Chemotherapy for Stage IV
Comments
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I'm shivering just thinking about the cold caps! Brrrr ..... Beautiful weather in MD today though the rest of the week we're supposed to get wind and rain from another storm. Geowys, I hope gemzar is as gentle for you as it was for me! I did have trouble with my counts after the first treatment but guess I adjusted because that was the only time. I did get neulasta shots after my 2nd treatment. I was two weeks on, two weeks off. I understand what you mean about change being scary. I won't find out what I'm doing next til Nov. 28th and am trying not to think about it and just enjoy the break. I do worry, though, whenever I'm on a break, about what those dang cancer cells are doing!! @Surly, that sounds like one tough regimen. Hope it's not too hard in you!
Keeping all of you chemo gals in my thoughts!0 -
Hello ladies,
I have not started chemo it got postponed cause of the radiation. The radiologist said it was to toxic to do both especially with the chemo's I am going to be starting (Navelbine/Gemzar). Thank you so much for your input. I do worry about when I am not on chemo cause of the cancer spreading more. Everytime I have done that it has spread more. It seems like a neverending cycle. I just finished radiation Friday. Pain is there but Dr. Rule said that there will be intense pain that will come and go and that means that it is working. Wow!!! why does that have to happen? Just does not make sense. We seem fine but we have to get sick to feel better. Any intake on that?
Glenna keep us updated on your new regimen. Wish I got back with you sooner. I have not done well with the S/E's of radiation. I start chemo on Friday. Just was curious how I would be given the nuelasta when they are closed on Saturday. Suppose they will figure it out.
Elizabeth
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BIG HUGE BEAR HUGS (((((ELIZABETH)))))!!!!!
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Well, just had my last treatment of gemzar for this cycle. Now we rest for 2 weeks, then start over. I notice big fists full of hair when I run my fingers through. Has any one lost all their hair with gemzar?
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Here we go again. Port gets to be put back in. And I get to start chemo again on the 28th. I finished 6 rounds of taxotere and cytoxin in May which knocked out lesions in my liver. Now PET scan showed some new spots on my lung. I will be doing gemzar and carbo. I was wondering about side effects and how well it worked and for how long? And like NaniAlice I was wondering if my hair is going to all come out again. It is just now really starting to grow. But a small price to pay if the chemo works.
Elizabeth..Last time when I had chemo on Fridays, I got my neulasta shot on Mondays.
Thanks everyone!
Terry
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Hello ladies,
Welcome to those that are new. I've always been given my nuelasta shots to do on my own the next day at home. But I already do shots each day so no biggie to add an extra:)
Sorry terry I haven't been on that chemo..so I'm no help. Let's hope your hair stays!
((((Elizabeth)))) stay strong...the pain just doesn't seem fair at all.
Well I had scans yesterday and I'm pretty stable...I will take it! Only some new lung issues but nothing to big..woohoo. Still having a bugger of a time with the tykerb. She wants me to consider afinitor since it is much easier of a drug. But it is for her2 negative but she has had good results with other her2 positive patients on the drug. I decided to stay with the evil I already know through the holidays..lol. Plus I need my darn gallbladder removed. They want me to see a surgeon soon ....I'm still iffy on the subject.
Glenna I hope you are having fun on your trip. How are you feeling soleil? Any news on how the SIRT treatment worked?
Well lovely ladies please stay strong and positive!
Hugs kimber0 -
Kimber. I'm so happy to read your results. Hurray! Stable is good, correct? What's wrong with your gall bladder? Do you have to have that surgery right away or is it down the road?
I'm still sick, not sure why. The onc says that we may run brain scans next week. I don't get that. Nausea is not necessariy an indicator of brain met. But I'm thinking why not? Scans could have some use here.
I have terrrible reactions to drugs. I'm allergic to everything...abraxane, affinitor, contrast dye, almost all antibiotics, blah, blah, blah.. You name it, I get reactions. Seems to be getting worse. So, I'm thinking that this sickness is me having a difficult reaction to the radiation. Whatever the case, I am a bit relieved that the onc is finally thinking they should look into this. Its been 7 weeks
I mean, why hurry? Good news is I've got some weight off. Glenna, are you on your trip? I'm imagining you out there enjoying a vacation.
