A place for those managing the ups & downs of a Stage IV/metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. Please respect that this forum is for Stage IV members only. There is a separate forum For Family and Caregivers of People with a STAGE IV Diagnosis.
Posted on:
Jan 2, 2014 06:16PM
- edited
Apr 28, 2017 09:19PM
by
pajim
Cambridge, MA, USA
Joined:
May 2008
Posts:
2,422
Latest activity:
Feb 14, 2019
pajim
wrote:
Tips for taking Faslodex without pain:
ABSOLUTE MUSTS:
- Warm up the syringes. At least room temperature. Armpits work well, as does belly skin.
- Take the weight off the leg on the side of the shot. Relax that cheek/leg as much as possible.
- Inject SLOWLY! It should take at least 30 seconds to empty each syringe.
General consensus as helpful:
- Hydrate before and after the shots
- Take a walk or massage the area afterwards in order to get the castor oil and fulvestrant moving.
- If you get an allergic-type reaction (itchy, swelling), take Benadryl before the injection (or if skin rash use hydrocortisone cream afterwards).
Side-effects are more squishy so I'll post a list of ones we've seen on the thread next – would all the rest of you ladies please post your comments on this just below? That way any people coming new to the thread can find it all on the first page.
Here's some information on how to handle large-volume injections .
Best wishes to the Fanny Pack of the future! May Faslodex keep you NED for a long time.
Dx
4/20/2008, IDC, Right, 4cm, Stage IIIA, Grade 2, 1/15 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Dx
2/1/2013, IDC, Stage IV, metastasized to bone, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Hormonal Therapy
2/27/2013 Femara (letrozole)
Hormonal Therapy
4/22/2013 Faslodex (fulvestrant)
Targeted Therapy
2/25/2016 Ibrance (palbociclib)
Chemotherapy
6/19/2017 Xeloda (capecitabine)
Targeted Therapy
8/15/2018 Verzenio
Hormonal Therapy
8/15/2018 Faslodex (fulvestrant)
Log in to post a reply
pajim
Cambridge, MA, USA
Joined:
May 2008
Posts:
2,422
Latest activity:
Feb 14, 2019
Log in to post a reply
Jan 2, 2014 06:20PM
pajim
wrote:
Side effects:
From the previous thread I've seen:
Nausea (transient)
Fatigue (transient?)
"Menopausal symptoms" -- hot flashes, vaginal issues, memory problems
Thinning hair
Many women take Zometa as well, so it's possible some of these issues are due to that. I personally have the menopausal symptoms, and thinning hair. Otherwise no problems at all.
Dx
4/20/2008, IDC, Right, 4cm, Stage IIIA, Grade 2, 1/15 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Dx
2/1/2013, IDC, Stage IV, metastasized to bone, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Hormonal Therapy
2/27/2013 Femara (letrozole)
Hormonal Therapy
4/22/2013 Faslodex (fulvestrant)
Targeted Therapy
2/25/2016 Ibrance (palbociclib)
Chemotherapy
6/19/2017 Xeloda (capecitabine)
Targeted Therapy
8/15/2018 Verzenio
Hormonal Therapy
8/15/2018 Faslodex (fulvestrant)
chris1959
hamilton, montana, usa
Joined:
Dec 2012
Posts:
1,111
Latest activity:
Apr 19, 2016
Log in to post a reply
Jan 3, 2014 10:32PM
chris1959
wrote:
it seems as though I have had more memory problems trying to remember things has gotten worse .have any of you had this problem I go see mo onmonday and I was gonna ask her about it .I have been on it for 2 months now .and I get nauseated quite a bit I take a sick pill and I feel better .but other than that it has been very easy .
chris
Dx
10/2011, 5cm, Stage IV, 23/30 nodes, mets, ER+/PR-, HER2-
Surgery
10/27/2011 Lymph node removal: Left, Underarm/Axillary; Mastectomy: Left
Chemotherapy
11/5/2011 Abraxane (albumin-bound or nab-paclitaxel)
Radiation Therapy
7/19/2013 Bone
Chemotherapy
2/10/2014 Xeloda (capecitabine)
Surgery
2/19/2014 Prophylactic ovary removal
Surgery
3/19/2014 Prophylactic ovary removal
Radiation Therapy
6/21/2014 Bone
Chemotherapy
Taxol (paclitaxel)
Chemotherapy
Carboplatin (Paraplatin), Gemzar (gemcitabine)
Tina2
MD
Joined:
Jul 2011
Posts:
2,651
Latest activity:
Feb 16, 2019
Log in to post a reply
Jan 4, 2014 07:55AM
Tina2
wrote:
My "personal" additions to the SE list:
Everything dries up. Treat skin and hair accordingly with non-estrogenic lotions, conditioners, etc. Try different OTC products to see what works best for you.
