Chemotherapy for Stage IV
Comments
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Ooh....my onc told me that same thing. I think someone pants are on fire! I lost my hair week 3. Luckily for me, the others on this board warned me that this would happen. It was good to be prewarned.
I wish you luck on the abraxane. Its worked wonders for some people and I hope you are one of them.
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Hmm .... maybe abraxane will be my next chemo. DH is going with me to the onc tomorrow. I've decided to definitely nix the last adriamycin treatment scheduled for Oct. 31st. Will ask for a short chemo break and explore my options for chemo #4. I don't want to lose my hair again but have the hats so what the heck .... if it keeps cancer at bay, I'll willingly lose the hair. I sure hope my onc agrees with me ..... Kimber, good to hear from you. Love to you all!
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Glad to read your post Glenna. When are you leaving for your trip? Bet you are getting excited. It will be awsome to have a little break beforehand. I chose my first chemo, xeloda, because of hair sparing options. When that didn't work, I asked the doctor for the best one for my situation. Gave up on the hair to fight the mets.
Its a shame that we can't all get the biopsy test to see which chemo works best for us. Last time, doctor let me chose...she said I could chose between gemzar, navilbine and halavan. Said there's no telling which one would work best for me. So, I should just chose. I don't think thats the best way to pick a chemo. The biopsy sounds like a far better idea.
In any case, I wish you luck with whatever you chose and sure hope you have an awsome trip!
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Hey guys! Glenna so glad your going to be able to go away..yeah! Soleil..how are you feeling? I'm praying this works for you! Hi surly, braids and sue..I know I'm missing some of you but sure hope you all know I'm thinking of you!
I just pushed off my scans for a few weeks doctor is gone my next two apps ..so I don't want scans and her not around to give me results. The local oncologist didn't work..he was to fearful to take my case on..said I had to be at a university hospital. I have so many health issues on top of the cancer he kind of freaked. I was upset but like most things I try not to duel it is what it is:) I didn't get to go away a few weeks ago I was in the hospital for a few days. I was mad but once again what are you going to do..so I got to spend a lovely weekend with my kids..can't ever complain about that..lol
Abraxane is a funny drug..most oncs don't give you the full dose and on the lesser dose you won't really lose your hair. I was bald when I started at 70 percent and my hair got its first peach fuzz. Then we worked up to a few dose at 90 and bammm..that fuzz was gone! I'm just now starting to get a bit of hair..it looks so funny my hair is very naturally curly and was thick 5 years ago when I started all this but the hormonals made it come back after the first year very thin. Now I'm on faslodex instead of the arimidex and my hair is fuller again. It is Greyer than I remember..lol good luck on your treatments! Just remember we only lose our hair to make life easier!
Hugs to all
Kimber0 -
At the MBCN conference, the onc from northwestern that deals with HER+ cancers was saying that people who are going to have a bad heart effect from herceptin will happen within the first year of tx with it. That is why the muga or echo is important during that time period. She said after several years, like 5 or more with no problems you could back off the heart tests a bit if you wish. I questioned which test should be done a muga or echo and what was better and she said it just depends on how much info you are looking for. The good thing with the muga is it is a computerized test and the computer generates the results. With a echo you are at the discretion of the tech reading the report so please have faith in that tech. The echo will show more in depth heart function if you are having additional problems. So those of you using herceptin should just keep up with your echo or muga to protect your heart. If you are having different issues that by all means consult a different doc.
They did say perjeta will affect the heart also but are not as sure of long term effects with that being new. So if you are on the new regime of perjeta, herceptin be sure to keep up with your follow up.
