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diabetes and chemotherapy

Hi

Can't answer your question but would like to wish you both well.

My wife had breast cancer, very bad in fact, lost a breast and went through chemo and radio therapy as well BUT she did get through it and its nearly 4 years and alls well.

Cancer treatment has improved so much over the last few years and is VERY good and im sure all will be ok

God bless

Brian
 
Hi Annette

Please tell Lisa I am sending her positive thoughts by the bucket load - she obviously has a very caring Mum who is giving her much needed support - Feb is almost here - planning a diary is a great idea - because by crossing each day off you are proving to yourself how much closer to the end of treatment you are getting.

I guess it must be very overwhelming dealing with BC and Diabetes together - Anna certainly found it so sometimes - but we are all human and not robots. Please tell Lisa Anna's hair is growing back now - she looks like she has chosen to have a sassy short hair cut ! So Lisa's body too will recover from this ordeal. Tell her to take each moment as it comes, and it is okay to bury your head under the duvet and hide away for a day - she doesnt have to be superwoman - crying is therapeutic - there will be plenty of laughter and plenty of good times to come - once she has gotten through this - which she WILL !!

Lots of love to her and to you Annette - wishing both a peaceful Xmas and a wonderful 2009

Jane xx
 
My all time favourite inspirational poem;

From "DESIDERATA"
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence . . .
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence . . .
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noise confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
-Max Ehrman
 
Hello All
here's an update on Lisa and it's a mixed bag.
Like many epople I was not sorry to see the back of 2008.

The 5th treatment saw Lisa move onto her next cocktail of chemo drugs and having been told she would see little difference from the last lot it was shock when on Christmas Eve she developed a vivid rash on her hands and feet . While her hands cleared up quite quickly her feet became covered in a red raw rash with blisters she was unable to sleep because the slightest touch from a sheet or cover was agony and unable to walk and I’ve not seen her that low in sprirts since she was diagnosed. On New Years Eve She got a wheelchair from the Red Cross which meant she could get out of the house and also a cage for the bed which kept the covers off her feet so she got some sleep. She found that slathering her feet in a mixture of E45 and antihistamine cream and then putting them into plastic bags for a few hours eased the soreness while drinking huge quantities of water eased the pain as well.

Typical of Lisa was once she had worked out how to control the situation she felt better and bucked up to the extent that she and Ian were playing wheelchair racers in Tesco. By Sunday 4th the rash was clearing and by Monday she and I were at Ladram Bay buying a second hand holiday caravan which Lisa is going to manage and let out – something she can do from home and hopefully raise a small income. As many of you have already said, being able to plan for the future is a tremendous lift and she is busy working web pages and schedules - it's money well spent.

Given the severity of the reaction the oncologist offered Lisa a break from treatment but with three more to go she wanted to just plough on and get it over with. As part of the treatment she has a large dose of steroids which leaves her hyper for 48 hours and badly affects her levels. Lisa all positive and upbeat is one thing but Lisa over stimulated is quite another. We were at the hospital for a long and tedious 6 hours yesterday for her 6th treatment and she didn’t stop talking the whole time.

I know that the next two months are not going to be easy but it’s great to think that The last part of the chemo is due to finish at the end of February and the line in her chest will come out on 20th Feb. Lisa can no longer feel the lump and what with that and her very encouraging scan results she may be facing some surgery after that but not as extensive as originally thought. So who knows, by Easter we could be moving on and if she does have to have major surgery well we’ll just have to face that at the time.

This treatment reduces Lisa’s immune system even further so she has to now spend nearly two weeks isolated. Her birthday card was lovely and I inlcuded the messages from this board, she's going to read a few each day during this time.

I hope everyone is well and that 2009 is a great year for us all
love
Annette
 
Hello....

I was only diagnosed with diabetes a month ago so can not relate to chemo and diabetes together but like others I can relate to the chemo.

I had my first breast cancer 13 years ago... diagnosed on April fools day... and yes you would not believe the amount of people who said... "You're joking".... people found it even harder then now and now is still not easy..
At the time I was treated with a lumpectomy, 6 months chemo and 4 weeks of radiotherapy, neither of which I would want anyone to go through but sadly my wants are not the order of the day... 5 years ago on a routine mammogram it was found that I had a thickening which would have been undetectable to a manual examination... I am one lucky woman in that respect. Luckily I have a consultant that is not only a magnificant surgeon but is also a gem of a man regarding his tip top patient care. I had a right sided mastectomy which couldn't be immediately reconstructed due to my previous radiotheraphy but was told wait a year and he could do it.

