Breast Cancer Mets to the lungs

[Halfpint2]

I've had 20 chemo infusions. Body couldn't take anymore so I'm on a chemo break. I am taking the hormone inhibitor Femara, but that's it. Anyone else with similar Dx?

[MissyAnn68]

Hi!

When I was diagnosed mets to lungs in 2013, my Onc tried Xeloda pills. It didn't work. She then put me on Arimidex and within 2-3 months my lungs were clear.

Last fall I decided to switch to Femera because arimidex was giving me horrific side effects and my large spot in my lungs came back.

I'm on faslodex and ibrance now, praying that it's working.

[Halfpint2 in reply to MissyAnn68]

Praying you get excellent results.

[Halfpint2 in reply to MissyAnn68]

Please keep me posted on your progress.

[Hidden]

I'm not on Femara, but just want to say that I love your photo and the baby is totally adorable.

[Halfpint2 in reply to Hidden]

You are so kind. I was afraid I wouldn't be here to see her born but now I'm counting on many more birthdays.

[Mariannem]

Is this your first treatment ? What has the response to treatment been? Have you been on letrozole before? If you have had an excellent response to treatment this may continue with letrozole only. I am also approaching this decision next month after my 6th round of Taxol. Unfortunately, my options are limited.

[Halfpint2 in reply to Mariannem]

I had bc in 2005, 4 rounds of chemo, partial mastectomy and 33 rounds of radiation. They said I was cured. Then it came back in 2016 but had metastasized to my lungs. I've had 12 chemo infusions of Taxal and Gemzar then 9 chemo infusions of Taxotere. My body was pooped and my immune system crashed. I lost toenails and fingernails along with all of my hair. I was so sick by then that the dr took me off of chemo in November to give my body a break. So he put me on Femara (Letrozole). I responded very well to the chemos and all tumors shrunk. Now I'm just on Femara. I haven't had any scans to see how that's working but I see the dr in March to discuss future plans. The only side effects I've had from Femara is occasional hot flashes and bad joint pain in my knees. I'm taking a lot of supplements too. I'd love to continue on this "stable" track that I'm on. How are you?

[Mariannem]

Yes, the joint pain with aromatase inhibitors. Not fun. I am doing well on Taxol, the first two months of treatment was rough though. Did not feel well at all during these months. Currently, I feel great and would characterize as the most tolerable treatment so far. My next scans are at the end of February, if things are improved or stable my oncologist would like to step down to a different therapy. I am aromatase inhibitor resistant based on genomic/genetic testing done last fall on my cancer. My treatment options are not as straight forward as I would like them to be.

I do also take numerous supplements, eat organically and exercise. My motto is that I need to be living each day as I have no time to be dying each day. I have been living with metastatic breast cancer for 3 1/2 years. I have beat the statistics so far and desire to be one of the long term survivors.

Marianne

[Halfpint2 in reply to Mariannem]

You inspire me. 3 1/2 years makes me hopeful. Since I'm not on chemo right now, I feel almost back to normal except for the chemo brain. I need to ask my doctor about genomic testing. Are you done with chemo for now? What supplements are you on? My biggest problem is feeling great with a side step of waiting for the next shoe to fall. Anxiety hits me but then I stop and pray for calm and he always calms me but it's a roller coaster. Please keep in touch with me. I'd love to follow you and compare notes.

[Godbeforme in reply to Halfpint2]

Amen! Jesus never leaves us!

[PJBinMI]

HI! I've done really well on hormonal treatment for metastatic breast cancer. Diagnosed 3/1/04, bone mets found later that month, started Femara and Zometa 4/2/04. I got almost five years from Femara, then 7 from Faslodex. Was on Ibrance with Faslodex for 9 or 10 cycles but had some lung complications and had to stop the Ibrance last October. Am holding steady on Faslodex now. If you saw me, you would never guess that I am a cancer patient! Some of us do exceptionally well. Having a positive response to a hormonal treatment is very very hopeful!

The baby is darling! Hope you have years and years with her!

[Halfpint2 in reply to PJBinMI]

Thank you so much. Your encouragement and story give me great hope. Best wishes and continued success to you as well.

[BC2007 in reply to PJBinMI]

Your story made me teary. I had BC in 2007, also in my lymph nodes. Did all the chemo etc.....Have had 2 bone Mets, and 1 lung met. I was all clear until my scan last week, which showed 2 very small nodules in my lungs. I am on faslodex and zolodex, for almost 7 years. I know my oncologist will want to switch up my faslodex, I’ve taken arimedex. I’m scared of more cancer coming with any changes. Your story connected to me another long term survivor, and I don’t meet a lot. Thank you!

[Clair19 in reply to PJBinMI]

Hey, I’m glad to find someone just on Faslodex too. I know that was a year ago but if I could get that much time on it. I’m going on 3 months also can’t take Ibrance. I was originally diagnosed in 2001, but found a lump in 2000. I found out last summer I had Mets to lung and spine. Did I read right that you have had Mets since 2004?? I would love for you to write me back, glad you got 7 years on Faslodex.

[PJBinMI in reply to Clair19]

I was on Faslodex for over 9 years! Ibrance added to it for almost ten cycles in year 7. Didn't tolerate the Ibrance well at all. I was lucky enough to find a support group for those with mbc in the town that I drive to for treatment and several of the women I met there had really good runs on Faslodex so when I started it, my hopes were high, but I never dreamed I would get over 9 years on it! I have bone mets, too, so I was on Zometa, too and then when Xgeva was approved, I switched to that. I had to take a break from the bone meds from about 2014 to the beginning of this year. Do you have specific questions about Faslodex? I found it pretty easy to be on and liked not having to take a daily pill!

[Clair19]

Dear Halfpint2, I know this post is 2 years ago but I was wondering how you are doing? I was going through some older posts and saw yours. I was diagnosed last summer with Mets to rt lung, and spine. I revived Doxil and tried Targeted therapy but Neutrophils went to low. I’m now just on Faslodex and pray it works. I hope this finds you doing well. Thanks Clair

[Godbeforme]

What a beautiful baby! I am taking femara/letrozole. Started 2 months ago and the pain has lessened. I think it is a wonder drug but the side-effects are harsh at first. Funny thing, I felt it in my ankles and toes the 1st time I took it, the stiffness. I know it wasn't a placebo effect because I wasn't expecting to FEEL anything right away! God bless you and heal us all in Jesus name, amen!