These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as
recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is
always advised to consult their own physician.
Side Effects [posted 12/04/98]
Question: My friend was treated for breast cancer 18 months
ago. She had a "CMF" regimen, one orally and two by intravenous. We are not sure
of the spelling of the drug names: Cyclomosphomide, Metharexorate, Fluoraurcil ?? Now she
is having problems with sensations like pins and needles (she describes it as more like
little electrical shocks) from her hips all the way down her lower body including her feet
and sometimes in her mouth as well. These sensations started recently and are getting
progressively worse. Could she possibly have been affected by the chemo drugs? Thank you.
Answer: Possibly, sounds like a peripheral neuropathy which indicates damage to the nerves that come from the spinal cord to your body. This can be tested. There are several hundred causes of peripheral neuropathy and the next task is to identify the cause. Low B 12 and low thyroid are two that are correctable, most of the rest are not-including drug induced(chemo for example).
Side Effects
Question: On the chemotherapy drug, Interferon, if you use alcohol frequently or
the use of marijuana, is it possible that the cancer come back or drug not be as
effective?
Answer: Both of these drugs seem to have an effect on the immune system;but, the
exact nature is not known. It doesn't appear to be major or irreversible and further
research is ongoing. Like most things, I would advocate moderation.
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