| | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 74 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | OP  Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 74 | I was at the Drs yesterday and while taking my vitals they found my heart rates 45. My Dr thinks that the tumor on my neck is blocking the carotid artery and therefore slowing my heartbeat.She wants me to call 911 if I feel dizzy or pass out. I am scared to go to sleep now as I keep thinking my heart is going to stop.I started taking the Tarceva yesterday, Im hoping it hurries and shrinks this damn tumor. Ive never been so scared in my life.
Last edited by plantgirl; 06-01-2012 04:32 PM.
4 cancerous tumors stage4 Surgery 10/26/2010 Radiation 2x a day for 4 weeks (started Dec 13th 2010)
Reccurance discovered Nov 2011. Tumor behind left jaw. Erbitux, Taxol and Paraplatin for 6 wk. Surgery scheduled for Feb
50 year old woman smoked for 30 years quit 3 years ago light drinker HPV +16
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 945 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 945 | Oh, my goodness. Did she make any useful suggestions about dealing with it?
CG to husband - SCC Tonsil T1N2M0 HPV+ Never Smoker
First symptoms 7/2010, DX 12/2010
TX 40 IRMT (1.8 gy) + 10 Cetuximab
PET Scans 6/2011 + 3/2012 clear, 5 year physical exam clear; chest CT's clear of cancer. On thyroid pills. Life is good.
| | | | | Joined: May 2010 Posts: 638 "OCF Down Under" "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "OCF Down Under" "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: May 2010 Posts: 638 | Hi Plantgirl
The best thing you can do for your heart is RELAX. Lying down and sleeping will put the least pressure on your heart so try not to be so fearful. Easier said than done - I know.
Karen Love of Life to Alex T4N2M0 SCC Tonsil, BOT, R lymph nodes Dx March 2010 51yrs. Unresectable. HPV+ve Tx Chemo x 3+1 cycles(cisplatin,docetaxel,5FU)- complete May 31 Chemoradiation (IMRTx35 + weekly cisplatin) Finish Aug 27 Return to work 2 years on 3 years out Aug 27 2013 NED  Still underweight
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,264 Likes: 5 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,264 Likes: 5 | Maybe your just in good shape and have a low resting heart rate!! Hugs - hopefully it not what she thought it was.
Cheryl : Irritation - 2004 BX: 6/2008 : Inflam. BX: 12/10, DX: 12/10 : SCC - LS tongue well dif. T2N1M0. 2/11 hemigloss + recon. : PND - 40 nodes - 39 clear. 3/11 - 5/11 IMRT 33 + cis x2, PEG 3/28/11 - 5/19/11 3 head, 2 chest scans - clear(fingers crossed) HPV-, No smoke, drink, or drugs, Vegan
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,844 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,844 | Plantgirl,
If you are on an opiate pain medication those will significantly slow your heart rate as well. Opiates depress the central nervous system slowing the cardiovascular system and your heart rate. If you are on any other meds that affect the CVS, or alcohol or too high of a dose of the pain med (a sign of OD) this can be fatal. Fentanyl, oxycodone and hydrocodone are notorious for this.
Young Frack, SCC T4N2M0, Cisplatin,35+ rads,ND, RT Mandiblectomy w fibular free flap, facial paralysis, "He who has a "why" to live can bear with almost any "how"." -Nietzche "WARNING" PG-13 due to Sarcasm & WAY too much attitude, interact at your own risk.
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 74 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | | OP Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 74 | Eric, Im on MS Contin and Oxycodone for the break through pain. Do you think I should not take the Oxycodone?
Last edited by plantgirl; 06-03-2012 09:47 AM.
4 cancerous tumors stage4 Surgery 10/26/2010 Radiation 2x a day for 4 weeks (started Dec 13th 2010)
Reccurance discovered Nov 2011. Tumor behind left jaw. Erbitux, Taxol and Paraplatin for 6 wk. Surgery scheduled for Feb
50 year old woman smoked for 30 years quit 3 years ago light drinker HPV +16
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,844 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,844 | I would say work with your pharmacist and Medical Oncologist. Sadly our General Practitioners are badly versed on drug, food or other supplement interactions.
I would make a list of all vitamin supplements, Over the Counter Meds, Prescriptions and food that you eat or drink as I'll bet we find the culprit somewhere there.
I don't recommend not taking pain medications if you need them as pain is the enemy of healing. It puts the body in distress slowing or stopping the healing process due to hormone response so if you need to take it by all means, don't try to "tough it out". I would take a look at your dosages first though, if you are taking them on an empty stomach etc or getting enough water as hydration/nutrition is important there too.
the more details you give the faster we can get this thing solved for you.
Young Frack, SCC T4N2M0, Cisplatin,35+ rads,ND, RT Mandiblectomy w fibular free flap, facial paralysis, "He who has a "why" to live can bear with almost any "how"." -Nietzche "WARNING" PG-13 due to Sarcasm & WAY too much attitude, interact at your own risk.
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