Don M Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 After I got out of the hospital last June, I tapered off the prednisone too fast and so I had to go back on oxygen. After a few dead ends with my PA at the oncology clinic, he referred me to a pulmonologist. I was put back on high dose prednisone and tapered down more slowly. I was able to recover most of my lung function. I bought an oximeter after my first hospital stay to monitor my saturation. I noticed after my 3rd infusion of taxotere, that my saturation dropped 5% or more, but came backup after a few days. My third infusion was not too bad in terms of side effects. My 2nd infusion was not to bad either. I had a chest ct scan 2 weeks ago. I went to see my oncologist about it on the day of my 4th infusion a week ago. All my tumors show no change, so it is stable. The radiologist talked about my upper right lobe as if it had been collapsed for some time. That is where my big tumor is located. No one else had mentioned a collapsed upper lobe in previous scans and I was able to walk my mile and did not need oxygen...so I wonder about that. On the day of and the day after my 4th infusion, my saturation was running 5% low again. This time a few days later, about 5 days after the infusion, it did not recover to its former rate. Instead it crashed and I had to go back to the hospital. I got out the next day, called my pulmonologist Tuesday, and he said to go back on high dose prednisone and quickly taper down. I took 60 mg of the stuff today and had a dramatic improvement. I am convinced the taxotere affects my breathing. The other side effects were more intense this time too. So maybe I will bail out of taxotere because I like to breathe...or maybe I will finish it and just jack up the prednisone each time the taxotere whacks me. I am going to talk to my oncologist about it this Tuesday. Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandraL Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 Hi Don. Sorry to hear about that little adventure. You are so vigilant. Very interesting about the taxotere. Glad to hear you continue to be stable. That is great news. Good luck with your decision and continued best wishes. Sandra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patti B Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 Don- So glad to hear your scan was stable but sorry to hear that you are going through this low oxygen thing. Hope you doc can get this figured out real soon. Hope you feel better soon - you are a great inspiration to me!! Hugs - Patti B. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 Don- I hope you are able to work out a compromise and keep yourself stable. It's a good thing you are monitoring your oxygen level. Let us know what the onc says. Rochelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 Hi Don, Thanks for updating us. I'm always keeping my eye out for your updates. Sounds like good news that you are stable, but not being able to breathe is rough. Going to a pulmonologist is a good move, in my opinion. It was Mike's pulmonologist who kept a watch over his lung function on a regular basis and prescribed his nebulizing meds, his inhalers, prednisone if and when it was needed and his oxygen . There were several tests that they would periodically do to measure various aspects of lung function . But , as for discussing the Taxotere and it's affects, your onc will be your best judge. Taxotere is one of the stronger drugs , from what I have observed. It's a good thing you are measuring your own oxygen level. There's nothing I can tell you Don, that you don't already know. You always do your homework and do your best to stay on top of things. Let us know what your onc says on Tuesday. Hugs, Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
recce101 Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 The best to you Don -- keep doing what you're doing! Aloha, Ned Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MsC1210 Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 Don Sending lots of good wishes, prayers and positive thoughts your way! Warmly, Christine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 Hi Don, Boy you have been through so much. But you still hanging there, you are amazing. So glad to hear you are breathing better. I don't understand that collapse lung business either. Good luck on Tuesday. I will be thinjig of you. I know you will keep us posted. Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JB Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 Sounds like you got a lot going on there with the breathing...and you're right, I think I learned somewhere that breathing is important...Hopefully you can find a balance between the treatments and the lung functions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlemike Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 Im happyyou are still satble Don. I hope you find the right balance with the treatment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaminkw Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 Congratulations on the "stable." Those decisions weighing benefit of treatment and side effects are the worst. The tax has kept you stable but having to depend on prednisone to breathe has it's own downside. Good luck. I know you'll make an informed decision. Judy in Key West Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chloesmom Posted August 30, 2008 Share Posted August 30, 2008 Don, I'm sorry to hear about your breathing issues. I'd bet the culprit is the taxotere. I know I experienced shortness of breath when I was on gemzar, and it was a terrible feeling. Hopefully, it will be resolved soon. Cindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy Posted August 31, 2008 Share Posted August 31, 2008 Hi Don, I am keeping my fingers crossed that you can get treatment and still be able to breath!! I remember oh so well how horrible it feels to be sob. All my best to you, Wendy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fillise Posted August 31, 2008 Share Posted August 31, 2008 Thanks for the update Don. I hope you can figure out a strategy to handle the Taxotere, or find another treatment option. I'll be kppeing you in my prayers. Susan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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