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Reporting in after my oncologist's appointment today. Good news all around. He agrees that I should not have the last doxil (adriamycin) treatment and that I need a chemo break. I don't have to see him again until Nov. 28th at which time we will discuss and decide on the next course of treatment. I'm anticipating I won't have to have chemo until the 2nd week in December. Yeah! He told me to try eucerin (sp?) for the hand and foot syndrome and to NOT do the walking tour in Boston. So .... still going tomorrow but will be doing bus tours instead of walking tours. He thinks my feet will be healed before Ireland on Nov. 9th. He said the MUGA scan results were okay .... right ventricle ejection fraction 44% and left was 50% but no big deal since I'm not going to have that chemo again!
Kimber, so sorry you didn't get to take your trip. Just another reminder that we have to live for today and do what we can when we can. So sorry it didn't work out for you with the local oncologist. Any other local options?
I babysat for my youngest granddaughter for a glorious 6 hours today. It was wonderful. One of these days I will learn how to post a photo. She is absolutely adorable. And yes, I have a lot of pain tonight but oh, it is so worth it!0 -
Oh, wow, I did it .... I posted a picture. Still learning something new everyday! This is Emmy, my 9 month old granddaughter. Next I'll post a picture of Thomas, my #1 grandson, who I talk about constantly!
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So, for those of you who don't know how to do it. I posted the pictures first on FB, then did a copy and paste. It was that simple! Of course, I really don't want to post all my pictures on FB, but did want you all to see my sweeties. I'll save Ella for another day. The pictures I have of her on FB are fairly old. She's 5 now and a beautiful strawberry blonde.
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Glenna, beautiful blue eyes on that cutie
. For all you ladies who are worried about the hair loss. I had heard from someone about "cold caps". I guess they are used in Europe and just getting over here but, the hair loss is minimal to none. I tried to look it up and saw The Rapunzel Project. Might be something to look into.0 -
Glenna...they what cuties! She has the most beautiful eyes and he looks adorable in his football gear. I see why your such a proud grandma! So happy your oncologist is skipping the last treatment.
The cold cap just makes me go brrrr...I can't imagine having my head that cold. Some oncologist worry that it stops the drug from being as effective. I guess it is another personal choice each of us have to make.0 -
Glenna, Joyous news! I'm so happy for you. The trip will be amazing. Those kids are so cute too. That little one is just such a sweetie!
Okay, Kimber, I have to ask this. Why would wearing a cold cap stop drugs from being effective? Just wondering. Luckily, right now, I'm not thinking of losing hair. Its coming back grey or white or some kind of mess. I'm planning on dying it but waiting for more to grow first.
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No problem soleil on the question. I did some research on the issue last year when I started chemo again. The articles stated the whole way cold therapy works is by chilling or freezing the area you aren't allowing the drug to be absorbed in that area of the body. Slowing blood flow to the skin and follicles. So if the drug isn't absorbed you could be open to a met in that area but they do still have little research on it. I like you was curious. But I know I could never stand to have my head so cold for several hours. Like everything else I'm just happy we have choices!
Hugs kimber0 -
Been thinking of you Glenna - great, great news! and thanks for sharing. PS: re the foot issues, just FYI eucerin didn't do it for me, but Cetaphil did - not greasy, and like putting whipped cream on your feet. Ireland here you come! Enjoy - SUE
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What beautiful grandkids. That Emmy is a beauty and your grandson is going to be a hearthrob if he isn't already.
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I've been reading this thread but wanted to chime in and tell Glenna your granddaughter absolutely adorable!! Your grandson is quite handsome also, going to be the star football player all the girls are after!
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Thanks all for the lovely comments about my grand kids. They do bring such joy. When I got breast ca in 1987 I never thought I'd see my kids grow up, much less see grandchildren come into the world!
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I was on Cisplatin and it became to toxic for me and then I did Ixempra and that stopped working. Now I am going on Navelbine and Gemzar. Has anyone done this chemo before. The oncologist said it was tolerable. What has been your experience on it? I know everyone is different. Can you please give me some feedback? Thank you!
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Oh Glenna your grandchildren are adorable. I have three and they are surely a wonderful purpose for life!