Within that year I found out that my cancer was hereditary as I have the BRCA 2 gene, it enabled my sisters and cousins to be tested. Some o fo which have had preventative surgery. My mum and her 3 sisters had all died of cancer, mum having had a brain tumour at 29 and passing away from secondaries at 43 and her sisters all having passed away aged between 36 - 51 from secondaries of breast cancer. (Bear in mind that this was all over 21 years ago when treatment was not how it is now )

Last October I had my other breast removed and can honestly say it was the best thing I have done for myself, I had been extremely fearful of more surgery after the mastectomy 5 years ago and put off the reconstruction and definitely removal of the left side... but knew that my chances of another breast cancer was 80%.... not good odds.. now I might be flat chested with two not so pretty scars but far from the lack of femininity that I thought I would feel, I still feel all woman.

After all that ^^^ my main reason for commenting as well as wishing anyone with cancer all the best in the world was to say that I echo chocfish's comments about communication and support. During my first cancer I was 300 miles away from my sisters and led my work colleagues and friends to think that I was sailing through it all, I never asked for extra pain relief when I needed it, etc... That all changed in 2003 and I turned to all around me for the support that I needed and encouraged them to get support themselves, This was done via our local Macmillan Support Centre which is an excellent resource not only for reading material, support, complimentary therapies but also to meet others who are experiencing what you are.

If you ever want to chat please feel free to pm me.
 
Hi Gina

thank you for your message - what a brave lady you are. I have drummed it in to Lisa to ask ask ask and even though she still finds it difficult she has started to take that advice to heart. In most cases the response is very positive and certainly the hospital staff have been fantastic. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on mastectomy I will pass it all on.

Unfortunately our experience with MacMillan has not been anywhere near as positve as yours but I know from postings etc that they have helped plenty of people. perhaps it is just where we live or we've been unfortunate with the person who is our liaison.

On the plus side advice from this forum and charities such as www.lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk and www.cancerhelp.org.uk have been amazing.

The big issue for us all is " what next" and I'm certainly finding the future, after all this has finished, is a bit daunting.

love to all
Annette
 
1st February update

Well it’s very good news but in a stressful context.

Things have been pretty awful for Lisa since the middle of December but they got very stressful and joyful this week. As you know her feet and hands have been extremely painful. She was at an all time low when we went to the oncology visit on Thursday. Then the consultant informed Lisa that as she had such a bad reaction to the chemo and they were worried about her feet because she is a diabetic he was suspending the treatment and she would be going straight to surgery as soon as possible. This was a huge shock and what with the build up of tension and the steroids we both went for the poor man. Lisa reminded him that the whole point of having chemo first was to reduce the need for surgery and surely it was her choice to carry on with the treatment. We know that her hands and feet were truly shocking because a nurse took one look at the photos and asked if she could use them for training purposes, the title of the talk “when chemo goes wrong!” but at the same time she is wiling to suffer it if it means a reduction in surgery.As she says she has coped with diabetese for 20 years she can cope with this.

He compromised and sent her for an emergency scan with the proviso that if there had not been a significant reduction in the size of the tumour he would suspend chemo. While waiting for the appointment to come through Lisa had a long talk (rant) with the assisting nurse and told her exactly how she felt about the way she was being treated and the stress levels this produced. This is the first time she has “made a fuss” but she was driven to her limits - not at all happy.

After another hour long wait we finally got to the scan and there was good news as the tumour has now shrunk by another 20% or more so that’s a full 65% reduction which I think we would all agree is "significant". So back to oncology which was closed by now but the second in command was waiting, nervously, and the original consultant was at the end of the phone. Because Lisa had been upset with lack of information the doctors then spent over an hour going through everything with her, all the different types of surgery she might have, how chemo works, etc. By now it was 6.45 and as we'd been there since noon we both just wanted to go home but ranting must be paid for.

Anyway by now it has sunk in that it is good news. They have all agreed that the surgery will be an excision or lumpectomy or maybe even a marker, also that they can reduce the chemo dosage and go with the treatment regime I suggested which is application of ice to her feet and hands during the week after chemo.

Friday was chemo day - only at the hospital for 5 hours this time! Only one more chemo to go and Lisa has her Hickman line removed on 20th February if all goes to plan. Then surgery of some sort and radio therapy to clear up “the bits and bobs” as the consultant said – I think he was trying to fool us using such technical words.