Pain at and around the injection site can be a constant. Anti-inflammatories help.
Osteoarthritis can be exacerbated by estrogen deprivation. If your joints hurt, see a rheumatologist for advice and medication.
After some time, fatigue may feel to be cumulative. Pace your activities and take breaks to give yourself time to rest. (This is good advice, born of experience. If only I could follow it myself!)
Tina
Stage I, 1985, modified radical mastectomy; Stage I, 1995, modified radical mastectomy;Stage IV, lung mets, ER+/PR+; treated with Faslodex since July, 2011
Dx
Stage IV, mets, ER+/PR+
pajim
Cambridge, MA, USA
Joined:
May 2008
Posts:
2,422
Latest activity:
Feb 14, 2019
Log in to post a reply
Jan 4, 2014 09:11AM
pajim
wrote:
Chris, I had a few memory and focus problems while on tamoxifen. Faslodex/Femara has made them much worse. I joke that I don't remember anything anymore. When I'm actually DOING the task I'm just as good as I ever was.
I make a to-do list for everything. That seems to do the trick. I had a long talk with my boss (who had also noticed) and we agreed to work with it. Now when he asks me to do something he makes sure I write it down :-) And he doesn't feel bad about reminding me.
Dx
4/20/2008, IDC, Right, 4cm, Stage IIIA, Grade 2, 1/15 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Dx
2/1/2013, IDC, Stage IV, metastasized to bone, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Hormonal Therapy
2/27/2013 Femara (letrozole)
Hormonal Therapy
4/22/2013 Faslodex (fulvestrant)
Targeted Therapy
2/25/2016 Ibrance (palbociclib)
Chemotherapy
6/19/2017 Xeloda (capecitabine)
Targeted Therapy
8/15/2018 Verzenio
Hormonal Therapy
8/15/2018 Faslodex (fulvestrant)
S3K5
NJ, USA
Joined:
Apr 2008
Posts:
202
Latest activity:
Feb 12, 2019
Log in to post a reply
Jan 4, 2014 02:56PM
S3K5
wrote:
I am glad, I am not the only one with memory problems! I have severe joints pain (shoulder,elbow,hip) and the oncologist said this was not related to Faslodex. I had similar problems with Femara. I take advil for joint pain. Compared to the SE's of chemo, this is certainly tolerable!
Desi.
Chemotherapy
4/15/2008 AC + T (Taxol)
Dx
4/19/2013, IDC, Stage IV, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Hormonal Therapy
9/6/2016 Faslodex (fulvestrant)
chris1959
hamilton, montana, usa
Joined:
Dec 2012
Posts:
1,111
Latest activity:
Apr 19, 2016
Log in to post a reply
Jan 4, 2014 08:50PM
chris1959
wrote:
thank you pajim
I just have lately felt like I was loosing it iforgot to take my other medicines twice this week and then I will be talking and forget parts of what I want to say ..
i have a lot of joint pain also but i take my pain pills and it helps .
hugs chris
Dx
10/2011, 5cm, Stage IV, 23/30 nodes, mets, ER+/PR-, HER2-
Surgery
10/27/2011 Lymph node removal: Left, Underarm/Axillary; Mastectomy: Left
Chemotherapy
11/5/2011 Abraxane (albumin-bound or nab-paclitaxel)
Radiation Therapy
7/19/2013 Bone
Chemotherapy
2/10/2014 Xeloda (capecitabine)
Surgery
2/19/2014 Prophylactic ovary removal
Surgery
3/19/2014 Prophylactic ovary removal
Radiation Therapy
6/21/2014 Bone
Chemotherapy
Taxol (paclitaxel)
Chemotherapy
Carboplatin (Paraplatin), Gemzar (gemcitabine)
pajim
Cambridge, MA, USA
Joined:
May 2008
Posts:
2,422
Latest activity:
Feb 14, 2019
Log in to post a reply
Jan 6, 2014 06:21PM
pajim
wrote:
Today was the day. Followed the protocol just as in months past. But today, the shots got me. Both sides of my rear end hurt. Like take 2 Advil hurt.
