False positive pregnancy test on Zelboraf. Gallbladder removed while on Z ” vacation”

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › False positive pregnancy test on Zelboraf. Gallbladder removed while on Z ” vacation”

  • Post
    • September 9, 2012 at 8:26 am
    Tina D
    Participant

      A couple weeks ago, I was just geting increasingly sick with Z side effects and last wk, my Oncologist gave me a one week vacation. I started this vacation last Wed, and by Fri was feeling like I was coming out from under he cloud 🙂  . Fri night brought sudden onset of sever epigastric and RUQ abdominal pain. Endured this for next few days and went to family Dr on Tuesday. Probably gallbladder & sent me to ER. They concurred, and ran labs and ordered CT scan. After a bit, the very kind ER Dr came in and said. well, your labs are all fine.. ummm..

      A couple weeks ago, I was just geting increasingly sick with Z side effects and last wk, my Oncologist gave me a one week vacation. I started this vacation last Wed, and by Fri was feeling like I was coming out from under he cloud 🙂  . Fri night brought sudden onset of sever epigastric and RUQ abdominal pain. Endured this for next few days and went to family Dr on Tuesday. Probably gallbladder & sent me to ER. They concurred, and ran labs and ordered CT scan. After a bit, the very kind ER Dr came in and said. well, your labs are all fine.. ummm.. and your pregnancy test was posiive. Bwahaha. No question abt me being preggo, and hubby and I chuckled.Due to treatments, I went into menopause several years ago. But they didnt want to do CT scan with this pos result. We all researched while in ER to see if Z can/or has caused this particular erronious lab reading. Found nothing. Went for ultrasoung next day and had to have pelvic u/s to rule out pregnancy. U/S showed lg gallstone in mouth of gb and def not pregnant. Had gb out yeserday. Wondering if the increasing symptoms I was having the last 2 wks on Z (( esp fever, chills,nausea and vomiting) were actually from gallstone?? Recovering nicely and was granted 1 more week off Z while I  recover.

      What some people wont do for a Z vacation, haha! SSeriously, though, I am thankful for the timing of it all.

      Has ANYONE heard of Z causing a false positive pregnancy reading in labs? I wonder if it affects hormone levels somehow? If so, his seems like it could be problematic, esp for someone, for example, who may also have history of hormone positive breast cancer. I will contact the Z hotline next week, or ask my onc how to get it reported.

      In the meantime .. I had my first "normal person" problem and surgery in 10 years!! It was so fun to have the Dr call and announce.." well, you just have a normal problem, here" . Thankful for that!!

      Any thoughts or similar experiences?

      Tina D

    Viewing 5 reply threads
    • Replies
        • September 9, 2012 at 11:31 am
        awillett1991
        Participant
          Tina,

          I was on high dose steroids for a short bit (the rash) and while trying to make it down to 5 mg a day and had some terrible girlie problems. Things are still not quite right and this entire time my onc is not interested – live with it. Feel lots better though. I’ll skip the details.

          I blamed the prednisone, they said possible but unlikely. Maybe it was Zel. I think ZEL causes LOADS of problems and they simply do not know. Could’ve even caused your gallstones. Trade offs…

          Although it has worked great in my brain and my cardiac tumor, after 5 mos I have some new nodes lighting up in my chest/abdomen so I am headed for a CT then switching to IPI in a couple of weeks.

          Best of luck to you and hang in there!

          Amy

            • September 11, 2012 at 6:28 am
            Tina D
            Participant

              Amy, I think you are right that they are still not quite sure how the Z affects other areas within our bodies. I am pretty curious abt the possible hormonal effect. I actually started having girlie probs while on interferon, and have just basically suffered through it. After going off intereferon ( 6 months was all I could tolerate) I got melasma ( dark blotches under both eyes, like a racoon) which is a hormone-related issue. No one knew if it could poss be related to treatments. Prior to that, I went into menopause ( they say is most likely an early onset due to chemo several yrs before for breast cancer). But melasma generally occurs either in pregnancy, or in menopausal women who take a hormone supplement ( which I do not). At any rate, some of it has had some major effects on hormonal related stuff!! Probably will never know!

              As for the gall stone, I had an episode of the very same type of pain back in May, the day before I was to start Z. Since I had several tumors ( including in pancreas) the Dr understandably assumed the pain was from that. I read the copy of scan report and saw there was mention of a large gall stone. Dr was anxious to get the Z started ( again.. totally understandable) and so even with the pain and vomiting I started the Z. Pain and vomiting subsided afer a couple days. After his recent bout that lead to surgery, I recognize it was the very same type of pain, so I am certain the gb was to blame for the initial episode, too. It will be interesting, though, to see how I do side effect wise. I was SO sick those last couple weeks, esp with fever, chills and vomiting — maybe that was more gb than Zelboraf.