Funnily enough it is the caravan that has kept Lisa going. It’s given us all something to talk about and plan for apart from cancer; also Lisa has kept herself very busy getting it onto web pages and working out schedules. We went to the site to put together a shopping list, a bit difficult to manoeuvre around in a wheel chair but a really fun morning. It’s a bit like having a giant dolls house to play with. In true Lisa-style she is negotiating some sponsorship so that we can offer some free weeks via MacMillan to carers who are in need of a bit of a break from their duties.

Ian and Duncan have been great and were so relieved that things are going to plan – all this has certainly taken its toll on both of them as well. We’re all exhausted but finding it difficult to sleep so we’re the zombie family for a while but there is certainly light at the end of the tunnel.

As always thank you to everyone for their kind thoughts and support, I’m sure it is all part of Lisa’s recovery not least by keeping her positive and determined.
love
Annette
 
hya both,
glad that theres some good news in there, hugs and love to u all xxxxxxxxxx
amanda
 
A friend with leukemia and bone cancer is getting some very heavy duty chemo.

They are currently massaging his lymph nodes, which seems to be helping with the peripheral symptoms. Might be worth asking if this is available on the NHS.
 
Hi Annette

Just wanted to send you and Lisa my love - not long to go!!! hooray xx.

Please tell Lisa that Anna is now 'just'on Tamoxifen - and yes, night sweats increased - she has lost her 'hypo' warnings but in her oncologists words - they couldnt be more hopeful that all is well. So Lia has that to look forward to.

your Lisa sounds like she has a great attitude - must get it from her Mum xx

Keep in touch - and I will keep praying for you all

Jane xxx
 
I am recently diagnosed with T2 diabetes and I have just come across this discussion which I find interesting.

I had 8 cycles of chemotherapy for a type of lymphatic cancer.. I finished the treatment just over a year ago now and I am pleased to say that I am in remission and on 3 monthly follow up appointments with consultant.

When I was disagnosed with diabetes I did wonder if the chemo had any effect at all. During chemo and especially since I have finished it, I have been having bad pins and needles in my feet and sometimes my hands. This is especially so at night. At the time the consultant told me that it was a normal side effect of part of my chemo - vincristine. That is the drug that causes total hair loss as well. The consultant told me that it may go away or I may have to grim and bear for quite a long time. I felt at the time that it was a small price to pay.

When I was diagnosed the other week with T2 and found out that pins and needles in feet were a sign did make me think. I saw the diabetic nurse today and she said that it is highly likely that I may have been a diabetic for a couple of years or so before it was picked up.

I have my next 3 monthly check up in two weeks so I will ask the consultant what he thinks.

I guess that at the end of the day it is all about what we do today and tomorrow about it but I would still like it looked into. Who knows there may be a link.

Pete
 

Hi Pete

Givent he number of blood tests that a person endures prior to any chemo being given, I would think it is highly unlikely that diabetes was already present or it would have been picked up. Anna's diabetic specialist told her that a sudden shock or overlaod of stress has been known to be a significant contributor to the onset of diabetes - her husband was dx with Leukemia and she was dx with diabetes some 6 months later - so maybe another way to look at it ?

Jane
 
Jane,

I am sure you are right about that but it did make me think about things. Yes, you do have many blood tests done during and after chemo so I agree that diabetes surely would have been picked up.

My last appt with the Haematologist Consultant was last November and my next one is actually 18th Feb. Before every appt blood is taken a few days beforehand. I shall certainly ask what my blood tests showed last November.

It is funny really. Every appt I have had with the consultants they have always asked me about my weight. During last year I did put quite a bit back on. They were pleased with this-- they see weight loss as a probable sign of a relapse.

Weight loss can also be a sign of diabetes. However, since I was diagnosed a few weeks ago T2, I have made a big effort to shed some weight. I will have tp explain that properly to them!

I am concerned about my bad pins and needles. Much worse at night. I did have this after my chemo as I previously explained. It just feels worse now. I just want to establish if that is quite a normal thing to happen as a side effect of the chemo or has been worsened by the onset of T2.

For good measure I had a pleurodesis during my lead up to the eventual diagnosis of cancer. That causes me some pain but not excessive- normally in the area where they used needles etc to get into my lung.

The way I have tried to approach T2 is more or less the same way I approached cancer when I was diagnosed. I found out as much as I felt was right and , most importantly, from the right people and right sources. Once I had an understanding of it and the reasons for the treatment etc - I was motivated to be more positive and maintain a sense of humour.

The treatment I had in Hospital along with the follow ups has been first class. I wish I could say the same about my local Health Centre. I could write a book about the problems I had with their maldiagosises etc leading up to my cancer. Over a three month period- vital time lost- they went from trapped nerve to arthritis to asthsma to chest infection.

