Megace

Hi Liz,

I am expecting to go on to Megace fairly soon, so I can't answer your questions, I'm afraid. Did they say how long you would likely be on it? And do you get a scan after being on it for a couple of months? 

As to the side effects, every time I get another drug given to me there is yet another list of awful side effects. Hopefully the side effects won't be grim. They do use it for people who need their appetite boosted. But anyway, I'll  give it a go. I'm diabetic so that adds to the mix.

Let me know how it goes?

Lots of love 

Alison xxx 

Hi Alison,

My onc has asked me to try the drug for 3 months, it takes at least 2 months for it to effective (if it’s going to work). My next CT scan is booked in for the 1st March 2019. If the cancer remains stable (or even better shrinks), I’ll remain on it until such time it stops working.

Since my local pharmacist was a bit vague last night, I managed to catch up with an old friend who just happens to be a pharmacist too. Apparently peak concentration occurs 3 hrs after taking the tablet. Half life is 15-20 hrs afterwards. The most important thing is that I try and take it at the same time. Since I still work full time, I’ve decided to take it at 6pm each day. At least I can sit at home with the fan on if I get the hot sweats on top of my menapausal hot flushes!! Never mind having the toilet near by...........

Since I carry a few extra lbs, I am concerned about the potential weight gain due to it being an appetite stimulant. My blood sugars are ok at the moment but there is a chance that I may end up diabetic. My Mum went straight to being type 1 diabetic at age 40, so I do understand your concerns. But like you, I’m prepared to give it a try.

Anyway, enough of my woes, how are you? Is your omentum still giving you a lot of pain? Fingers crossed they’ve managed to sort out some effective pain relief for you.

Love

Liz xx

Hi Liz, 

I can't offer any help with your Megace query, I'm afraid. I hope things settle down and that the effects aren't too bad. You mention your concern that it may affect your blood sugars. Would it be worth asking for a blood test to check your levels now and investing in a monitor so you can keep an occasional check on them for yourself? Certain foods can cause blood sugars to spike, so just wondering if you could maybe use a monitor to identify these and then "fill up" on lower carb/lower sugar alternatives when the hunger strikes. It might be helpful to post in the Ask a Dietitian or Ask a Nurse forums to see if they can help with this too. Hugs x

Thank you ever so much for your helpful suggestions, Fairycake. I automatically have a full blood screen every 3 months since they like to keep an eye on my kidney. I thought it was just a case of checking my full blood count, U&E’s etc but they’ve also been checking my cholesterol and blood sugars. At least I have a benchmark to start with. 

That’s a great idea about testing my sugar levels regularly. Since my parents are staying with me over Christmas, I’ll be able to use my Mum’s testing kit. It will also be a good deterrent not to eat too many naughty things! 

Since I benefit from BUPA cover via work, I saw a dietician a few months ago. Her only advice was to introduce different coloured fruits as I was only eating red fruits at the time (blueberries, strawberries etc), together with a daily banana. Apparently I needed apples in my life lol. My Mum has been type 1 diabetic for about 38 hrs now, so I know a fair bit about what to avoid eating. I’ve spent hours reading labels on low fat products to find out what their sugar levels are........! But I did learn something interesting the other week on Lara Lou’s thread about diet. I don’t eat much bread but I do like the idea of protein bread and it’s benefits, so I might give it a try.

Take care,

Liz xx

Hi Liz,

I put my Megace prescription in to my go today. I will get the drug tomorrow. Here we go!

My scan results today weren't as bad as I thought they were going to be. The cancer has spread a little bit more in the abdomen, some very small nodules have appeared, the largest being 8mm. Liver and lungs are OK. So I am going on to Megace. 

Cheers

Alison xxx 

I’m so pleased that your scan results were better than expected, Alison. My new enlarged nodule is 8mm too, so fingers crossed the Megace works for both of us.

I’ve only been taking it for 3 days and so far so good. The only thing I’ve noticed is a pain in my right hip about 3 hrs after taking the tablet. I was forewarned that a temporary side effect is the inflammation of the current tumour site but that will hopefully pass in time. I’m realistic and know that I will be developing other side effects once it’s properly in my system. 

Good luck!

Liz xx

Thank you, Liz. Do you know, my oncologist told me absolutely nothing about side effects. I already suffer from inflammation and pain. But it's good that so far it has been doable. And it's funny we both have 8 mm nodules! I expect to get my Megace from the chemists today. Obviously I'll let you know how it goes. I'll send you a friend request too.

Lots of love

Alison xxx 

hi Alison I was glad to read your post this morning but didn't have chance to reply before work. The news sounds reassuring and I'm glad because I have thought about you lots over the last few days. Lets hope you tolerate the Megace well.. Its great that the oncologists have so much ammo in their armory now. Steph xxx

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