CMF Question
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I hope all you mothers had a lovely Mother's Day.
Golfergrandma, the weather here has finally started to turn really nice. I'm hoping to get out on that golf course for our ladies' leagues on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. I hope you're having a good week and can enjoy the milder weather. Hang in there with that neulasta. You're moving right along through these treatments and they will be done soon.
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Thank you ritajean for posting on this topic! I had gotten to page 27 in the forum without finding it. I decided to start at the beginning and try to find a search button. Fortunately, you had posted and it's right at the top now! Whew!
Anyway here's my question: Am I getting too much CMF?
Has anyone else been put on weekly CMF for six months (which makes that 24 doses of CMF)?
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TooManyCocktails- Welcome! I know there are different regimens. I believe some of the ladies took their Cytoxan by pill daily and their other Methotrexate and Fluoracil by IV every 2 weeks (I believe). I took the CMF all together by IV once every three weeks X 6. These ladies are a wealth of knowledge and I am sure someone will chime in shortly. Where are you being treated? Have you asked your Onc why they are doing weekly treatments? If you are wondering, I wouldn't hesitate to get a second opinion. My Onc (who I actually liked) encouraged me to get a second opinion.
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Hello DesignerMom
My oncologist was also my sister's oncologist. My sister died in February from breast cancer. She had several reocurrences. The cancer first came back in her incision (She had a modified radical mx.); then it came back in her other breast; then it mestatasized to her lungs and throat. My sister died in February.
I, also, have another sister who had breast cancer. She was the first to get BC. She was in her early 40's when she got it. She had a lumpectomy, chemo, and radiation. She is doing well over 15+ years later.
I have multifocal IDC with 41 positive nodes. I'm just learning what "multifocal" means. I don't know if the amount of positive nodes is significant or not? I think that he is going after it with both barrels; but I have not heard of anyone getting CMF every week. So, I am just curious to find out if anyone else has received it the same way?
You're right, I should ask him about this.
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Have been down the past two days from the neulasta shot (again!). Claritin helped with the bone pain, but for some reason it affects my GI tract. No fun! Thursday is League day at the course and I just hope I can be there! After the next tx I will have a holiday. The onc said I could delay the 7th tx so I am able to spend the week at Myrtle Beach with my family. YEA! After that, just two more tx.
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TooMany- I'm very sorry about your sister. It must be awful battling the same disease she fought. You seem to have a strong family history of BC, including one sister who got it early. Were you and your sisters tested to see if it was genetic? I am not sure, but I think they treat the genetic BC more aggressively. I saw on another thread that you had bad reactions to other chemos and perhaps that is why your Onc is trying the CMF in a different way? It sounds like you have a bit more complex situation with reactions to chemos and many positive nodes. If it were me, I would definitely get a second opinion, if for no other reason, to assure myself that the treatment was the correct strategy. It couldn't hurt to have another doctor's opinion. Hoping things go smoothly for you.
golfer-You are getting there! One more to check off of your "to do" list. I used to mark great big black Xs on my calendar every time I finished a chemo. It gave me a great, visual sense of satisfaction. So glad you will have a little break at the beach with your family. I bet it will also help your blood counts, and the sunshine will help your vitamin D levels!
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Toomanycocktails,
I'm glad that you found our thread. I am guessing that your onc is giving you an extended chemo treatment because of the large number of lymph nodes involved and because of your strong family history of bc. Since CMF chemo is a little more forgiving than other types, it normally takes a few more treatments to equalize other chemo regimens. This, however, does seem like a long program....once a week for 6 months. I would certainly ask for the reasoning behind this decision. Then if you're not pleased with the answer, do not hesitate to get another opinion. That might give you more peace of mind. In fact, I'd contact my onc right away and ask for an explanation.
If it takes 24 treatments to get rid of the beast, I think you'll find the CMF much easier on your body than other types and if it takes 24 we'll be here to cheer you on and answer any questions that we can. The gals on this site are awesome ladies who'd do anything possible for others facing the same type of situations. I know that several of the gals did both the pills and the infusions but don't think anybody has done 24. I'm sure if somebody has, they will speak right up, though.
Hugs!
Rita
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TooManyCocktails - I'm so glad you found this thread. DesignerMom & Ritajean have given you excellent suggestions. I got multiple Med Onc opinions and went with a doctor who only treats breast cancer, who I think is fantastic. My mom had CMF for a year at the same type of dose I had for 6 months, which included the cytoxan pills.
28 Day Cycle - Day 1 and Day 8 got MF by IV, plus Day 1 through Day 14 took cytoxan pills. Day 15 through Day 28 no treatment. I had 6 cycles, my mom had 12 cycles.