              I saw your update abt switching off Z due to new areas of concern. How are you doing emotionally with the change of treatment? Do you have a start date? Is the ipi an inpatient treatment? Cant remember, though my Dr had discussed it all at one point. I am glad there are other options there for you — amazing the treatment options compared to just 5 or 10 yrs ago. I will be praying for you as you make this transition, and will be looking for updates on how you are doing. You've been a big help to me with these first couple months of side effect issues!

              Thank you!

              Tina

              • September 12, 2012 at 1:08 pm
              awillett1991
              Participant
                Tina,

                I had “temporary menopause” during biochemo, but things went back to normal after awhile. There are so many side effects to these drugs, they just have no idea. Now my nails are coming loose from the nail beds and my gums are bleeding.

                I see my onc Monday for results on a follow up abdominal/chest CT, and find out his timeline. He still has me on Zel until then. I guess there is a 2 week or so washout required before you can start another treatment. Sounds good to me.

                Of course, no idea if it will work, but said the same for Zel and I’m still here! Praying for you as well, it has occurred to me that these nodes could be from all the reactions to the drug itself. My profile at Vandy actually lists Zel as one of the few meds I am allergic too. The first couple of times I refilled it, I went thru this entire saga w the pharmacist.

                I know the one new Anti PD1 trial is starting soon, my doc will be doing it, you have to be either pre or post (failed) IPI, among the other detailed requirements.

                Take care,
                Amy

                • September 12, 2012 at 1:08 pm
                awillett1991
                Participant
                  Tina,

                  I had “temporary menopause” during biochemo, but things went back to normal after awhile. There are so many side effects to these drugs, they just have no idea. Now my nails are coming loose from the nail beds and my gums are bleeding.

                  I see my onc Monday for results on a follow up abdominal/chest CT, and find out his timeline. He still has me on Zel until then. I guess there is a 2 week or so washout required before you can start another treatment. Sounds good to me.

                  Of course, no idea if it will work, but said the same for Zel and I’m still here! Praying for you as well, it has occurred to me that these nodes could be from all the reactions to the drug itself. My profile at Vandy actually lists Zel as one of the few meds I am allergic too. The first couple of times I refilled it, I went thru this entire saga w the pharmacist.

                  I know the one new Anti PD1 trial is starting soon, my doc will be doing it, you have to be either pre or post (failed) IPI, among the other detailed requirements.

                  Take care,
                  Amy

                  • September 12, 2012 at 1:08 pm
                  awillett1991
                  Participant
                    Tina,

                    I had “temporary menopause” during biochemo, but things went back to normal after awhile. There are so many side effects to these drugs, they just have no idea. Now my nails are coming loose from the nail beds and my gums are bleeding.

                    I see my onc Monday for results on a follow up abdominal/chest CT, and find out his timeline. He still has me on Zel until then. I guess there is a 2 week or so washout required before you can start another treatment. Sounds good to me.

                    Of course, no idea if it will work, but said the same for Zel and I’m still here! Praying for you as well, it has occurred to me that these nodes could be from all the reactions to the drug itself. My profile at Vandy actually lists Zel as one of the few meds I am allergic too. The first couple of times I refilled it, I went thru this entire saga w the pharmacist.

                    I know the one new Anti PD1 trial is starting soon, my doc will be doing it, you have to be either pre or post (failed) IPI, among the other detailed requirements.

                    Take care,
                    Amy

                    • September 11, 2012 at 6:28 am
                    Tina D
                    Participant

                      Amy, I think you are right that they are still not quite sure how the Z affects other areas within our bodies. I am pretty curious abt the possible hormonal effect. I actually started having girlie probs while on interferon, and have just basically suffered through it. After going off intereferon ( 6 months was all I could tolerate) I got melasma ( dark blotches under both eyes, like a racoon) which is a hormone-related issue. No one knew if it could poss be related to treatments. Prior to that, I went into menopause ( they say is most likely an early onset due to chemo several yrs before for breast cancer). But melasma generally occurs either in pregnancy, or in menopausal women who take a hormone supplement ( which I do not). At any rate, some of it has had some major effects on hormonal related stuff!! Probably will never know!

                      As for the gall stone, I had an episode of the very same type of pain back in May, the day before I was to start Z. Since I had several tumors ( including in pancreas) the Dr understandably assumed the pain was from that. I read the copy of scan report and saw there was mention of a large gall stone. Dr was anxious to get the Z started ( again.. totally understandable) and so even with the pain and vomiting I started the Z. Pain and vomiting subsided afer a couple days. After his recent bout that lead to surgery, I recognize it was the very same type of pain, so I am certain the gb was to blame for the initial episode, too. It will be interesting, though, to see how I do side effect wise. I was SO sick those last couple weeks, esp with fever, chills and vomiting — maybe that was more gb than Zelboraf.