Do you figure the New Year is turning over a new leaf? I certainly hope not!
Dx
4/20/2008, IDC, Right, 4cm, Stage IIIA, Grade 2, 1/15 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Dx
2/1/2013, IDC, Stage IV, metastasized to bone, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Hormonal Therapy
2/27/2013 Femara (letrozole)
Hormonal Therapy
4/22/2013 Faslodex (fulvestrant)
Targeted Therapy
2/25/2016 Ibrance (palbociclib)
Chemotherapy
6/19/2017 Xeloda (capecitabine)
Targeted Therapy
8/15/2018 Verzenio
Hormonal Therapy
8/15/2018 Faslodex (fulvestrant)
Tina2
MD
Joined:
Jul 2011
Posts:
2,651
Latest activity:
Feb 16, 2019
Log in to post a reply
Jan 6, 2014 06:37PM
Tina2
wrote:
Pam, wouldn't that be turning over a new cheek?
You've been darned lucky. Injection pain was bound to get you sooner or later. Let's hope that's the only time!
If I were you I'd add some good chocolate to that Advil. Maybe a glass of Pinot Noir, too.
Tina
Stage I, 1985, modified radical mastectomy; Stage I, 1995, modified radical mastectomy;Stage IV, lung mets, ER+/PR+; treated with Faslodex since July, 2011
Dx
Stage IV, mets, ER+/PR+
Maureen813
NY
Joined:
Nov 2010
Posts:
2,890
Latest activity:
Mar 3, 2016
Log in to post a reply
Jan 6, 2014 06:42PM
Maureen813
wrote:
I love how you think Tina. That will be my go to treatment from this point forward lol
I am strong because I know my weaknesses, I am wise because I've been foolish, and I can laugh because I've known sadness
Dx
8/13/2010, IDC, 5cm, Stage IIIA, Grade 3, 4/4 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Dx
11/21/2013, Stage IV, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Chemotherapy
2/19/2014 Gemzar (gemcitabine), Taxol (paclitaxel)
Chemotherapy
10/31/2014 Xeloda (capecitabine)
Chemotherapy
4/1/2015 Navelbine (vinorelbine)
Chemotherapy
AC + T (Taxol)
Maureen813
NY
Joined:
Nov 2010
Posts:
2,890
Latest activity:
Mar 3, 2016
Log in to post a reply
Jan 6, 2014 06:43PM
Maureen813
wrote:
contacted my onc and the onc nurse did make a mistake. Going forward I will have both faslodex and zometa at the same time. Thank you for the encouragement to speak up.
I am strong because I know my weaknesses, I am wise because I've been foolish, and I can laugh because I've known sadness
Dx
8/13/2010, IDC, 5cm, Stage IIIA, Grade 3, 4/4 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Dx
11/21/2013, Stage IV, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Chemotherapy
2/19/2014 Gemzar (gemcitabine), Taxol (paclitaxel)
Chemotherapy
10/31/2014 Xeloda (capecitabine)
Chemotherapy
4/1/2015 Navelbine (vinorelbine)
Chemotherapy
AC + T (Taxol)
YamaMama
Joined:
May 2009
Posts:
173
Latest activity:
Jul 13, 2015
Log in to post a reply
Jan 6, 2014 07:12PM
YamaMama
wrote:
Hi all, I'll just finished 12 weeks of weekly Taxol. I had a good response. My bones still show slight activity, but my liver is NED. All five liver lesions had a great response.
So I'll be joining you on Faslodex in a few weeks. My local onc wants to give me about three weeks "washout period" (his phrase) and then start Faslodex. I've read (maybe in the other Faslodex thread) that the body takes a while to start showing a response to this drug. I'm a little (ok a lot) concerned about that, because I had to start on the taxol due to a huge amt of progression in the liver and many bones. Can anyone share any info about that?
I've gone through all of the other AI's and I've had my ovaries removed. So Faslodex seems to be next in line. I just don't want enough time to go by, that I have progression again before it starts to work.
