TAnn Posted July 28, 2005 Share Posted July 28, 2005 Well, I met with the doctor today to see about getting my 2nd dose of Alimta. It's not going to happen this week. Seems my bloodwork came back with my liver values really high. (most were double the normal) My doc wants me to have a chest and abdominal ct scan on Friday to rule out any liver mets. He really thinks this is a very tiny possibility based on my last ct scan, but wants to be sure. He also wants to wait a week for the 2nd Alimta to make sure my liver values go down because this chemo can cause liver problems as a side effect. We are also going to see if I get the horrible rash that I got after the first dose, or if it was from all the pain relievers I've been on. It's all a guessing game. I wasn't expecting this. Alimta is supposed to be so "easy"! Ha Ha! There is nothing in this battle that is "easy" I'm finding out. After seeing the remains of the rash, doc says it definately wasn't shingles, like I was thinking. Well, that's what I get for practicing without a license!!! It is an "all over" rash and shingles is definately only on one side of your body. Pain is a little better, trying to manage it with Advil only and get off all the high powered stuff that makes me a Zombie! TAnn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted July 28, 2005 Share Posted July 28, 2005 TAnn, Crossing pretty much everything that those LFT's come down. No mets..dear Lord! Glad that you're able to squeak by with non-narcotics...how is it possible to enjoy that feeling? Yuck. I don't like em either. As a sidenote, I might have to have your pleurodesis. I will let you know. You are my mentor in the fluid department. love, cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted July 28, 2005 Share Posted July 28, 2005 TAnn, Boy, I hear your disappointment and I am disappointed for you as well. Let's hope those levels come down and you can get back to treatment ASAP!!! You are SO right! Nothing about this disease is easy! And I am very sorry. Many prayers that things get back on track soon and that you keep that pain under control as best you can without nasty meds! (((TAnn))), Kaaey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted July 28, 2005 Share Posted July 28, 2005 None of the chemo Lucie has had has been "easy" -- some just less bad than others. But then again, they worked. Wishing the same for you, TAnn. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stand4hope Posted July 28, 2005 Share Posted July 28, 2005 Dear TAnn, Boy, this has just been a stinky day, huh? It's better to be safe and wait a week to let those numbers drop back some - the last thing you need right now are liver complications on top of everything else. I know you said you are getting the B12 shots and taking the Folic Acid, but I don't recall you saying if you are taking Decadron the day before, day of, and day after chemo. My research on Alimta said that the reason that is required is to prevent a rash. A rash is definitely one of the side effects. Hang in there, Teri, and keep us posted. Love and prayers, Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leslie221 Posted July 28, 2005 Share Posted July 28, 2005 TAnn, As I read your post, I was muttering, "G.D. it!" (Well, not the initials - the REAl thing. ) Can somebody please invent a cancer punching bag that we can hang up in the garage and beat the living stuffing out of when we need to? I will keep you in my thoughts and hope for the best results on those scans and all your treatment. Leslie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nushka Posted July 28, 2005 Share Posted July 28, 2005 This news just stinks doesn't it? I sure hope that all of your liver numbers are down soon and that all shows up good on the CT scan. Keeping my fingers crossed for good news soon. You deserve only good news from here on out. Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted July 28, 2005 Share Posted July 28, 2005 I am so sorry to hear that news Tann. Just when you think things are going your way, something comes up to throw you off track. But you will get through this. Just hang in there. I know that is easy for me to say, but you have come so far. I know you will get back on the right track again. You have to get through this frustrating hurdle. Da-n I hate these detours.. Will send you some extra prayers you way. Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fay A. Posted July 28, 2005 Share Posted July 28, 2005 TAnn, Here's to hoping that your body recovers quickly and you can restart chemo soon. And more importantly that the scan shows the chemo is working against the cancer. You have my prayers, TAnn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fall54 Posted July 28, 2005 Share Posted July 28, 2005 Daer Terri, praying for those numbers to drop and that you can get back to you're chemo ASAP. Glad the pain has subsided some and you are able to get along without the heavy meds. Been thinking a lot about you and praying things turn around soon for you Sweetie God Bless You, Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginnyde Posted July 28, 2005 Share Posted July 28, 2005 Tann, Let's hope these liver numbers are just a blip on the radar and that everything is back to normal next week. It sounds like your doctor is very thorough and not the wait and see type. Sending good wishes that the OTC meds completely take care of your pain (actually would prefer the pain to just go away) and that you can get the Alimta next week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted July 28, 2005 Share Posted July 28, 2005 T, This latest bit of abuse is simply (in football terms) 'piling on'. Will someone please throw the yellow flag!? Thank you for the update as we think of you several times daily and are sending all possible positives your way. We care and want to be sure that you know that. Prayers for painfree days and good solid medical answers and tx. Love Pat and Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamasbabygirl Posted July 28, 2005 Share Posted July 28, 2005 Terri, Mom had very high liver numbers too around treatment 2 or 3 of Alimta, but there were not mets. So, please don't worry. The drug is relatively new, so I guess this could just be something that happens, you know? Hang in there!