                      I saw your update abt switching off Z due to new areas of concern. How are you doing emotionally with the change of treatment? Do you have a start date? Is the ipi an inpatient treatment? Cant remember, though my Dr had discussed it all at one point. I am glad there are other options there for you — amazing the treatment options compared to just 5 or 10 yrs ago. I will be praying for you as you make this transition, and will be looking for updates on how you are doing. You've been a big help to me with these first couple months of side effect issues!

                      Thank you!

                      Tina

                      • September 11, 2012 at 6:28 am
                      Tina D
                      Participant

                        Amy, I think you are right that they are still not quite sure how the Z affects other areas within our bodies. I am pretty curious abt the possible hormonal effect. I actually started having girlie probs while on interferon, and have just basically suffered through it. After going off intereferon ( 6 months was all I could tolerate) I got melasma ( dark blotches under both eyes, like a racoon) which is a hormone-related issue. No one knew if it could poss be related to treatments. Prior to that, I went into menopause ( they say is most likely an early onset due to chemo several yrs before for breast cancer). But melasma generally occurs either in pregnancy, or in menopausal women who take a hormone supplement ( which I do not). At any rate, some of it has had some major effects on hormonal related stuff!! Probably will never know!

                        As for the gall stone, I had an episode of the very same type of pain back in May, the day before I was to start Z. Since I had several tumors ( including in pancreas) the Dr understandably assumed the pain was from that. I read the copy of scan report and saw there was mention of a large gall stone. Dr was anxious to get the Z started ( again.. totally understandable) and so even with the pain and vomiting I started the Z. Pain and vomiting subsided afer a couple days. After his recent bout that lead to surgery, I recognize it was the very same type of pain, so I am certain the gb was to blame for the initial episode, too. It will be interesting, though, to see how I do side effect wise. I was SO sick those last couple weeks, esp with fever, chills and vomiting — maybe that was more gb than Zelboraf.

                        I saw your update abt switching off Z due to new areas of concern. How are you doing emotionally with the change of treatment? Do you have a start date? Is the ipi an inpatient treatment? Cant remember, though my Dr had discussed it all at one point. I am glad there are other options there for you — amazing the treatment options compared to just 5 or 10 yrs ago. I will be praying for you as you make this transition, and will be looking for updates on how you are doing. You've been a big help to me with these first couple months of side effect issues!

                        Thank you!

                        Tina

                      • September 9, 2012 at 11:31 am
                      awillett1991
                      Participant
                        Tina,

                        I was on high dose steroids for a short bit (the rash) and while trying to make it down to 5 mg a day and had some terrible girlie problems. Things are still not quite right and this entire time my onc is not interested – live with it. Feel lots better though. I’ll skip the details.

                        I blamed the prednisone, they said possible but unlikely. Maybe it was Zel. I think ZEL causes LOADS of problems and they simply do not know. Could’ve even caused your gallstones. Trade offs…

                        Although it has worked great in my brain and my cardiac tumor, after 5 mos I have some new nodes lighting up in my chest/abdomen so I am headed for a CT then switching to IPI in a couple of weeks.

                        Best of luck to you and hang in there!

                        Amy

                        • September 9, 2012 at 11:31 am
                        awillett1991
                        Participant
                          Tina,

                          I was on high dose steroids for a short bit (the rash) and while trying to make it down to 5 mg a day and had some terrible girlie problems. Things are still not quite right and this entire time my onc is not interested – live with it. Feel lots better though. I’ll skip the details.

                          I blamed the prednisone, they said possible but unlikely. Maybe it was Zel. I think ZEL causes LOADS of problems and they simply do not know. Could’ve even caused your gallstones. Trade offs…

                          Although it has worked great in my brain and my cardiac tumor, after 5 mos I have some new nodes lighting up in my chest/abdomen so I am headed for a CT then switching to IPI in a couple of weeks.

                          Best of luck to you and hang in there!

                          Amy

                          • September 9, 2012 at 3:50 pm
                          Gene_S
                          Participant
                            Find out the causes of gallstones, what they are and how to get rid of them from Andreas Moritz. Raena Morgan: How are gallstones formed? Andreas Moritz: Again …
                            www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3UAYYQ4huU – Cached

                            • September 9, 2012 at 3:50 pm
                            Gene_S
                            Participant
                              Find out the causes of gallstones, what they are and how to get rid of them from Andreas Moritz. Raena Morgan: How are gallstones formed? Andreas Moritz: Again …
                              www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3UAYYQ4huU – Cached

                              • September 9, 2012 at 3:50 pm
                              Gene_S
                              Participant
                                Find out the causes of gallstones, what they are and how to get rid of them from Andreas Moritz. Raena Morgan: How are gallstones formed? Andreas Moritz: Again …
                                www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3UAYYQ4huU – Cached

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