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Soleil...I'm so very sorry you are still feeling miserable. I'm glad the doctor is doing scans..I wouldn't think it was brain mets but glad you are being careful. Plus it will give you piece of mind when it comes back negative. Maybe after the SIRT you are just really wore out. Sometimes I think since our health is so fragile we get in cycles and things just domino..please take extra good care of yourself. I've been so worried about you!
Yes I'm happy with the scans! They see something in the liver but they think it looks fibrosis. The lung mets are the same and all small...her only concern was all the ground glass now in my worse lung and it is slightly collapsed in the one lobe but it has been like that for months so I'm not fretting:) yes my gallbladder has been an issue since march..it swells up and down and makes me sick quit a bit..so hey I'm doing okay now so time to remove the little bugger. Maybe some of the SE I get from meds will go away now..since it mimics the whole nausea sick to your stomach thing. I'll keep you posted what the surgeon says.
I'm trying to rest up this week..I have family coming for the holidays soon.
Hugs to all.0 -
Sherry; thanks for he big HUGS especially the bear ones
Nani; most chemo's I have been on my hair falls out in chuck and not small ons within the 16th day. Everyone though is different to the effects of chemo. I have been doing chemo since 2008 with a small break in 2009 than back to it. So I have been on 9 different chemo's. Wish you best with the hairloss. I have lost my hair 4 times now. Kinda use to being bald.
Terry; I have done Carbo not the combo though. I found it that it was hard on my stomach hurt all the time. Also your fingernails/toenails lift. So be careful when using it and let the Dr. know when it starts. My Dr. changed me when it started. Very painful. But the first time I did Carbo which I have done twice now My nails turned brown and cracked and lifted right in the middle. "painful" Gemzar I start this Friday.
Kimber; no the pain does not seem fair at all. None of this does for any of us. Why do you need your gallbladder taken out? So happy to hear that you are stable. Once you are stable does your SSDI stop? I was not sure how that works. What is wrong with your lungs? New lesions? Lungs scar me...
Soleil;I have a reaction to some of those drugs too. They usually premedicate me before they begin. Sorry to hear that you are still sick. It takes awhile to kick this crap off. Longer than it is expected it seems.
Everyone take care of yourself, Blessings, Elizabeth
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I called the radiologist today and asked if I could have hepatitis. She said its very difficult to determine that. Okay...lets try anyway
Tomorrow, I'm talking to my onc and I'm going to try to get all kinds of scans and bloodwork. I mean, if its all negative and this is just lingering radiation, great. If something is wrong I want them to fix it.
I usually have so much energy....well, like spirit. I'm in it, now I'm just a slug. So, I'm going to advocate myself tomorrow and hope I get a semblance my old self back. Bad enough to know you have this. Worse, to not be able to really function.
Kimber. I hope you have the nicest Thanksgiving ever. Christmas too. Maybe they could remove the gall bladder right after Thanksgiving. That would give you time to get better for Christmas. I hope they fix you up really soon.
Elizabeth, were you surprised at the side effects of radiation? I surely was. It definitely could be that the more meds you take, the harder each new one is on the body.
And I hope everyone has the nicest Thanksgiving ever. Its almost here!
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Thanks so much ladies. Elizabeth..Hope you do great on the Gemzar and thanks for the info.
Soleil..Hope you get some answers and they are all negative.
Terry
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Ladies I'm posting because I'm trying to figure out what next. In 2009 I was diagnosed with StageIII IDC that metastasized to lymph glands, had mastectomy, 9 lymph glands removed and did 9 rounds of Cytoxan, Taxotere. Doctors kept my port in because of other health issues and they kept me on Mexthotrexate weekly. I started getting really sick 2 months ago with liver, and having had my gall bladder out over 35 years ago and partial liver removed was wondering if the staples were giving me a problem all these years later. Then blood work showed bilirubins high and C reactive protein levels really high, actually higher than when I was first diagnosed with BC. So Internist says they want to discuss with Oncologist and then they schedule a PET Scan.
The short of it is that they found a mass under my left rib that goes in toward my heart. The Oncologist says it's too complicated to biopsy so she is going to confer with a group of doctors on how we will proceed. They compared scans from six months ago and also from the past. I was told they feel that some treatment is in order because of blood levels and scan and I'm Stage IV, but what? I've been told that any more tumors would not be operated on, and I can't have radiation because of other health problems. Will they give me the same chemo or new? If they can't biopsy do the just watch and wait? Because of Thanksgiving doctors said we can meet after that but I want to be prepared as I was in the past. Knowing what are my options and what chemo would be best is how I approached my last go around and I was right. I too give myself my Nuelasta shots myself after treatment, but I have severe arthritis and take other injections. Will I have to stop? Cytoxan is a good chemo because when unable to take arthritis medication it helps to keep walking and mobile. Wondering if anyone had a tumor under the ribs and near heart and what was done, what medication was used and how things have gone since then. Any heads up would help. As always what would I do without the knowledge of those who have come before, all the help and stories that I've read has helped me to decide my next treatment path and keep me going and hoping for another five years at least.
