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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Effects on Pancreas
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
Effects on Pancreas
by Willy, Sep 29, 2001 12:00AM
As a result of breast cancer, I completed a cycle of AC, a mastectomy, a cycle of Taxol, and seven weeks of radiation. In the past 11 months, after completion of the Taxol, I have had
four episodes of extreme stomach distress. I awake in the middle of the night vomiting and will continue vomiting until I use suppositories. I run a fever during this time and have severe stomach pain and muscle aches. The muscle discomfort continues for a week, and my stomach is sensitive (I eat yogurt, etc) for a week or so. I had an upper GI, which was normal.
While I am waiting to see a specialist, I am looking at conditions that fit the pattern. I found that pancreatis fits my symptoms almost perfectly. My liver has been thoroughly checked out, since my blood results were/are frequently abnormal.
An MRI and CAT scan showed no tumors. I am 47 and had my gallbladder removed in 1974 due to pigment stones.
I am wondering if the drugs I took for chemotherapy could have damaged or altered the chemistry of the pancreas.
four episodes of extreme stomach distress. I awake in the middle of the night vomiting and will continue vomiting until I use suppositories. I run a fever during this time and have severe stomach pain and muscle aches. The muscle discomfort continues for a week, and my stomach is sensitive (I eat yogurt, etc) for a week or so. I had an upper GI, which was normal.
While I am waiting to see a specialist, I am looking at conditions that fit the pattern. I found that pancreatis fits my symptoms almost perfectly. My liver has been thoroughly checked out, since my blood results were/are frequently abnormal.
An MRI and CAT scan showed no tumors. I am 47 and had my gallbladder removed in 1974 due to pigment stones.
I am wondering if the drugs I took for chemotherapy could have damaged or altered the chemistry of the pancreas.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-rf, Oct 02, 2001 12:00AM
Dear Willy: While pancreatitis is not a common or listed side effect of chemotherapy, it is known that some medications do contribute to its development. I would not be too quick to diagnose yourself, however. There are specific blood tests that can be done to assist in making this diagnosis. I would leave this to the specialist.
Member Comments (2)
by healthcareguerilla, Oct 17, 2001 12:00AM
To: Willy
I am sorry you are having this distress. By now you've probably seen the specialist, but I want to tell you that I have found Slippery Elm capsules to work great for nausea. I have been taking the capsules as needed for over three years because I developed stomach problems, was put on Prilosec, which, while immediately stopping the nausea, did not feel "right" in my body, and produced unwanted side effects. When first starting Slippery Elm, I did have some short-lived loose stools until my body adjusted to it. Naturally, you should check with your docs before starting anything new, and herb or no herb, it's important that you know all you can about it, and all your medical people must know what you take. I hope the specialist is giving you some good options.