Thanks for all of the great info I've read so far... Yama
Dx
5/1/2009, IDC, Stage IV, Grade 3, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-
susan_02143…
Somerville, MA
Joined:
Aug 2005
Posts:
7,184
Latest activity:
Feb 6, 2019
Log in to post a reply
Jan 6, 2014 07:46PM
susan_02143
wrote:
Pam,
I thought you were a Wednesday gal. You just play fast and loose with that 28 day thing! I am boring and staid... always on a Thursday. [I feel a song coming on.]
Very sorry that you are having an injection pain month though. I will hope that there is no pain by Wednesday, and that you don't slip on the ice either. Getting bloody cold out there. Glad to be back home. Don't need to go out there again until Wednesday morning.
*susan*
anotherplan.blogspot.com... and its back. May 3, 2010 mets found. Five years NED on Faslodex * 4/2015 progression to bone * 6/11/2015 Femara/Ibrance * 12/27/2015 Xeloda * 2/24/2016 Xgeva * another progression, another drug Taxol 2/14/2017
Dx
6/8/2005, IDC, 3cm, Stage IIB, Grade 1, 0/3 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
susan_02143…
Somerville, MA
Joined:
Aug 2005
Posts:
7,184
Latest activity:
Feb 6, 2019
Log in to post a reply
Jan 6, 2014 07:50PM
susan_02143
wrote:
YamaMama,
Not sure what to tell you. My mets disappeared with Faslodex, but I have no idea how long it took. Your oncologist must be monitoring you, right? Does s/he know that you are anxious? If not, tell them to assure yourself that progression won't be allowed to take over. Or something.
But, if s/he is giving you a three-week treatment free period, maybe they aren't that concerned?
Well that was a most unhelpful post! Sorry... and welcome to the Fanny Pack.
*susan*
anotherplan.blogspot.com... and its back. May 3, 2010 mets found. Five years NED on Faslodex * 4/2015 progression to bone * 6/11/2015 Femara/Ibrance * 12/27/2015 Xeloda * 2/24/2016 Xgeva * another progression, another drug Taxol 2/14/2017
Dx
6/8/2005, IDC, 3cm, Stage IIB, Grade 1, 0/3 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
pajim
Cambridge, MA, USA
Joined:
May 2008
Posts:
2,422
Latest activity:
Feb 14, 2019
Log in to post a reply
Jan 6, 2014 08:10PM
pajim
wrote:
Went on Monday because my onc isn't in day after tomorrow, and I haven't seen him in three months. Next time Wednesday :-)
Thank you Tina, I did indeed have my glass of pinot noir with chocolate coming. Never let it be said I don't take my prescriptions!
YamaMama, I can't help. My last scan showed regression but that was only two months after starting Faslodex. We think it was due to the radiation (well the RO thinks so. MO just laughs). Next scan will tell the tale.
Dx
4/20/2008, IDC, Right, 4cm, Stage IIIA, Grade 2, 1/15 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Dx
2/1/2013, IDC, Stage IV, metastasized to bone, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Hormonal Therapy
2/27/2013 Femara (letrozole)
Hormonal Therapy
4/22/2013 Faslodex (fulvestrant)
Targeted Therapy
2/25/2016 Ibrance (palbociclib)
Chemotherapy
6/19/2017 Xeloda (capecitabine)
Targeted Therapy
8/15/2018 Verzenio
Hormonal Therapy
8/15/2018 Faslodex (fulvestrant)
susan_02143…
Somerville, MA
Joined:
Aug 2005
Posts:
7,184
Latest activity:
Feb 6, 2019
Log in to post a reply
Jan 6, 2014 09:10PM
susan_02143
wrote:
Pam, I notice you DID NOT ask me to sing. :-) *susan*
anotherplan.blogspot.com... and its back. May 3, 2010 mets found. Five years NED on Faslodex * 4/2015 progression to bone * 6/11/2015 Femara/Ibrance * 12/27/2015 Xeloda * 2/24/2016 Xgeva * another progression, another drug Taxol 2/14/2017
Dx
6/8/2005, IDC, 3cm, Stage IIB, Grade 1, 0/3 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
pajim
Cambridge, MA, USA
Joined:
May 2008
Posts:
2,422
Latest activity:
Feb 14, 2019
Log in to post a reply
Jan 6, 2014 10:34PM
pajim
wrote:
:-) Wine, women and song. . .
Good luck to all you Thursday ladies. My pain in the butt (no, not my s-i-l this time) is fading nicely.
