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Polycythemia and Breast Cancer

Posted , 6 users are following.

debwes
debwes

Hi,

I was just recently diagnosed with PV. I also am currently going through chemotherapy for breast cancer.

My blood levels are fluctuating right now because of the chemo. My hemotogist/oncologist said once I'm done with the chemo and my blood counts level off to "normal" in a couple months he will discuss what my treatment will entail.

I have had a rash on my arms, legs and torso for about 2 months that started shortly after I started chemo that morphed from a measle type rash to more of red and blotchy rash with "pins and needles" sensation. Not all the time but still annoying. Originally I thought it was due to the chemo but after reading the symptoms I'm wondering if it is related to PV instead. Anyone else had a similar rash or symptoms?

Another symptom I am experiencing is face flushing which could be PV, the chemo steroid, the chemo induced menopause or the rosecea/occular rosecea I was diagnosed with about 8 years ago. Probably won't know until I stop the chemo.

I also have Raynauds for years and as long as I stay out of the cold (I live in San Antonio now) I'm not really having any issues.

I am (or was at least until the breast cancer diagnosis) a very active 54 year old who has been running competively on and off for 40 years. I was asymptomatic until blood tests lasts summer showed that my blood counts were all high. Does anyone have any experience with excercising with PV? Is it possible to continue to run?

Thanks in advance.

Deb

1 like, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • Zapamania
    Zapamania debwes

    Posted

    Hi Deb sorry to read you have so much going on at once.  The face flushing could be Pv.  My face gets red when my platelets are high. Again it could be the chemo or rosacea.  I guess you won't really know till the chemo is over.  I am an ovarian cancer survivor for 17 plus yrs.  and now Pv.  As far as exercising its encouraged with Pv to excercise.  Zap

    • debwes
      debwes Zapamania

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply! Great news about being an ovarian cancer survivor! How long have you had PV?How were you diagnosed? Do you have other symptoms besides a flushed face?

      I guess I'll have to see how much flushing I get once I'm done with the chemo. Next treatment tomorrow. And if all goes well my last one is in 22 days! Can't wait!

      I've been doing a lot of walking through the chemo but hoping I'll be able to get back to running or at least some form of cardio exercise once the chemo and surgery is over.

    • Zapamania
      Zapamania debwes

      Posted

      Hi Deb. I was dx with Pv about 4 years ago on a routine blood test.  After more blood work it was confirmed I had Pv.  I have the jak 2 mutation.  My other symptoms are nights sweats on and off, balance issues, I feel like I'm being pulled by a magnet to the right sometimes and of course depression.  My platelets hit 1 million and I'm now on Jakafi for about 3 mos.  I couldn't tolerate Hydroxyurea.  I only lasted 3 days on that due to extreme body  aches.  I think you have to wait till your chemo is over for you to know what the Pv symptoms are for you.  Good luck with your treatment.  Zap

    • debwes
      debwes Zapamania

      Posted

      Thanks.

      Good luck with your continued treatment too.

      Deb

  • ellen68007
    ellen68007 debwes

    Posted

    HI there! I as well had chemo fir breast cancer years ago. I have been diagnosed after a year if testing with secondary Polycythemia. In your case I think you will have to wait until you have completed your chemo. So many symptoms can be the same. You are I. A good place for answers. Keep your chin up. I am sure your Doctor/Doctors will provide you with options.
    • debwes
      debwes ellen68007

      Posted

      Thanks. Congrats on being a breast cancer survivor but sorry to hear you now have to deal with another health concern.

      I will just see what happens when the chemo is over. Hoping at least the rash is attributed to the chemo and will go away once it's over.

      Another question. Have you or anyone else out there that's had breast cancer and lymph nodes removed had any issues or complications with the therapeutic phlebotomy procedure with the inability to use only one arm (or neither arm) to draw blood from because of the lympedema risk? I fear my one good arm will be a pin cushion when I get the that point.

    • angela_o..o
      angela_o..o debwes

      Posted

      Hello, I have a funny-shaped vein in one elbow which makes the blood flow much more slowly for the phlebotomists. One of them told me that if it gets too difficult they can use "other parts of the body" which I took to mean my legs but I don't know for sure!

      I get the itchy rash sometimes, especially on my torso. I just treat it with nappy rash cream and it seems to calm down.

    • debwes
      debwes angela_o..o

      Posted

      Angela,

      Thanks for your response. I suppose they can draw blood from anywhere there is a vein. Will ask when I get to that point.

      Assuming you meant diaper cream? Haven't tried that, but I've pretty much tried everything else so I'm game.

      Deb

  • richard96620
    richard96620 debwes

    Posted

    Hi Debwes,

    I am Richard Law,

    Live in Houston Texas, I am a new PV patient. diagnosed PV in Nov 2016 (while doing regular blood check).

    My oncologist put me on 500 grams of Hydrea twice a day, and on baby Aspirin.

    my platelet count was 702.

    I do not have any symptom or sickness, I continue to do my regular walk ( about 10,000 steps a day).

    I believe eating a balanced diet and regular exercise will help in sustaining normal health.    I will be doing my blood check in Feb 2017, I will share the result with the community.

    keep in touch.

     

    • debwes
      debwes richard96620

      Posted

      Thanks Richard.

      Thanks for your input.

      Any recommendations on diet? Because of the chemo I've been on a high protein diet but assuming I will have to change that dramatically after I am finished.

      Best of luck with your treatment!

  • snoop_dog_123
    snoop_dog_123 debwes

    Posted

    I don't know first hand but my hemotologist told me a friend of hers with PV successfully rubs marathons. Good luck

    • debwes
      debwes snoop_dog_123

      Posted

      That's good to know. Thanks. My marathon days are over for other reasons but still hope to be able to run for exercise.

      Anyone else been able to continue to do cardio type exercise like running, swimming or cycling?

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