I wanted to share the results of my latest scan. Original Diagnosos in December 2016 was Multiple Mets in Spine and lungs. My last scan in August showed new activity in T4 and a possible (probable-new tumor in T3. ) I had been treated with Ibrance/Letrozole which worked for about 20 months. I was so discouraged because this was the first scan August 2018) after almost two years of treatment that had come back with tumor progression. It is pure torture waiting for results after starting a new regimen of treatment. Thankfully, the Ibrance-which I chose to continue at 75 mg, and the Faslodex are working. The scan in December came back as ......Great News, the treatment is working, no new tumors and no growth or activity in original tumors. Merry Christmas to me. This emotional roller coaster of living with Metastatic Breast Cancer is not one that anyone would choose. Give me a sandy beach, an umbrella drink and a book, oh and whales breaching in the distance! Praying for a cure for this dreaded disease, and grateful I don’t have to walk down this path alone.
Blessings! Debbie in Northern California
Written by
DinNorCal
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Thank you! I feel some of the greatest strength and inspiration I get is from this board, from all my friends behind the screen who really know what I mean when I say “I’m tired,” or “I’m scared,” or like you celebrating a great scan. We get it. We live it. No one should feel alone going thru this. So cheers to you again and to all of us. What strength and determination we have!
I’m so glad you got good news. But you had the progression in aug while on Ibrance? I have the same dx and am trying to live “my new normal “ working for the health insurance. I would like to go see the whales! 😺
Yes,I stayed on Ibrance because my Oncologist believes it was probably the Letrozole that had stopped working so she gave me the option to continue Ibrance with the Faslodex. I chose to continue With Ibrance as I hoped it was giving me “some” benefit. She expressed she had other patients that chose to stay on Ibrance and they seemed to be doing well.
The best to you as you continue to work and battle at the same time. 💗
I am in your same boat 🚣! Some progression last scan. Now on Ibrance and faslodex instead of letrozole. My scans are in February. Just renewed my Xanax!
Lorazapam is my friend when I get MRI or Scan. Calms the anxiety a bit. Do you think the Faslodex makes you more emotional and “irritable”? I’ve thought of asking my Dr. For something to make me less agitated. Does the Xanax help with that?
Yes it does but you don’t want to use Xanax too much. There more you use it the less effective it is and it is easy to become dependent on it. Maybe a low dose antidepressant? I’m on a baby dose of an old one, Elavil. I am kinda irritable at times by nature and don’t notice the faslodex has made it worse. I actually feel better on it than letrozole. At least the joint discomfort it’s gone! I find this diagnosis makes me more prone to tears. I’ve gotten better, but I’m pretty easily set off by anything about cancer and sometimes random thoughts about what the hell im up against. The difference is I don’t stay there. I attribute that to the Elavil. I was never one to pop pills, but with this new normal, I don’t envision ever stopping the Elavil. Of course if they find a cure...I will open my window and throw every damn pill out! (No I won’t cause wouldn’t want the creatures around my house to take this toxic cocktail, but it’s a powerful image.)😻
Debbie congratulations on good scan! The beach sounds good. Lived in CA for 6 years. Loved Venice Beach. I'm now in CT. Hate the winter. Celebrate your good news and have a blessed holiday!
Brrrr. I hate cold too. My hubby and I were fortunate to leave snowy Nevada and come across the Stateline to sunny CA. However, I do miss a “white” Christmas.
Hello Debbie!
That is good news about how you are responding well to treatment. It's music to my ears when I hear "no progression" and "shrinking" of the breast tumour.
By the way, I lived in Northern California (Marysville) for over 5 years when I lived in America the second (and last) time. My favourite places to visit were Grass Valley and Penn Valley. I would visit Marshall's Pasties for a Cornish pasty and a taste of home. I loved the Sierra Nevadas. Whenever we would drive through there I would open the window and take in the lovely cold air, even in July!
Wow...we would have almost been neighbors. I live about 30 minutes from Marysville. And about 45 minutes from Grass Valley. Yes, the Sierras are beautiful and Lake Tahoe a wonder of the world. Thanks for sharing and know that thoughts and prayers are coming your way.
Yes, quite possibly! My husband was in the USAF, and was stationed at Beale AFB, which was his last base before he retired. I loved Sacramento too, so green and fun to visit and Lake Tahoe was lovely too. My husband would get so bored of always visiting the Empire State Mine in Grass Valley every summer for the annual miners' picnic, but I loved it there! I just wasn't so keen on the heat. We repatriated back to the UK in 2012, but I still have fond memories of California, and also of North Carolina, which is where I lived the first time I moved to America. Thank you for the thoughts and prayers. I hope and pray that we all benefit from a cure of this disease in the near future. x
Merry Christmas to you also.. I am waiting nervously on my bone scan that i had on Wednesday ..i had ct scan on Nov 27 and i was told my lungs have improved from Ibrance and lertroizle. .but my bones have got worst and waiting to see what they have planned for treatments ..And i dont even know if theres any treatment for bone cancer .
Waiting is so miserable. I am being treated with targeted therapy, and a hormone therapy as I am Progesterone positive. Be assured there is hope for treatment for your bone Mets. I also get Xgeva injections to strengthen my bones. There is hope. 💗
Great news! For you And for all of us! Enjoy the holidays and may a cure be found in the new year! Hugs❤️
Hi Debbie! I am so happy to read about your successful change to Faslodex. That is the same plan my doctor has for me after 20 months on Letrozole/Ibrance. Will have scans in January. Waiting for results from this week's bloodwork and hoping for a Merry Christmas present of lower tumor markers. Heading up to the Laurel Mountains Pennsylvania today to see our 18 month old grandson and snow.
Audrey, wishing you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful time with your grandson. We are leaving to drive to Southern California to enjoy Christmas with our 5 grandkids. Have a safe trip. And praying you have great results on test and scan in January!
Thank you Robin. I don’t live near the ocean, but am blessed to be able to visit the California coast and Hawaii. Whale watching in Hawaii is awesome. I didn’t realize that whales migrated near Florida...I might have to visit some time.
Greetings: Sister/warrior It is always good to hear great news. Yessssssssssssss I/we C-E-L-E-B-B-R-A-T-E. this good news with you. I know you were jumping for joy, don't hurt yourself (smile). Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones, and to our group of sisters/warriors, and their loved ones. Amen
Love this site and you ladies! Thanks for sharing good news. Every little bit gives us all hope. Merry Christmas to all and happy holidays to all others. Let pray for a good and healthier 2019!!
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