Dx
4/20/2008, IDC, Right, 4cm, Stage IIIA, Grade 2, 1/15 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Dx
2/1/2013, IDC, Stage IV, metastasized to bone, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Hormonal Therapy
2/27/2013 Femara (letrozole)
Hormonal Therapy
4/22/2013 Faslodex (fulvestrant)
Targeted Therapy
2/25/2016 Ibrance (palbociclib)
Chemotherapy
6/19/2017 Xeloda (capecitabine)
Targeted Therapy
8/15/2018 Verzenio
Hormonal Therapy
8/15/2018 Faslodex (fulvestrant)
pajim
Cambridge, MA, USA
Joined:
May 2008
Posts:
2,422
Latest activity:
Feb 14, 2019
Log in to post a reply
Jan 10, 2014 03:57PM
pajim
wrote:
Well, my NP broke all my rules -- I told her not to do this on her day off -- to check and tell me that this afternoon's scan shows "no active spots". She's the best.
This is only my second scan. The first said "much reduced". Does this mean they'll declare NED?
Woo hoo! I'm off to celebrate.
Dx
4/20/2008, IDC, Right, 4cm, Stage IIIA, Grade 2, 1/15 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Dx
2/1/2013, IDC, Stage IV, metastasized to bone, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Hormonal Therapy
2/27/2013 Femara (letrozole)
Hormonal Therapy
4/22/2013 Faslodex (fulvestrant)
Targeted Therapy
2/25/2016 Ibrance (palbociclib)
Chemotherapy
6/19/2017 Xeloda (capecitabine)
Targeted Therapy
8/15/2018 Verzenio
Hormonal Therapy
8/15/2018 Faslodex (fulvestrant)
Tina2
MD
Joined:
Jul 2011
Posts:
2,651
Latest activity:
Feb 16, 2019
Log in to post a reply
Jan 10, 2014 05:50PM
Tina2
wrote:
Yah-hoo, Pam! Enjoy your good news and celebration! ( More chocolate, more Pinot, more....?)
Tina
Stage I, 1985, modified radical mastectomy; Stage I, 1995, modified radical mastectomy;Stage IV, lung mets, ER+/PR+; treated with Faslodex since July, 2011
Dx
Stage IV, mets, ER+/PR+
Babyswim
Boynton Beach, FL
Joined:
Jan 2011
Posts:
62
Latest activity:
Dec 8, 2014
Log in to post a reply
Jan 10, 2014 06:42PM
Babyswim
wrote:
Pajim, that is such great news! Wishing you continued health and pain free injections :)
Just walk a day in my flip flops.
Dx
1/20/2011, IDC, 6cm+, Stage IIIA, Grade 2, 1/4 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Chemotherapy
2/14/2011 AC + T (Taxol)
Surgery
8/24/2011 Mastectomy: Left, Right
Hormonal Therapy
11/30/2011
Dx
8/2013, IDC, 2cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Surgery
9/17/2013 Prophylactic ovary removal
Hormonal Therapy
10/9/2013 Femara (letrozole)
Hormonal Therapy
1/31/2014 Faslodex (fulvestrant)
Chemotherapy
4/14/2014 Navelbine (vinorelbine)
Connis
Joined:
Jun 2013
Posts:
191
Latest activity:
Mar 4, 2016
Log in to post a reply
Jan 10, 2014 07:33PM
Connis
wrote:
Hey all just adding my 2 cents, after my 4th treatment of faslodex my ass hurts!!! Both cheeks are black and blue and I have gotten to use the bathroom a lot when at work the 2nd and 3rd day after treatment. Also I noticed a generalized weakness for about 48 hours after treatment but then I am Ok after that
Dx
4/17/1999, ILC, 5cm, Stage IIIB, 7/12 nodes, ER+
Surgery
4/20/1999 Lymph node removal: Right, Underarm/Axillary; Mastectomy: Right
Radiation Therapy
1/27/2000 Breast, Lymph nodes
Surgery
5/27/2000 Mastectomy: Left; Prophylactic mastectomy: Left
Chemotherapy
6/1/2000 AC + T (Taxol)
Dx
9/27/2013, ILC, 5cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, ER+/PR-
Chemotherapy
9/1/2014 Xeloda (capecitabine)
pajim
Cambridge, MA, USA
Joined:
May 2008
Posts:
2,422
Latest activity:
Feb 14, 2019
Log in to post a reply
Jan 10, 2014 07:44PM
pajim
wrote:
Connis, I'm so sorry to hear you're black and blue. That's a bummer.
