Chemotherapy for Stage IV
Comments
-
Terri: you didn't say where your sister was in Florida, but U. of Florida/Shands Cancer center is one of the best.... get a 2nd opinion, for sure!
I haven't been offered/volunteered a mastectomy; don't know that I have an opinion..... but, if my cancer was highly estrogen+, etc, even if the cancer spread, I would wonder about the estrogen factor; but, I would rather them take my ovaries which produce the estrogen, you know? But, I'm already post-menopausal so there's not much of that stuff in me anymore. And my tumor is barely ER+. I just don't think that they know either if it can be positive or not mean a thing to take the breasts.
0 -
Thanks Karen. Am having to weigh options. I had all my parts removed, so they weren't producing hormons, but I was on HRT for years. Am TP and still on herceptin and aromisin, so jes don't kno. Jes turned 57 on Sunday, been married 18yrs, so cosmetic not an issue. eh, jes hafta think about it.
0 -
Terri,
Where in Florida is your sister? I have family in Jacksonville. My SIL has had cancer and may know of a good ONC in that area. Your sister really needs to move on this.0 -
My mom, only had a lumpectomy and refused all other treatments, my sister had mascetomies, and rads, and I had mascetomy chemo and rads, alas, we ALL had relapses. My mom now has it in her lumph nodes, mine re-curred in teh lymph nodes, asn my sis has it in her liver now). As hard as it was (having the mascetomies) I would do it again. Anyone that can do something to avoid facing this monster again...and has the courage and ability to do so (without interfering with other treatments) should have the surgery, IMHO. (however I did not face the monster at stage 4, so I apologize if what I say is not applicable for stage 4-ers) I HATE hate hate, see women time after time have re-currences. HOWEVER, as you can see from my families experience, no matter what we did, we ALL got re-currences. Unfortunately for my mom, she is now 70 and too unhealthy to have a mascetomy or chemo now (she is allergic to anesthesia dn has heart problems and many other health problems and wouold not survive chemo at this age) She is going to do rads now, though, but thats is something to think about, you may not be healthy enough later on.
TO ALL LADIES HERE: I want to thank you all for your help and advice for my sister. You gave her hope and spoke to her heart. She seemed to be giving up, and so confused...she is now agreed to see another Dr. SO I THANK YOU ALL from the bottom of my heart. I will fill you all in as soon as I hear what they told her. hugs to all, Terri
0 -
Terri,
I agree totally! I don't ever want to look back and say I wish I had tried ....0 -
CANCER HERBAL MEDICINE
Herbal medicine is a method of treatment, which has no side effect or adverse reaction. The recovery through this medicine is based on belief on nature. This medicine is prepared with natural herbs. Cancer-herbal medicine is prepared by us in our laboratory. It takes sometime for recovery but this medicine is very effective. For those malignant diseases which cannot be cured through surgery, herbal medicine's result is very amazing. We seek guidance from the books of Dr. Khalid Ghaznawi, the main author of herbal medicine in Pakistan.
We want to convey this message to all the people throughout the world that herbal medicine is the best method of treatment against any cancer disease. God has given us prudence and strength to serve the humanity and combat such ailments through herbal medicine.
We provide medication against the list of cancers given below:-- Liver cancer
- Lungs cancer
- Brain cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Gall bladder cancer
- Intestinal cancer
- Throat cancer
- Breast cancer
- Cancer in the body
Visit us at
www.cancerherbaltreatments.com
0 -
Memasue56-
I was Stage IV from the beginning and a mx was always part of my treatment plan. Initially just the cancer side but we removed the "good" one at my request (didn;t want to wear a bra and MRI showed some things that were going to have to be biopsied anyway).
I never questioned having the procedure done. I had neo chemo then the mx and now rads to that area. I have had great results from chemo and have my mets on the run so I am so glad I had the mx.
More than once someone has questioned me why a Stage IV would do this or that-but I want to do everything I can. Leaving the "mothership" in place was never an option for me
0 -
Lilylady,
Totally the way I felt - that thing was killing me. Also Stage IV from the beginning, the doctors wanted to start with Mx (only the diseased side), then chemo + rads together. There will be more rads later on to clear up the Mx area. If I survive long enough and the right breast shows any sign at all, then that's going too. Easy op if your mind goes with it and yes, what's wrong with braless? Anything to simplify a life which has got very complicated.
Our decisions are such a mixture of our individual condition, symptoms, situations, priorities, and attitudes to our bodies and our lives, that we could never all agree but it's so interesting hearing different opinions on here - I'm always testing my thoughts on things because a woman on here has posted something interesting.