It does sound like your doc is trying to hit it hard which I think you would want to do. I'm so sorry you lost your sister and that you got this *&%$#*&%!!! disease. I have a strong family history too, but tested negative for all the genetic tests they had available last year. I hope you will continue to ask questions. My mom was Stage IV at diagnosis with a lot of positive nodes, the year long CMF regimen kicked it. She did not get BC again, but many years later she got ovarian which was unrelated to the BC. She had a radical mastectomy, CMF, and tamoxifen. I've just passed my 1 year mark, so time will tell. I have my follow-ups next week. Wishing you all the best.
golfergrandma - only 2 more!!! Hang in there, sounds like it zapped you a bit, but you will bounce back...I sure hope you get to that League and also hope you have fun with your family in Myrtle Beach...Yeah only 2 more!!!!
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Hey Beanius....thanks for popping on and giving Toomanycocktails the info about your Mom. I think that might have answered her original question. And as for you...........1 year! YEA! I hope you celebrated that one year mark....and that you'll continue to celebrate each of the upcoming ones!
This last Saturday Dave and I got up at 4:00 a.m. and went into Peoria to walk in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Susan G. Komen was born and raised in Peoria,Illinois and so the first official Komen walk nationwide was held at this site. Thousands of walkers converge on the city the Saturday before Mother's Day to walk the walk and share in the ceremony, which is quite emotional. One of the neatest quotes that I saw this year was found on the backs of one of the team's shirts. It said: Whoever said that winning isn't everything, is obviously not fighting breast cancer! Doesn't that just say it all? That's why every day and every year is so important. I only hope that soon there will be no need for these walks because the cure has been found!
I'm off to plant some perennials! The sun is REALLy shining here right now!
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This was a busy day at our forum! So good to hear from Designer Mom and Ritajean regarding Too Many's questions about her tx. It surely sounds as though she needs a 2nd opinion to put her mind at ease.
Too Many -- Have you taken the BRCA test to determine if you have the mutation? Am sure you will want to do that. Am thinking about you and wishing you well.
Beanius -- Congratulations on your one year anniversary! Great!
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ritajean- Enjoy the sunshine and your garden. Thanks for walking the walk. Aint it the truth? A cure for this beast just can't come too soon!
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Ritajean - that t-shirt quote brings tears to my eyes...so right! That is so neat you did the Susan G Komen walk...seems it would be very emotional!
I hope everyone enjoys the sunshine!!!
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Girls, would you believe that my BRCA is negative? I guess, it doesn't work for everyone. I figured that I'm high risk due to having two sisters with BC.
You know, I want to get a second opinion but am afraid of what the Onco doc would think. Silly me! I really would love to have another pathologist look at those slides because when I first got sick (in March 2010) they told me that I had mastitis. It took me over six months to get someone to do a biopsy.
I keep wondering if I had/have Inflammatory Breast Cancer? I need to toughen up and get it done.
Thanks for your replies
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TooManyCocktails- Any professional, ethical Oncologist will never have an objection to your seeking a second opinion. On my first visit with my Onc, she suggested it. Many, many women seek second readings of their pathology slides. It seems pathology readings are not black or white, there are lots of ways to "read" those slides. This is your health and your life, please don't think about your Onc's feelings (and I bet they won't even object). If they object, you don't want them as an Onc anyway. Where are you located? You might be able to get good recommendations from some of the BCO ladies.
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TooManyCocktails - I will second what DesignerMom said...I was told by one of the oncs I saw to definitely get more opinions, he welcomed it and said if you have ten different oncologists you will have ten different opinions. I went where I felt most comfortable.
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DesignerMom, I live in Wichita, Ks. The city, recently, opened a new Central Cancer Care Center. I've been thinking about checking them out. I may call tomorrow to see about getting a second opinion.
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Golfer Grandma- hope you will feel better soon ! Was this your 5th treatment? I will be having my next treatment next Tuesday the 1st was doable. From your experience do the treatments get worse as you go along? Did you lose any hair from the CMF? Do you have a port? And one last ? When you go ho yhe Dr. And they take your blood count how long does it take to get the results? Take care. Pattypat
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ritajean - Doing the Race for the Cure Walk is very inspiring and a real tear-jerker. I did it with my daughter and granddaughter in April. Plan to do it annually. The t-shirt quote is true, true, true! What perennials are you planting? Our yard is so shaded that I use only shade tolerant plants, but love the spring and the smell of freshly mown grass.
Patty - Just had my 5th treatment and the tx don't get worse. Unfortunately, I've lost most of my hair. Don't have a port. The blood count results just take a few minutes.
Too Many - My BRCA test was negative too. No, I can't believe yours were. A new Cancer Center opened here (Lynchburg, VA) about a year ago and it is totally awesome! All tx, radiation and oncs are located here, as well as a boutique for BC patients, that includes a salon. Also, they do classes on 'Look Good Feel Better' that provide makeup and tips. You should definitely check out your new center.
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Thanks Golfer -Grandma, I'm planning on going for a weekend in RI a few days after my treatment. I need to get away, I don't even care if it rains. Thr Dr. Said it was ok and a good idea. I called the look good feel better and got a class. I will take the free wig in case I need it, I heard they give out really nice goodie bags with better quality make up in them.
