thanks for your thoughts!

[Marsha Brekke]

I also had the same problem you have been deccribing , I talk to my onco and we did a muga, come to fine out my heart was not working more then 35% which is a side effect of Hercipten also the cough and sinus thing was too.

Feel free to email me mpbrekke@vaderandlandgraf.com
go well,
Marsha

[Jackie]

Very interesting! Thank you for providing your email address which I will use. I see my onc tomorrow and will tell her...I'm overdue for a Muga anyway.
Thanks very much!

[eleanor]

this may be too simple a solution but maybe worth considering. Drink alot of water. It's very easy to be dehydrated and not know it. Even if your drinking alot of fluid, it may not be giving you enough water. This would make you sluggish and in some cases slight fever. The water will also help flush out your system.
el

[Jackie]

thanks, El....nothing is too simple to consider! I will step up my water intake and see if it helps.
Love, Jackie