Dx
4/20/2008, IDC, Right, 4cm, Stage IIIA, Grade 2, 1/15 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Dx
2/1/2013, IDC, Stage IV, metastasized to bone, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Hormonal Therapy
2/27/2013 Femara (letrozole)
Hormonal Therapy
4/22/2013 Faslodex (fulvestrant)
Targeted Therapy
2/25/2016 Ibrance (palbociclib)
Chemotherapy
6/19/2017 Xeloda (capecitabine)
Targeted Therapy
8/15/2018 Verzenio
Hormonal Therapy
8/15/2018 Faslodex (fulvestrant)
Tina2
MD
Joined:
Jul 2011
Posts:
2,651
Latest activity:
Feb 16, 2019
Log in to post a reply
Jan 10, 2014 08:21PM
Tina2
wrote:
Connis, I used to get black and blue too when the nurses gave the injections too quickly. Tell them you're getting really bruised and ask them to slow down. Also, make sure you're relaxing that leg!
Tina
Stage I, 1985, modified radical mastectomy; Stage I, 1995, modified radical mastectomy;Stage IV, lung mets, ER+/PR+; treated with Faslodex since July, 2011
Dx
Stage IV, mets, ER+/PR+
Connis
Joined:
Jun 2013
Posts:
191
Latest activity:
Mar 4, 2016
Log in to post a reply
Jan 13, 2014 12:12AM
Connis
wrote:
Thankyou
Dx
4/17/1999, ILC, 5cm, Stage IIIB, 7/12 nodes, ER+
Surgery
4/20/1999 Lymph node removal: Right, Underarm/Axillary; Mastectomy: Right
Radiation Therapy
1/27/2000 Breast, Lymph nodes
Surgery
5/27/2000 Mastectomy: Left; Prophylactic mastectomy: Left
Chemotherapy
6/1/2000 AC + T (Taxol)
Dx
9/27/2013, ILC, 5cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, ER+/PR-
Chemotherapy
9/1/2014 Xeloda (capecitabine)
Connis
Joined:
Jun 2013
Posts:
191
Latest activity:
Mar 4, 2016
Log in to post a reply
Jan 13, 2014 12:13AM
Connis
wrote:
I will thank you
Dx
4/17/1999, ILC, 5cm, Stage IIIB, 7/12 nodes, ER+
Surgery
4/20/1999 Lymph node removal: Right, Underarm/Axillary; Mastectomy: Right
Radiation Therapy
1/27/2000 Breast, Lymph nodes
Surgery
5/27/2000 Mastectomy: Left; Prophylactic mastectomy: Left
Chemotherapy
6/1/2000 AC + T (Taxol)
Dx
9/27/2013, ILC, 5cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, ER+/PR-
Chemotherapy
9/1/2014 Xeloda (capecitabine)
Barb312
FL
Joined:
Jan 2012
Posts:
110
Latest activity:
Apr 10, 2017
Log in to post a reply
Jan 14, 2014 03:53PM
Barb312
wrote:
As of Friday I will be a Faslodex girl. For some reason I have nausea from hormone therapy and now I will be on Faslodex. Any hints on what to expect would be appreciated. I had jaw trouble taking monthly Zometa and now I will take it every three months. I will be taking the two together.
Dx
1/17/2012, Stage IV, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Hormonal Therapy
1/24/2012 Arimidex (anastrozole)
Chemotherapy
1/25/2012 Carboplatin (Paraplatin), Taxotere (docetaxel)
Radiation Therapy
1/27/2012 Bone
Hormonal Therapy
10/27/2012 Aromasin (exemestane)
Hormonal Therapy
1/17/2014 Faslodex (fulvestrant)
Tina72
Joined:
May 2012
Posts:
481
Latest activity:
Jan 14, 2016
Log in to post a reply
Jan 14, 2014 06:37PM
Tina72
wrote:
hi ladies, I have been doing faslodex and Femara for about 18 months. I have few side effects, but this time I had a serious blood sugar drop about 4 hours after the shots even though I ate a sandwich right after the injections. I am wondering if this is a normal side effect for any of you.