Barbara
0 -
Hi MemaSue56
I read from internet that some sentists believe remove the original cancer could increase the chance of survive.
0 -
Had my first Gemzar on Tuesday. Side effects so far: bad heartburn Tuesday evening, but that was gone by morning. Had diarreah the next day but got that under control with Imodium. Had a little bit of a red rash on my face but it did not itch or anything.
0 -
mom2acat: I had to go on protonix with navelbine and gemzar... if heartburn continues, ask your doc. I never have diarrhea.. just the opposite. Ugh. I hope it works good for you; it didn't have many bad S/E's for me, just didn't work on my tumors.
0 -
Lilylady, Banjo, Plumblossom - Thanks bunches for your input. If I decide to do the mx, I will also have them take both breasts even tho the 'mothership' is the right, there is some mets in the nodes on the left and some sign of a different cancer in the left. So they'll both go if I do it. I think I am leaning in that direction, just haven't quite finalized it in my mind yet. Husband is concerned about the surgery in how hard it is on the body overall. And I think he thinks that any surgery is likely to cause the cancer to wake up and spread. I've heard this before, read and heard that it's just not true but the controversy is still alive out there.
mom2acat - I was on diff meds but heartburn was a BIG deal with me too. Finally found relief in a prescription of DEXILANT 60mg. I had tried many others, omaprozole, zantac, pepcid, etc. The Dex has worked like a dream. Maybe ask your doc about it?
For the diarrhea, I took the Imodium pills like crazy, didn't work very well at all. Finally ran out n my son-in-law comes back with imodium liquid, a Western Family brand. It Worked! I mean like within an hour or so. Wasn't completely gone, but the frequency and severity definitely declined ALOT.
MaryB - How are you doing? Are you the one who said you had your finger nails removed? I thought I'd be able to save mine, but they are really bugging me but not sure how to remove them? Hope you're doing OK!
Positive Thoughts & Prayers to ALL!
0 -
MemaSue,
The bilatMX was truly a no big deal thing. I kept reading that it wasn't painful and the recovery wasn't bad but it seemed hard to believe. Like everything else to do with BC it differs greatly from person to person. They made me stay overnight but the next day I lef the hospital and ran errands and starting gentle stretching the same day. Since I have had such great response to chemo I am glad I had it done. It was my biggest tumor and with it being in the chest wall it had become uncomfortable so just another reason to get it gone.
0 -
Memasue, I had some toenails removed....a podiatrist did the big toenails....then a few others got so loose, I just sort of pulled them up. I only completely lost one finger nail on my right index finger...the rest were just lifted and infected and downright disgusting.
I never had heartburn or any gastic problems until chemo.....took protonics for several years and then graduated to nexium.
I only had the one breast removed and had immediate reconstruction. They have never found anything suspicious in the other breast, but if I had to do it over again I would have both of them removed simply for the symmetry.......I have gained weight since my mastectomy, plus am 21 yrs older now so gravity has taken its toll and for sure I do not have a matched set. Not that it is a big deal considering all other things, but finding a bra is a PIA.
I am still on a break from everything since no one has really come up with a treatment plan for me yet.....oh the one onco I consulted with recommends low dose weekly adrimycin or weekly carboplatin with taxotere. I do not want to have anything to do with the taxol family after my abraxane experience and I worry about heart damage with adriamycin. The onco at MDA thought perhaps increasing the dose of the Xeloda might work, but the onco with the other treatment suggestions was against that and my regular onco, he doesn't even know I am looking around, but you would think his office would call to check on me. I have decided I don't want to start anything new until after the holidays and that is what I am going to do unless I suddenly turn yellow and start having pain or other symptoms. I plan on getting my Xgeva shot in a few weeks, but that is it.
Am sure you have heard the news about avastin.
I hope you do well on the gemzar Mom2.
Lomotil works even better and faster than Imodium if you can get a Rx for it.
0 -
AVASTIN! Yes, I'm devastated but it was expected. It with Abraxane are the only things that have worked in a whole year to fight my cancer. After 4 months on it, the radiologist said "Dramatic Regression in Tumors".... so....... I'm going to scream and kick and fight my Aetna if they want to drop it. Will have to wait and see. Am hearing mixed reports; Since Medicare will continue to cover for those already on it, some of the insurors will follow suit and we'll be grandfathered. I know the Abraxane is working but I feel that the two together are what is making such a big difference, and I am tolerating them both very well. I'M PRAYING !!!
