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BC rollercoaster - surgery cancelled &chemo now delayed

JJ1982
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Hi all, I have stage 2 grade 3 breast cancer. I was diagnosed mid-Feb and has surgery booked for 22 March. Sadly, my children picked up covid and gave it to me (despite us taking them out of school) so the surgery was cancelled. This was really hard and I emotionally I found this incredibly difficult. Anyway, plan B was that  I was due to start chemo today. I went in at 8am and was told that my bilirubin levels were raised and so they couldn't do it today. I have to have another blood test and then they'll see about starting next week.

I am really struggling and deeply anxious now that this bilirubin level is a sign that something else is wrong. I had nothing noted for my liver from CT scan. I am not sure how much more I can cope with.

Has anyone had a weird bilirubin level that turned out to be nothing?

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    Hi JJ1982,

    I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis and the delays you've had for breast surgery and chemo. I am not a doctor, but I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 12 years. I did have trouble with my liver when I was receiving treatment and discovered that 11% of my liver had fibrosed. I still get this checked from time to time and am pleased to say that it doesn't seem to have got any worse in this time.

    I sincerely hope that you can start your chemo next week. Do you know how raised your bilirubin levels were? Perhaps it might be worth having a chat with your breast care nurse?  Write down any questions you have before you speak to her.

    Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Thanks for replying. The nurse said '31' and they should be '25 or below' for me to have the intense EC treatment I am due to have. She didn't seem concerned and said these things can sometimes fluctuate but it is really hard not to worry. 

  • Offline in reply to JJ1982

     

    Hi JJ1982,

    Certain medications can cause Bilirubin levels to raise. The advice I was given was to try to reduce my levels by eating plenty of fresh fruit & vegetables, fibre, keeping well hydrated and avoiding alcohol.. I don't know whether or not this will make any difference in just a week, but there's no harm in trying.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Thank you. As my Ct scan and other liver function were normal I think the bilirubin level might be a genetic syndrome which is often only found through routine blood tests. It's not a problem other than meaning my bilirubin levels fluctuate which will be a pain for chemo. I've seen that episodes of high stress trigger it, and that as you diet and lifestyle can improve it. I haven't had any alcohol for weeks but I have been off my food due to the stress of it all.

  • Offline in reply to JJ1982

     

    Hi JJ1982,

    If everything else was normal, hopefully this is just a blip. Stress certainly won't help things. Maybe make a conscious effort to eat a little better over the next few days?

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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