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Thanks for the info Kimber. I guess that does make sense. So many drugs in a body, anything can affect them or the body. By the way, I hope you are feeling okay.
ebann, I have not been on either of those two chemos, I've heard they are relatively mild. I'm pretty sure there is a thread on navelbine.
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I was on gemzar and had an easy time with it. Had to change because of progression but I hear it works well for some! Best of luck!
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Ebann ..I haven't been on either of those chemos but have heard many ladies say they had great success. We will pray the same for you!
I'm getting treatment now ..just wanted to pop on and say hi!0 -
I just switch to gemzar today. Hope this works. So far its not to bad. A little nausia but that's all.
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I am on Gemzar+Herceptin right now and it's pretty easy. However, Gemzar hits blood counts hard. I had to delay my second infusion because my absolute neutrophils dropped from about 3.8 to 0.9 in a week. I was on Navelbine for a year and a half. That can also hit counts hard, but I did OK on it. My Gemzar regimen is G+H on week 1, just G for week 2, nothing for week 3, start over with G+H for week 4.
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First, thank you for all the concern and well wishes. I posted all about what has been going on these last weeks. I am just get tired early and am struggling to make it to the board.
Glenna, oh what beautiful grands. I understand your feelings for them, I feel the same about mine. I hope you have a wonderful time in Ireland - that is my dream trip.
Said goodbye to my oncologist of 7 years on Tuesday; I haven't met my new oncologist yet. I think the recommendation to my new oncologist is that I will continue the Abraxane. The neuropathy has been helped by the Neurontin - hope it continues.
Sending warm wishes to each of you for better days, happier days, that we all tolerate our treatment with minimal side effects. Hugs,
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Naniam, so good to see your post! Hope you get along well with your new onc. I have has the same onc for 24 years and I keep telling him he cannot retire!! I'll be starting a new chemo in December but don't know what it will be. Onc wanted my Ireland trip to be free of any new side effects so getting a short break. The hand and foot syndrome is improving everyday. Was in Boston during the storm but no damage at my friends home there or here in MD. Feel so bad for those who lost their homes.
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Ebann, Glenna E and Surly, I got switched to Gemzar also this past week. Treatment will be 3 weeks on, one off -- adjustable according to side effets. Was warned the biggest problem will be white count for me and will continue 1 neupogen shot a week or may get uppped to two a week. Have done Abraxane + Avastin, Xeloda and Halaven in the past year and a half. Changing is a little scary -- the word progression is right down there with metastatic. I'll watch for your results -- good luck. (Was in Boston the week beore the storm, so beautiful...so sad).
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Hi Kimber, Glenna, Nan, Sue, Soleil and all the rest of you lovely ladies! Really can't comment on the drugs most of you are trying. Am still holding with my Herceptin, Aromisin and Xgeva shots...but wanted to comment on the cool caps. I saw it up close and personal just yesterday during my treatment. OMG...in the hour I was there, that frozen cap was replaced 3x's. The man helping had to wear gloves to get them out of the ice chest. I agree with Kimber, it is a personal choice, but I think much more research is needed. And ya kno what...I hated being bald but just love my new growth, thicker and curlier.
Am sooo pleased to see so many familiar names...gives me much hope! As always, sending positive healing energy and keeping all of you are in my prayers.
Sue
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Oh brrrr and wierd, Mema Sue. I don't know if I'd want that either. Do they have to keep changing the cold cap all day long. That would be some sort of committment!
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Sol - it appeared that way to me. every 30 mins it seemed. I was only there for an hour and as I was leaving, he was putting the 3rd one on her. And he really had to 'work' the helmet (it was so frozen) to shape it so to speak before placing it on her head. And she had these strips of some kinda cloth to wrap around her ears and forehead to keep the cold from direct skin contact? Commitment is right and wud be too much for me!
Have a gr8 day Ladies!!
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Thanks for the laugh and the info Mema! Everybody has to be a pioneer. Bet they have that thing streamlined in about 10 years
Have a great day!
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