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Diagnosed with breast cancer & primary lung cancer: Next steps?
Lung Cancer | Last Active: May 18 1:06pm | Replies (60)Comment receiving replies
I am feeling so fatigued and I haven’t even started the chemo & lung radiation. Next week they will drain fluid from the large seroma that resulted from my Jan 7 lumpectomy & radiation. Then they will drain fluid from around my lung surgery site to help me cough less during radiation. After that I get a chest port put in and 3 days later on May 4 the chemo & radiation are scheduled to begin. I’m seeing wound care every other day to get my incisions healed as quickly as possible. Every time I think I’ve accepted next step and prepared myself something sets me off. I made a video compilation for my husbands bday today & when I saw my piece and how weak I sounded it scared me. Then I looked up the chemo drugs being used Carboplatin & Pem and saw that there’s a 20% chance of tinnitus & hearing loss. I had asked my Drs because in 2022 I suffered from Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss where I went from excellent hearing to instant deafness & tinnitus in one ear. This has been permanent and the tinnitus has worsened after each anesthesia. The Drs said that’s why they are using Carboplatin vs Cisplatin but I see it’s barely any better. So that has freaked me out. I don’t think I could bear to have this happen to my right ear as well. I’m terrified. Then today the pharmacy sent a notice about no refills on one of the drugs I was rx’d in prep for chemo. I looked it up because I didn’t recognize the name and turns out it’s an antidepressant primarily used to treat schizophrenia but off label for nausea. I had serious depression and even more serious treatments back in the 90’s and swore I’d never go on antidepressants again. So now I’m questioning everything. My one friend keeps asking me about doing alternative protocols & skipping all drugs. My other friend sent me a sermon which talks about anxiety which calmed me a little. I don’t know anything about maybe getting some CBD gummies to use for nausea instead of Zyprexa. I don’t know if I can do this. But I so admire all of you who do. ❤️
Replies to "I am feeling so fatigued and I haven’t even started the chemo & lung radiation. Next..."
@bdurel your concerns about the various meds are valid. if it was me, I would ask the medical oncologist what the risk/rewards are. ie prognosis with chemo and without. so much of the time with cancer we have to make the best choice out of 2 not great choices. as far as nausea, there are lots of options. zofran is used a lot. my mom couldn't take it and acupuncture before and after chemo helped her more than any medication. your team should support you to find the right strategy/medication to combat the nausea.
@bdurel, with everything that you have coming at you right now, I'm not sure how you are managing at all. Give yourself some credit too. You are keeping your schedule together, and are investigating the medications that you've been prescribed. This is a lot!! Please keep letting your cancer center know of your concerns, with the hearing loss and the medications. Let them know when something doesn't seem right, and when you are too tired to move forward.
There may be some cancelled golf dates in your husband's future. 😉 Take a deep breath on that one. I know it's hard to ask for help. You won't be able to do all of this alone. Do you have one family member or a trusted friend who may be able to coordinate rides or sitting with you during these appointments and treatments?
@bdurel I’m just another lung cancer patient reading on Connect but have followed your story as I’m in CA too. I just had 3rd session of Chemo last Thursday of combo you’ll have. I’m also scheduled to get a port in couple weeks. But your situation is more involved than mine and just wanted to send a huge hug to you!
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@bdurel, it can be challenging when well-meaning friends suggest this or that cure or even pressure us to look into a treatment that has not been proven. They may be reading promises of cures or misinformation that circulates like wildfire on social media.
Here's some information you might find helpful.
- Natural vs. safe: Why the two aren't the same https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/complementary-alternative-medicine/in-depth/natural-vs-safe-health-remedies/art-20587690
One of my favorite websites for finding evidence-based info about herbs and supplements is Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) complementary therapies database:
– Search About Herbs (cancer specific) https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/diagnosis-treatment/symptom-management/integrative-medicine/herbs/search
I'm sure your friends mean to help. How do you let them know that you appreciate their kindness and concern, but not chase unproven and potentially harmful treatments?