Sunday, October 25, 2015

Lupron Side Effects - Health Update

What a week! Things did not go quite as planned after my injections last Wednesday afternoon. The Lupron, which was the injection to induce a chemically induced menopause like state to protect my ovaries during chemotherapy, unfortunately did not agree with my body. I found myself in the Emergency Department of my local hospital for some pretty extensive blood loss by last Sunday.

Essentially this drug was suppose to slowly transition your ovaries to a dormant state, normally the patient experiences things like hot flashes, minor cramping, and the loss of ones menstrual cycle. Side effects also include mood changes, night sweats, insomnia, diarrhea, and other typical consequences of menopause. Well, my body decided to take this transition very poorly and attempt to eject my entire uterine wall in 24 hours; you can imagine why this would be a serious problem. Neither my prescribing physician, or the ER doctors had ever heard of any patient having this effect from the drug, so they were quite surprised. They called a OBGYN who basically said it is an extremely rare side effect that happens to about .001% of patients... So of course I would get it! lol I am always that patient that receives the crazy side effects no one has ever heard of. Needless to say we will not be continuing the injection of this drug.

Cytoxan begins Tuesday. I will apologize now for the lack of updates that will ensue next week during my chemotherapy stupor. I have been told I will be quite physically ill for the first few days, and pretty miserable for the two weeks following. I will try to update everyone as soon as I can after next week. I also want to take this opportunity to thank everyone tremendously who assisted in the "Chemo Clean" of our small apartment. I am always so exceptionally humbled by the generosity of our family, friends, and neighbors. Your service will make an enormous difference in my health during treatment. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Please also excuse the back-up in email and comment responses. I hope to reply to everyone's well wishes and kind words soon! Hugs!

6 comments:

  1. I am so sorry about your side effect! My husband and I elected for me to have a hysterectomy for the same reasons you stated about having biological children. I had the worst time with my uterine health though. Massive bleeding, long periods, like a month or longer . They tried hormones, but my body overcame every stopper they tried. So I found an awesome obgyn surgeon who took it out and just left my ovaries, so that when I do go through menopause it won't be so vicious. I feel for ya girl. Rootin for ya. Keep us updated

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  2. You are an amazing inspirational human!
    Now I will say Lupron is HELL. I know it works for some, that is fabulous, however not all! It was made for prostrate cancer & then later given to women for various reasons. I took it 3 times, not the prescribed 6 & had it out with my dr. It was literally the worst 3 months of my medically challenged life as 14 yrs later I still suffer the .01 of those who have problems!
    I was advised to join the lupron victims group & lawsuit - I declined though I know quite a few women who did join the lawsuit & settle.
    I had an ovary removed prior to that treatment & 8 major surgeries for endometriosis. My 9th surgery was a c-section of my miracle healthy son at 39! I had a full hysterectomy earlier this year & glad I did.
    Now I'm on a new journey with pain management drs & neurologist (that parts new!).
    You are so blessed to have a wonderful & loving husband!
    I have wonderful family, friends & my son. Sadly my marriages could not withstand the diseases my body has but hope, faith & prayers brought someone special to me when I wasn't expecting it!
    Never loose hope! Keep Hope Alive! It's my motto!
    My prayers & hugs to you!
    Kick booty girl!

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    1. You got this girl. Much love my friend :)

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    2. Hey Kim! Thank you so much girl! Your awesome comment made me feel like a million bucks! I am so ready to kick some booty ;) I am so sorry to hear that Lupron put you through the ringer as well... I seriously cannot believe it hasnt been pulled off the shelf! Urg. Hugs my friend!

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    1. Aw thank you so much Kyra! Those spoons were definitely needed ;) Hugs!

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