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Hi Patty! I'm glad you've joined us here. The hair loss with CMF is very individual. I lost some hair but not enough for anyone to know except for my hair dresser and myself. The majority of women shed some hair on this regimen but don't lose a signficant amount. Most of us have panicked a bit after the second or third treatment because it seems to shed a bit more then, but then the shedding subsides. I hope you're as lucky as most of us.
I read an article on the BRCA test results somewhere.....(and imagine this...I can't remember where LOL)....that said that most of the BRCA tests were coming back negative, thus indicating that the majority of bc is not caused by heredity and genetic make-up. Now they are thinking that it runs in many families just because they all ate the same types of food and grew up in similar environments. I guess that does make sense, too.
Golfergrandma mentioned the "Look Good Feel Better Classes" that are run by the American Cancer Society. You may want to check this out and see if any are available in your areas. They are fantastic and you come home with a great selection of cosmetics and many fantastic ideas for improving your looks and your mood while going through this journey.
Well, I'm off to make a grocery list and stock up my cupboard again. It seems like I just did that!!! Then I'm off to the golf course this afternoon.
Everyone have a good day.
Rita
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Hey Patty......we were posting at the same time! I'm glad that you located a class in your area. You won't be disappointed!
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Hello, I have another question. Has anyone ever taken Tamoxifen while receiving CMF? My thinking is that you're suppose to finish chemo and then start the Tamoxifen?
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TooManyCocktails - I'm taking Tamoxifen and it was prescribed after chemo and radiation.
Patty - The women on this thread gave me so much support as I went through CMF chemo and I hope you will find the same support. I got several wigs lined up, but didn't lose my hair, just shed some as Ritajean said. Big hugs to you!
Ritajean - Have a great day shopping and enjoy your golfing! I'm cleaning windows today (yuck)!
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Beanius thanks for the info. It seems to be the way it's prescribed. I don't understand what my doctor's doing? I had chemo yesterday and I'm freaking out today. The steroids that they give me cause my anxiety to go through the roof! And to top that off, I'm having left sided pain and uterine pain. I think that the Tamoxifen is doing this, plus add to the anxiety.
I did call my doctor's office to ask about what kind of CMF plan am I on? And I called another Cancer Center to see about getting a second opinion.
Take care
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TooMany- I'm glad you are trying to get a second opinion consultation. Even if the regimen you are on turns out to be the best one for you, you seem uncomfortable with it and possibly your Onc. Definitely report the uterine pain if you are on Tamoxifen. Tamox can cause/increase ovarian cysts and there are other uterine SE that need to be looked at. About the steroids. Just before starting CMF one of the BCO ladies told me to check whether I needed steroids with CMF. I had it with my first dose and then my Onc said I probably didn't need it with other infusions. I did elect to have a tiny bit with my IV as I didn't want to rock the boat. CMF is not the same as other chemos, sometimes you don't need the steroids. I was grateful I didn't as it allowed me to sleep soundly...and I needed my rest.
Beanius- Do you hire out for windows? I'll be doing the same thing shortly when we get to our summer place! What a lot to celebrate this summer, right? You look great!
Patty- Welcome! These ladies are the best. Let us know what you need and someone will certainly chime in.
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Hi designer mom, i see you are from nyc, do you go to mskcc? Just wondering because i'm up at their extension site in Sleepy Hollow.
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DesignerMom - I'll be over in a jiffy with my bucket and I work for beer and peanuts! j/k We do have a lot to celebrate, but hey, I must confess my latest pic is old, it's a camping trip with DH when we were first married and I was still thin and he still had all the hair on top - tee hee!
TooManyCocktails - I'm so glad you are getting another opinion. Everything was such a shock when I got this dx that it took hearing from a lot of doctors for me to figure out what felt right for me. I've been on Tamox about 4.5 months and have developed a left side ache...will be seeing my MO fairly soon to discuss.
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TooManyCocktails - Hang in there, I'm sorry about the anxiety and totally understand...every day when I was on chemo I would take a break and lie down and do some deep breathing, deep breath in, hold, then let it out...this is a very anxiety provoking disease and steroids can definitely bump it up! As for Tamox while on chemo, maybe your doc is hitting this really hard and trying to keep estrogen from driving any more cells crazy. I sure wish I had more answers for you but glad you are demanding more answers from docs.
Oh and my doc gave me a prescription for Ativan which helped with anxiety, I was able to get away with one pill at night, but it really takes the edge off. Hugs to you!
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Back in gear and ready to play 9 this afternoon. Tomorrow will start on my windows which are covered with oak pollen! Beanius and Designer Mom - how nice that you can finally meet. Pattii and Too Many - Hang in there and take the excellent advice from all the ladies who have been through CMF. They're the greatest and very knowledgeable. Later....
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I have another ? I do not have a port, when I went for my first treatment the first vein blew, then she went for the nice juicy vein on my hand... do you think I will be able to use the same spot as long as it isn't blown?
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