Barb312. I take Ativan before my injections to help with anxiety, it also helps with nausea. I hope it goes smoothly for you
Dx
Stage IV
Tina2
MD
Joined:
Jul 2011
Posts:
2,651
Latest activity:
Feb 16, 2019
Log in to post a reply
Jan 14, 2014 07:21PM
Tina2
wrote:
Barb312, it's easy to see the member consensus on Faslodex SEs. They are summarized at the beginning of this thread.
Tina72, I've never had any blood sugar drops that I know of, but then I don't have any blood sugar issues. Maybe you need to eat something right after the injections as well as before.
Tina
Stage I, 1985, modified radical mastectomy; Stage I, 1995, modified radical mastectomy;Stage IV, lung mets, ER+/PR+; treated with Faslodex since July, 2011
Dx
Stage IV, mets, ER+/PR+
Barb312
FL
Joined:
Jan 2012
Posts:
110
Latest activity:
Apr 10, 2017
Log in to post a reply
Jan 14, 2014 07:30PM
Barb312
wrote:
Tina, thanks for the good advice I have Ativan. Take one every night and sleep like a baby. I just pray for no nausea. I had nausea with Aromasin and Arimidex. I also have a nausea pill. Maybe I wlll take that instead of Ativan. After the chemo I took two years ago, not much phases me. Not sure I could go through that again. I also have taken Zometa for a year every month until my jaw clicked out of place with every bite of food I took. Quit and it went away in a month. I have agreed to try it again every three months.
Dx
1/17/2012, Stage IV, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Hormonal Therapy
1/24/2012 Arimidex (anastrozole)
Chemotherapy
1/25/2012 Carboplatin (Paraplatin), Taxotere (docetaxel)
Radiation Therapy
1/27/2012 Bone
Hormonal Therapy
10/27/2012 Aromasin (exemestane)
Hormonal Therapy
1/17/2014 Faslodex (fulvestrant)
Tina2
MD
Joined:
Jul 2011
Posts:
2,651
Latest activity:
Feb 16, 2019
Log in to post a reply
Jan 14, 2014 10:20PM
Tina2
wrote:
Barb,
Overall,Faslodex is easy compared to many treatments. Most people don't get nausea, or have it mildly. Taking an Ativan to help you relax and be calm on injection day is probably a good idea for the first time, but you may not need to do it again. See how you do and let us know.
Tina
Stage I, 1985, modified radical mastectomy; Stage I, 1995, modified radical mastectomy;Stage IV, lung mets, ER+/PR+; treated with Faslodex since July, 2011
Dx
Stage IV, mets, ER+/PR+
Crone
Joined:
Feb 2010
Posts:
147
Latest activity:
Feb 15, 2017
Log in to post a reply
Jan 15, 2014 08:19AM
Crone
wrote:
Just connected the dots after three months of Faslodex and figutpred out that I do not have a restful night of sleep the night I have my injections. You know that kind of sleep you have when you are taking steroids where you feel as if you haven't slept at all and have vivid dreams.... So watch for me ith the movies, if I regain my figure after delivering my baby, I will be in a movie with Meryl Streep about the life of my friend. Oh yes,I am over 70 and not pregnant and don't know who the famous friend is but if one or two night of restless sleep and weird dreams is the only side effect (except for sore and itchy hips) then I will gladly stay on Faslodex.
Surgery
1/10/2001 Lymph node removal: Right, Sentinel, Underarm/Axillary; Mastectomy: Right
Chemotherapy
2/4/2001 Adriamycin (doxorubicin), Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide), Fluorouracil (5-fluorouracil, 5-FU, Adrucil), Taxotere (docetaxel)
Chemotherapy
3/13/2001 Taxotere (docetaxel)
Radiation Therapy
7/24/2001 Breast, Lymph nodes
Chemotherapy
10/9/2001 CMF
Hormonal Therapy
4/1/2002 Arimidex (anastrozole)
Hormonal Therapy
4/5/2013 Aromasin (exemestane)
Hormonal Therapy
6/19/2013 Femara (letrozole)
Hormonal Therapy
9/13/2013 Faslodex (fulvestrant)
Targeted Therapy
6/5/2014 Afinitor (everolimus)
Chemotherapy
7/17/2014 Xeloda (capecitabine)
Chemotherapy
12/10/2014 Gemzar (gemcitabine)
Targeted Therapy
12/22/2015
Targeted Therapy
Chemotherapy