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M360, try your best to enjoy the holiday. Easy to say, right? But truly do give a shot.
I have a tumor that cannot be reached to biopsy. Its not where yours is, its up against my spleen. Anyway, the docs think its stable right now due to my radiation treatments. If it grows at all, they will go to a chemo to shrink it. I imagine thats what your doctors are going to do too.
if it has grown under your last chemo they will use a new chemo. The chemo is usually tailored towards your body, your cancer and your other conditions. I hope they come up with a strong but gentle solution for you.
You must feel so upset right now, but tumors can shrink remarkably with the right chemo. Take care now.
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Hi all,
Yes, I'm in Ireland but heading home tomorrow. Have had a fabulous time abd will tell youbaboutvsI'll catch up on my era duping and respond. I do know that I didn't lose hair on gemzar.
Hugs to all. Soleil, answers for you are needed now!!0 -
Hi Ladies,
I am newly diagnosed Stage IV and just had my first round of chemo on Friday. I was originally diagnosed with DCIS in 2008 and thought after several surgeries I had this beaten. I will now be on AC for 4rounds followed by Taxol for 4 more. My onc wants to start Zometa in the next infusion. I have bone mets. I also recieve my chemo on Friday and was lucky enought to have my reg MD give me the shot of Nuelesta on Saturday at his office. Because I am an elementary school teacher I have had to take a leave my onc doesn't want me around all the young children while receiving chemo. Today is the first day I have been home and it feels strange. Did anyone else have to give up work for awhile? I have to have 6 weeks of radiation after completing the chemo. Haven't been a great stay at home person. I am hoping I find meaningful things to fill my days for the time being. My family is coming over for the holidays and I will be happy to see them all. I hope each and everyone of you has a wonderful Thanksgiving. Thanks for letting me share.
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Hi everyone: I usually am a lurker, but need to be reading and learning about Gemzar. After three years since my stage IV diagnosis, FEMARA didn't work, Megace didn't work, and I just went in for my 10th Taxol treatment (was getting it every three weeks). Onc says my tumor marker is rising and he does not think Taxol is keeping me stable. My PET scan last month showed no new areas of concern. Skin mets are not spreading but getting more red and some near my armpit are becoming sore. Onc did not do the Taxol treatment today, but talked to me about Gemzar. I go in next Monday for the Xgeva shot and will most likely start Gemzar which depends on the tumor marker that was drawn today.
I've read that some have not lost hair on Gemzar, but I'm already hairless from the Taxol. I suppose time will tell if my hair will start growing again. I'm kind of happy that I'll be able to taste the turkey on Thursday, but am nervous to be moving to yet another kind of treatment. I don't seem to get much time that a treatment keeps things stable and am hoping the right one is found. I'll keep reading back on this thread to see what I can learn about Gemzar, but wanted to at least say hello and share.
Jean
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Teacher911; I was a teacher as well. So yes I had to quit. It was difficult to do. I had to start collecting unemployment. I miss the children but as my Dr. put it they are a germ factory. Your immune system gets pretty messed up. I miss the children and how they absorb so much you teach them. I found it to be one of the most rewarding jobs I ever had. I did it for 20 years. It is not easy to give up. I wish you the best in your decision. If you ever want to PM me you can anytime.
Elizabeth
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I was also a teacher and retired on disability when I started chemo. I was able to work for 3 years after stage IV diagnosis while on AI's, xeloda and fulvestrant but it was too much once I started taxotere. After taxotere it was gemzar, then doxil. I see my onc next Wednesday to find out what's next. I haven't been able to stay on anything for any length of time. Either the SE's are too bad or we find it isn't helping. My onc assures me there is plenty in the arsenal. I want to hang on and celebrate when they find a cure!!! I do miss teaching but find that I am able to keep busy. Catching up on unfinished projects, do a bit of traveling, visiting family, Lu Ching with friends, time with grandchildren.