Marybe: Thinking of you; glad you are feeling well and I agree... if you're feeling well, wait until after the holidays to jump back into some treatment. Enjoy life !!!
0 -
TexasKaren, I am already on twice daily Protonix; it still doesn't prevent the post chemo heartburn though.
I had a bad time with nausea on Friday, 3 days after my chemo. I waited a little too long to take my Compezine, so it took a few hours for it to really work. It makes me sleepy though, so I slept most of that day and still felt sluggish yesterday.
0 -
Hi my sister was diagnosed with widespread and diffuse bone mets after blood tests showed she had precios little hb (7) and even less platelets (1000) she needed 3 blood and 4 platelet transfusions before they could start chemo. It was 6 months before they did a biopsy and confirmed bc. She' had xeloda, zometa, aridia and nucigen, radiation to her hip and then iv radiation. From may 2011 to july she had a combined chemo that really shook her. She could only manage four. Her onc called it the big guns. Then she started a drug she called jim beam cos she couldnt remember its name and it sounds similar. She'in so much pain now and her hands are so swollen she she has stopped that too. She's saying she's done and feels that she is deteriorating. Have others had bad responses to particular drugs or at three years in do i just have to support her decision to stop? X
0 -
Marybe
Sounds like you are good and happy with your decision.
Hope you have a good time with family and friends over the holidays. Thinking about you and admire your attitude.
Laurie x
0 -
Laurie, Sure, I am happy with it FOR NOW, but may not be down the road. I am not stopping altogether am just taking a break and that is easy to do since it seems like they are sort of allowing me to fall through the cracks so far as coming up with a new plan. But I feel perfectly fine so am not worrying right now. I said to this friend at dinner tonight, you know I just don't get it....I feel so good, everyone tells me how great I look, yet I have this "Thing" growing inside me....I really just don't understand it.
Cyn, I bet your sister is taking gemcidibine (sp) which is also called gemzar. Maybe they could adjust the dosage. You should support her decision, but you should also tell her that just because she has had bad reactions to these treatments, they may be just as many out there that she would find tolerable. Also maybe point out that you do not want to lose her and remind of her things she has to live for. When I think about giving up I worry about what is going to happen to my pets (have no kids so they are it) and how it will kill my 89 yr old dad if I go before he does. It is amazing how we all react differently to treatments.....I pretty much had no SEs with navelbine, gemzar, or Xeloda, but others have.....the one that really hit me hard was abraxane and there are many women who do not have horrible SEs with it.....chemo is different for everyone. Is the ER+ her diagnosis or yours? There are many who have had success with hormonal treatments.....myself included and for me the SEs with those were nothing compared to chemo.....there again we are all different. I think when it comes right down to it, none of us really want to give up, but sometimes quality of life becomes an issue.
0 -
Looking for anyone who might be in the Inaparib trial taking place around the country? I am waiting to see if I Get accepted at the Chapel Hill site. If so...any experiences/SEs/thoughts? If I don't get in then it's Depocyt through a cath in the head...would be grateful for feedback on that too. Decisions will be made by the end of this week. Thank you to all you 4s...and Happy Thanksgiving to one and all!
0 -
Thanks MaryB. Disgusting looking and lifting is exactly what my fingernails are doing. Toes seem OK for now. I pray for u alot and that u will find a treatment that beats this R@! B@$!@Rd. Do take time for the holidays...
And, if I do decide to have the MX (am leaning that way), I will insist they take both as I have heard ur story from others who only had the 1 removed, then reconstructed, and well, ur living the same results as the others.
Lily - Wow...can it really be so? Did you do reconstruction? I'm 57yoa and thinking age has bearing on recovery. Thanks for the info!
pq2 - have not heard of that...sorry I can't help with the other either. Will pray that u get accepted!
Cyn - I agree w/MaryB - but if u can't convince her to try other plans, see another onco, and jes keep fighting, then u must find away to respect her decision. It's not easy...will send positive thoughts ur way!
Karen - I HOPE u can get grandfathered in and that AETNA doesn't mess around. I will pray it happens!
Reesie - R u out there, haven't heard from u in awhile...Hope n Pray all is good!
Hope every1 had a great Thanksgiving...gotta go do some cyber-shopping now.
XOXOXO
0 -
Hey MemaSue. I only comment here when I think I can help now since I'm not doing chemo right now. Thanks for looking out for me. I'm doing great right now and btw I had no pain with my BMX either. I had to stay in the hospital longer because I had a skin graft and lost lots of blood but otherwise I'm doing great. I diidn't have reconstruction. I hear that's where most of the pain is.