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBeth Posted July 28, 2005 Share Posted July 28, 2005 As always Terri, my prayers and thoughts are with you. I'm so glad you are able to manage pain without the aid of the big guns; I know that has to be a good feeling. Hang in there and keep us posted and we'll keep the prayers and well wishes headed your way. Love, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAnn Posted July 28, 2005 Author Share Posted July 28, 2005 Thanks for all of your responses. I always am amazed at the support I get from this group. You are all wonderful. Peggy, yes I did have the decadron the day before and the day after the alimta and they gave me some decadron the day of treatment. I've been on so many meds this past month, there is no telling what caused the rash. Also, for those who are monitoring Alimta side effects, my hair is falling out BIG TIME. I've decided to just let it fall out and see what's left before I shave my head AGAIN! What was growing back was really just someones sick sense of humor, you call THAT hair???? So.... let it fall out, that's the least of my worries! TAnn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leslie221 Posted July 28, 2005 Share Posted July 28, 2005 "I don't care if they call me 'baldie' or 'chrome dome.' God took an eraser and brushed my head clean. I'd rather be bald on top than bald inside." ~Joe Garagiola, 1975 With a mind and personality like yours, TAnn, you'll NEVER EVER be bald INSIDE!! Leslie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarHart Posted July 28, 2005 Share Posted July 28, 2005 Terri, I am sorry to hear you are having such a hard time with the alitma. My husband got his first dose last Thurs. with carboplaten. So far he is not having any side effects except a little fatigue. The reason the dr. started him on the chemo was the multiple tumors that showed up in his liver, so I was surprised to hear that this chemo is hard on the liver. He liver function tests were all in the normal range before he got it last week. It will be interesting to see if there are still normal when he gets it again in 2 weeks. I hope you get to feeling a lot better this next week so you will be starting off strong for your next treatment. Hopefully, the rash will be better or better yet gone. Good luck. Karen H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finster Posted July 28, 2005 Share Posted July 28, 2005 I'm sorry to hear this news. Hopefully it really is just a small bump in the road. Sending prayers that you are right back where you want to be really soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellakc2 Posted July 28, 2005 Share Posted July 28, 2005 TAnn, Nothing about this disease is easy. Prayers go to you for good ct results. Mare Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pammie Posted July 28, 2005 Share Posted July 28, 2005 Continuing in prayer for you TAnn. Know it is disappointing to have things not go quite right. Keep up your great attitude. pammie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justakid Posted July 28, 2005 Share Posted July 28, 2005 Hang on TAnn, I'm with you! Trying is so hard, wish someone could step in and take it for me for about a month! I know you do too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilliBr1 Posted July 28, 2005 Share Posted July 28, 2005 Continued prayers T Ann. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted July 28, 2005 Share Posted July 28, 2005 TAnn, I'm so sorry you are having so many problems with Alimta. You aren't the first one to say it isn't soooo easy. My hubby had 6 treatments of it and we have had a series of problems since. I can't say it was the Alimta that caused all, but some things are beginning to show up on this board frequently. The fatigue, rash and shortness of breath are three that I have observed a lot of. Mike had a rash all over his chest and stomach when he was on it , but it never got bad. It was a small rash. He got progressively short of breath. It was after he ended his treatments that he had shingles appear, as well as pneumonitis. We've had other problems also, but can't say for sure why. As for the hair, his thinned quite a bit. It all didn't fall out , but it did thin , so you may want to hold off on getting all of yours cut. I always hate to report things that happened to Mike because everyone is different. I wouldn't want to discourage anyone. On the other hand , we learn by the good and bad reports on this board. Know that you are in my prayers TAnn. Sure hope those numbers get straight and you can continue treatment soon. Love and Prayers, Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Treebywater Posted July 29, 2005 Share Posted July 29, 2005 I'm late here, but I'm praying. Hang in there. It's NOT easy, but we're here to cheer you on even when the going gets rough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandie Posted July 29, 2005 Share Posted July 29, 2005 T Ann, I am so sorry you have to go thru this. You are not alone . We are all here for you and You have a greater power and a wonderful spirit carrying you thru this. Rememer FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND! Sandie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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