Another update on the side effects of Tafinlar and Mekinist. Well here we go again, or not! I had restarted the chemo Tafinlar and Mekinist and was hopeful I would continue on the medication without side effects. After a month back on it I was feeling very lucky that I was doing so well. Month two was just about the same, doing much better that expected until I woke up one morning with just about every side effect listed for both medication. Off the chemo again with hopes that in a week or 10 days I would be well enough to restart it. Well this time it’s not looking so good. I had initially woke up with fever, chills, severe stomach pains that felt like I had swallowed a bucket of razor blades, migraines, vomiting, diarrhea, and overall fatigue and feeling like poop. I went off the chemo and about 4 days later the stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea subsided. Whew, I was so glad that was over but I still had a low-grade fever and migraine for the next few days. Then the worst ever, I started having swelling in both feet and ankles with severe sharp burning pain that could not be controlled by anything. I thought this was strange and hopeful it would get better. No such luck its only getting worse each day. At first there was no discoloration in the skin just pain and swelling. I was thinking it was probably joint pain, arthritis or some sort of muscle pain, all noted in the list of side effects. Things changed over the weekend and have gradually gotten worse. There is now severe edema in both feet and ankles and the swelling and pain is moving up my leg and into my knee on my left leg. I am almost positive I have developed blood clots in both feet and ankles, also on the list of side effects. Yes I know the risks of blood clots. I am planning on going into my physicians office or to the ED tomorrow or Wednesday depending on what my physician thinks. When I put any pressure on my right foot it feels like all the bones in my foot and ankle have been crushed and I am trying to walk on crushed bones. The right foot is the same but the heel is a little more painful on this foot but it dies not radiate up the leg into the knee like the left. Wow, I never thought anything could be this painful and bring tears to my eyes so quickly. I also feel like the two overstuffed sausages attached to the end of each leg are the most disgusting foreign objects I have ever seen. I want to know where my feet went and I want them back.
I want to say again as I have said so many times that I am very lucky and thankful to have such wonderful physicians. I am thankful to Dave for leading me to the right physicians for treatment. I am hopeful that once again I will be in good hands and on the road to recovery soon.
I am also so very thankful for all the support and prayers that have been a constant in this crazy cancer experience. I will be forever grateful to all of you who give me reasons to fight and who bring a smile to my face when I think of you. I truly have been blessed with so many wonderful people in my life. God bless you all.
Patty Knight 