0 -
Reesie - sooo good to hear...glad u doing great. N tks for the info on the BMX...I will do the reconstruction....soo...now I have a better idea of what to expect. Tks bunches, n do ck n now and again, k. I have days of lapse on this thread, only read back a few pages when I do ck n...but am glad to hear ur still out there. Hope u had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Sue
0 -
Alas did not get into Chapel Hill trial. Bummer. So now I am going to get Depocyt or Ara C (two names same drug). Grateful to hear about SEs and experiences with this for brain mets?
0 -
Marybe and memasue, i just now saw your posts, i'm sorry i'd not replied. You are both right about the gemzar that is what she was taking. Its been a really hard week for her. She was having terrible headaches so they sent her for ct and the lumbar puncture. She's been in bed most of the week and i haven't been able to talk to her ( i think shes afraid of whats coming and how to tell us)She sees her onc next wed and even if she's down when she goes in she can usually talk her round. She can be really stroppy but if dr j. Says this is what we should do she'll usually say 'yes ma'am' thats the only time she ever says that! I've been reading a lot on here this week as its helped me feel connected to her but the diagnosis is hers not mine so i took it off so as not to cause confusion. Ive felt compelled to reply to some posts but as i read around i see that some people are upset by posts on the wrong boatds etc. But i wanted to thank you for taking the time to help me out x
0 -
Cyn - I am really 'twisted' about ur comment that 'some people' are upset by posts on wrong boards! Not to u, but to the 'some people'...WTF....well...I cud go on...but I won't, in my opinion u r welcome here and anywhere...but especially HERE...U, ur family, and ESPECIALLY ur sister are in my prayers BIG TIME. I must commend u for seeking out this site and ALL the other sites/boards/threads you have on behalf on ur sister....U are WONDERFUL and my hat is tipped to u in admiration. Keep the faith gurl, no don't let n E body tell u where to POST...XOXOXO! I don't get here but every few days...but if u need to talk....then jes do, I'll respond...I promise!
0 -
@cynsister - if my sister asked where she could go for support and information, this is where I would tell her to go since I am stage IV and she would be asking questions about me and my treatments. maybe what you are seeing is that some stage 0's post on sites that are geared to we stage IV sisters. I'm sure you noticed the many different threads for different topics and threads. I think you are most welcome to post on the stage IV thread ... You are special to care so much about your sister, especially when she is keeping so much to herself and you aren't totally aware of her situation. When my dad was sick I had a conversation with his onc b/c dad didn't want further treatment. The doc told me that it was important to let my dad make his own choices since he was an adult. I took that advice and have never regretted it even though it's not the choice I make for myself. It's what my dad wanted. Hugs, Glenna
0 -
Thanks memasue, thanks glenna. It makes sense to talk to her docs but with the time difference i dont thonk it'll be possible. Im so lost, everythong i have found about what she is gonna try this week is terrible. I'd convinced myself that some one would tell me wait i had that intrathecal stuff and it helped my pain or it wasn't too bad, but i guess that was silly. I gotta go now and try to explain stuff to my mum but ive no idea what to say. Thanks again for taking the time to respond. I would do anything for her but im bloody helpless. Much love x
0 -
Cynsister see my response on you post on the brain mets thread.
0 -
HI Gals !!! Hope everyone's Thanksgiving was great. I couldn't taste too much, but what I could was great!
Our trip to Costa Rica following was A M A Z I N G !! I am so glad I got to cross off one more "bucket list", although I don't really have a bucket list... I plan on being around for awhile! LOL Seriously, God granted my prayers that the trip go smoothly, that I felt good the whole time, and that I didn't come up with any problems while in a foreign county. He is so great!!
Now, the bad news....after almost 7 months on Avastin/Abraxane, it has stopped working. On to HALAVEN. Anyone on it? How long have you been on it? Any problems (other than the ones they mention?) This is chemo #5. Only ones to work were Navelbine for 2 1/2 months... and A/A for almost 7 months, but it did work well on my bone lesions, knocking them down about 50%, so I am very grateful.
I got to thinking about the analogy to us being Warriors..... We are in a major battle, and when our bows run out of arrows, we pick up a sword. When the sword breaks, we pick up a battle ax, and so on. Keep fighting the fight with whatever is available to us. GO ALL YOU LOVELY LADY WARRIORS !!!
0