Gemzar was pretty gentle for me. No hair loss and other than low counts, no serious
SE's. wish it had been effective longer!! For each of us it's a matter of finding what works. @padiddle, hope gemzar is your magic bullet!
I'm waiting to find mine!! I know it's out there!0 -
hi ladies, hope all your docs find good treatments for you.
Solie, hope they figure out your allergies, they can be a pain. Good luck and happy thanksgiving
I am going back on chemo. a/a worked for 5 months. this will be my 5th treatment in 1 1/2 years. not sure what it will be. just got pet ct scans back today, so off to infusion tomorrow
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Happy Thanksgiving week!!!
I started Navelbine last Friday. Been getting over the lousy S/E's. I have had nausea, vomiting, diarrhea & dizziness. Doing much better today. My insurance denied Gemzar with Navelbine. For the combo of these drugs are in Trial phase 2. So I would have to pay for it myself if I wanted to do the combo. The cost is $4000 each treatment I would have 3 a month for 6 months. So we decided that is not an option we can financially afford to do unless we take out of our retirement. My Dr. said that we can just do the Navelbine and see how I do. So I have this week off cause it is holiday they are closed Thursday & Friday this week. Start my regimen next week. Hope the S/E's are must better. I cannot take nausea medications cause it interacts with my bipolar meds. So I have been taking ginger capsules helps some. Again have a good rest of the week.
Elizabeth
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Tomorrow is my onc appointment. Will discuss and determine next treatment option! I've enjoyed my chemo break but it's time to get back to my job .... Of beating back th beast!!
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Glenna lots of prayers coming your way! I have you and soleil on my heart today! This dang disease just sucks!
Elizabeth sorry to hear the SE are so crumby!
Susan, jean and teacher..welcome and sorry you are here.
I hope everyone tried to enjoy their holidays. We had lots of company..it was very overwhelming for me...so glad when they all left! I pushed to hard and had chemo yesterday but don't feel like I have room to complain with Soleil in the hospital and the rest of you having such tough times. Pls know you are in my thoughts ladies.
Hugs kimber0 -
Kimber - glad to see you! Nice words of welcome for Susan, Jean and Teacher...but yes...sad they have to be here.
Glenna & Soleil --- BIG HUGZ, lots of prayers and positive, healing energy headed your way!!
Ebann - I too raised in Phx. Moved to Vegas as a teen. Still have tons of family in the area. My cousin a teacher too and she lives in Glendale too. Small world eh. Dang that Gemzar is costly!!! Will b praying that your treatments so far on Navelbine have low se's and that they work even without the Gemzar. (((Eliz))) ps...I ate/drank all kinds of 'ginger' stuff....it did help but nothing took away the nausea. Good Luck!
To everyone else....best wishes during this holiday season...Prayers to all!!
Sue
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Sue it is so great to see you! Thank you for the kind words! I don't know if I ever told you but I grew up in Vegas:) I left in the early 90s when I met my husband but it is one crazy town. Please keep us posted on how you r doing.
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Well, saw the onc today and found out what I'm doing next. I'll be given low dose taxol 3 weeks on, 2 weeks off. I'm really psyched because when I did taxotere it introduced me to NED but I had to quit because of the SE's. I actually begged my onc to keep me on it but he insisted I stop. It was affecting my legs where I would just suddenly trip and fall. So, I know this family of drugs is effective for me and am so glad this is what they are recommending. He said 50-50 chance of losing my hair. That doesn't bother me. I just want to be here a bit longer!! I don't care if I'm bald. i have lots of great hats and a wig! I start dec. 12 which allows me to go to Florida as planned to spend time with my family. Yeah! I'm ready for a little more fun before chemo!
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Glenna here is hoping the SE are better on the low dose and that NED is in your future! Enjoy your trip!
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Marybe I just love you. Thanks for all that info. In the chemotherapy room right now and I would much rather run around being mom. But I am here to fight this darn thing. And amen to using all and any resources we have available to us. Hugs and blessings to all of you.
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I sent m aug a note to let her know we lost our precious marybe a while back
still miss her greatly!0 -
I miss her too! Rented the exotic marigold hotel just cause she liked it so much. It was a lovely movie.
Glenna,, Good news on your chemo. i'm glad you get a little free time and I hope this one does a real great job.
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She seemed very sweet. It is a treasure that her words still speak to me even though she is not physically here. Much love ladies!
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