Report on TriciaK

[TriciaK]

I'd much rather post good news, but so much appreciate your thoughts and prayers, and I know the info we share on our treatments and reactions may be helpful to each other. I told you that my markers had started rising again after I couldn't use navelbine this summer. We tried just herceptin but the PET shows the right lung tumor growing again, so two weeks ago we tried gemzar. Had no problems that week, but last week, after the 2nd infusion, I broke out in a terrible allover rash. It looks like the worst case of measles and itches like crazy. I also wound up in the hospital for 4 days, very very weak and sick with pnuemonia as well. I have recovered a little with wonderful hospital and home health care, and next week the oncologist will decide if I can continue gemzar. I am on very high steroids, antibiotics and so on, plus they are watching my heart carefully. It is a setback, but I'm game to keep fighting! I'll keep posting as we learn what is next, and appreciate any experiences or suggestions from all you wonderful fellow warriors. Hugs, triciaK

[Mary Jo]

Hi Tricia,

I just love you and your awesome attitude! You are a survivor in every sense of the word.

I cannot offer you any suggestions for treatment but I can tell you that I pray God's incredible peace and love continue to surround you dear friend.

Love and gentle hugs,

Mary Jo

[ammebarb]

Tricia, I am so sorry to hear that you've had a difficult time. I too, am praying for your strength, health, and peace. Hope this set back is short lived and you are soon feeling well and continuing treatment.

Barb A.

[Jean]

Dear Tricia,
You are amazing!!!!
You must be related to the duracel pink bunny....

God Bless and please keep us posted.
Sending you healing prayers.
Jean

[Gerri]

Tricia,

You are one spunky lady! I admire your courage and strength and am in awe of your determination. I am sorry to hear of your setback and am wishing you better times as you fight on.

Take care,

[BonnieR]

I have always admired your grace under pressure and am sure you will weather this storm too. I am just sorry that you need to deal with it all. God bless and keep the faith.

[michka]

Tricia, I am so sorry you have to go through another storm. I admire your courage and attitude. I hope someone can share experience about Gemzar and that it is just a temporary reaction. I am keeping you in my thoughts. Hugs. Michka

[KDR]

Hope you overcome these nasty side affects soon and are up and running as soon as possible...

[Trish]

I'm afraid no suggestions but warm wishes and admiration for your great spirit. Thank you for letting us know, I had been thinking of you.
Trish

[Pam P]

Tricia - As you so kindly reminded me recently, 'this too shall pass'. May the symptoms subside soon so you can proceed with the gemzar and keep strong, You are such a strong woman and always uplifting, Thoughts and prayers are with you. Pam

[krisvell]

Tricia;
Rats; the darn cancer is fighting but you are stronger and will kill this beast.
I am sending prayers and best wishes your way.
Love and hugs,
Kris...

[Delaney]

Tricia, sending warm wishes your way, hopefully you will get over this setback. I am going on gemzar soon too. I wish you all the best with your treatment, you are one lovely lady!.

[Mary L]

Tricia, You are one of the bravest people I have ever seen. You have survived the horrible disease because you never give up. You are such a great example to all of us. I am praying for you and sending my best wishes for a speedy recovery. Hope you feel better soon. Mary L

[Becky]

I am visualizing great healing and recovery. You have strength beyond imagination and I am praying for you.

Good healing thoughts.

[Ellie F]

You are one brave lady. My prayers are with you.Seding positive healing intentions.

Love Ellie

[tricia keegan]

I'm so sorry to read of this setback Tricia and will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery. ((((hugs)))

[Emelie B]

You are such an inspiration to me. I am so sorry you have had this set back, but I am sending you positive thoughts for better days ahead.
Take care,
Emelie

[Barbara H.]

HI Tricia,
I am sending positive thoughts that you will heal and overcome this hurdle with your latest treatment. You continue to be an inspiration to us. I always look forward to your posts.
Best wishes,
Barbara H.

[Rich66]

Sorry to hear all this. Is rash a known/common side effect of Gemzar? Did you happen to get anything administered with the Gemzar?

[KirisMum]

Hang in there, Tricia. You have all our love and prayers for a good fight.

[Rich66]

Ok..guess it is a known issue.
Found this..
http://www.scribd.com/doc/28238758/Premedication-with-20-mg-dexamethasone

[ElaineM]

I am so sorry to hear you have unpleasant side effects. Gemzar can contribute to skin rash. If what your oncologist is offering you does not work you might want to see a good dermatologist who is familiar with the skin issues cancer patients have.
I was just reading about low B12 levels. Low B12 can weaken skin cells. Weakened skin cells can be affected by various kinds of skin issues, including side effects from medicines in addition to other things. I never knew that before. Do you want to have a blood test for B12? If yours is low you might want to ask for shots or supplements. Hydrocortisone cream which is available over the counter might be able to reduce itchy skin or edema. Please discuss any things you decide to try with your doctor.
I hope you get some relief soon. Take good care of yourself. I am keeping my fingers crossed and hope you will be back to normal soon.

[ElaineM]

I forgot to add the Gemzar information website which should also include information about side effects and/or safety information.
www.gemzar.com (http://www.gemzar.com)
I wonder if eating foods that are good for the skin (with vitamin A and C for example)might help your skin cope with rash related side effects?
Take care.

[TriciaK]

Your replies brought tears to my eyes and I feel so encouraged by your thoughts and suggestions. I am not feeling much better, still incredibly weak, but have hopes that this coming week we can find some answers from the oncologist. Just being able to reach out to each other means so much, and I treasure all you have written, the encouragements as well as timely suggestions. It is good to know there are still options available to us in this battle. I am so blessed to have a wonderful husband and a very large family. I have to get better and stay around, as most of our 32 grandchildren are now married and having children. We have 36 greats now, with 7 more due by summer of this year. I have to stay around to meet them all! (You may remember we put two families together 30 years ago). I have been blessed in so many ways, and your friendships mean so much. I will let you know what transpires with the chemo. Thank you again, and God bless you. Hugs, TriciaK

[caya]

Thanks for checking back in Tricia. Sorry you are not feeling well, I hope this coming week will find fresh answers for you. Keep up that fighting spirit!!

all the best
caya

[chrisy]

Tricia,
I'm glad to see that despite this setback your spirit seems unaffected. Take good care and I hope you start feeling better.

[bejuce]

Tricia,

You are one of my heroes. May God grant you the blessing of meeting all your new greats - coming from you, they sure are great! :)

Sending you love,

Marcia

[schoolteacher]

Tricia,

Glad to hear from you. Hope you are feeling better.

Amelia

[Joan M]

Tricia,

You have a dynasty! Sending you good vibes that you'll feel better soon.

Joan

[CindyE]

Oh Tricia what an inspiration you are to all that continue to fight this vicious foe. Sending up prayers right now for you and that our loving Lord will provide you strength and comfort. God bless.

[Dianedack]

Hi Tricia

You have a great attitude so keep fighting and I send you warm sunshine from Perth. Hope to hear good news very soon.

Best wishes

Diane

[SoCalGal]

Tricia,
Thanks for keeping us in the loop. Sending prayers and strength from my heart to yours...
Flori