That is why when they fogot to inform me of the results of my GTT last December, more vital time lost, I could not let them get away with that and have the Local Health Board looking into it.

I do feel a bit nervous about it all- it is not nice to have issues with people we want to put our trust into.

The obvious thing would be to change Health Centres. Easier said than done. I live in the semi rural part of S.Wales and the geography of the area does not lend itself to a change, especially in terms of access etc.

Sorry to go on and on but it is something that does wind me up a bit.

Pete
 

Hard to tell at this distance but definitely something to ask about.

A friend has had well controlled diabetes for years and is now suffering from fairly severe neuropathy as a result of chemo with etoposide, dexamethasone and thalidomide (among other things). Hopefully they can give you something to help with this.
 
I hope everything goes well not only for your daughter, but for you and your family.
Sorry I have no information on cancer and diabetes, i'm new to it all.
Good luck.
 
Givent he number of blood tests that a person endures prior to any chemo being given, I would think it is highly unlikely that diabetes was already present or it would have been picked up.
Click to expand...

Jane,

As I mentioned before I would agree with you on that. However, I have just got back from the hospital after my three monthly cancer follow. All still fine on that score. I did mention to the consultant/registrar that my 'pins and needles' in my feet have got a lot worse during the past few weeks. I also told her that I had been diagnosed recently with T2 diabetes.

I had the 'pins and needles' before I was diagnosed with T2. I asked her if it was likely that I had had T2 diabetes during my cancer treatment. She told me that she could not rule that completely out as 'blood sugar counts' were never looked into during my treatment. Also I was on steroids as a part of my chemo which do raise blood sugar levels a lot anyway during treatment.

The 'pins and needles' I had before were a definite side effect of my chemo but it should have almost completely gone by now- she told me concluding that it is the T2 that probably has made my 'pins and needles' worse. I did suspect that but was surprised that they did not take account of blood sugar during all my treatment. Mind you, I had more serious matters to be dealt with then anyway.

Anyway, I have another appointment with the 'diabetes nurse' at my health centre on 3rd March. I shall discuss all this with her and see where we go from here. I certainly want a referal to podiatry to sort my toe nails out anyway.

Pete
 
i was diagnosed with breast cancer last april and after 2 lots of surgery underwent chemotherapy and then radiotherapy. i have type 2 diabetes which was controled with metformin and diet. i was doing very well and my diabetes was well controlled but halfway through my chemo my sugar levels shot through the roof with a reading of 24mml.Iwas feeling quite ill so my gp sent the diabetes nurse out to see me and started me on insulin which is where i remain, its the steroids that cause the problem as well as weight gain which i am desperately trying to loose. i am not complaining i would rather have my life and be a bit fat than the alternative.I wish worried mum and her daughter all the luck in the world ,it is hard but there is light at the end of the tunnel. take all the help you can get think positive and keep your sense of humour, i had great support from family and friends and many suggestions of what to put on my head when my hair fell out! i will be thinking of you, love from prinnyxx
 
its the steroids that cause the problem as well as weight gain which i am desperately trying to loose. i am not complaining i would rather have my life and be a bit fat than the alternative.
Click to expand...

I agree totally with you. I can remember when a nurse took my blood sugar count with a monitor during my early days of chemo. She said it read 18, which meant nothing too me then. I was told that the steroids I was on during a cycle of chemo (100mgs daily for five days!) had that effect. I had to have 8 cycles of chemo.

As you are obviously well aware- steroids give one hell of an appetite. I was more concerned with putting weight back on in those days after all the weight loss I had. The dietician even put me on a 'weight increasing diet! Now I am trying to lose a bit of weight to help control the T2 on a low carb diet.

In all honesty I think they should look at the possibility of T2 diabetes being a 'side effect' of chemo.
Obviously the most important thing, as you rightly mentioned, is to save our life!!!!

I thank God that I am still here to tell the tale.

Pete
 
hi just read your reply about steroids and how it affects your appetite. i was waking up around 4 in the morning craving digestive biscuits and milk,it was like being pregnant again which is when diabetes first started, the symptoms went when i had my babies but i was told that i was at risk as i got older, also my nan and my mum both had it so it was no surprise to me when i started with the symptoms. i am hoping that as my weight goes down the amount of insulin i take will be reduced, i still take metformin but the nurse said it would be unlikeley that i will come off it alltogether as the chemo alters your body so much. its a pity that something you need to save your life can complicate other medical problems you have. maybe there will be other treatments in the future there is so much research going on, i am doing race for life to help raise money and also would like to raise money for diabetes too as both diseases have affected me, all the best prinny
 
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