New treatment plan

[MMMP]

Just found out my breast cancer that has been in my bones has now reached the marrow and is causing my red blood cells and platelets to drop- my only hope is to start abraxane - wondering what I can expect? My doctor said my hair would go - I lost it once already and not thrilled to lose it again- researching cold caps- any suggestions would be awesome!

[nstonerocks]

Abraxane worked really well in my lungs. Lost my hair. Wore a cap or a wig. I don’t think you’ll avoid the hair loss but the upside is a treatment that works well. Best of luck🌹

[Andersl]

Ive seen a few people wear the cold cap whilst having iv. It adds a little time onto the treatment but they've been happy with it.

However, ive also heard of someone complain it was too cold and they couldnt continue with it.

Why not give it a go and see for yourself?

Best wishes xx

[mariootsi]

You may want to try cold capping or buy a great wig! Cancer Care will send you a wig free.

They helped me when I lost my hair during my original dx.

It was delivered the mext day. Beautiful.

[MMMP in reply to mariootsi]

I’m going for the pink -silver wig!!!!

[mariootsi in reply to MMMP]

Good for you! Perfect!

[MMMP in reply to mariootsi]

This is going to be my second time losing my hair - and I’m dealing with the reality that I will never have it again- just ordered some cute hats!!

[mariootsi in reply to MMMP]

Cool!

[Epinto]

can I ask if the findings were found during a pet scan and how low did your platelet number go down? I am also on ibrance and my platelets went from 206 to 96 to 98. Now I am wondering if the ibrance is causing the low count or the cancer spread to my spleen!

[MMMP in reply to Epinto]

I had a bone marrow biopsy and the breast cancer cells had spread there- at first I thought it was from the Afinitor but had been off it for over 4 weeks and platelets kept dropping- my hemoglobin also dropped- I was more and more short of breath- I got 2 units on October 28th - blood better but platelets still low. 50 was my low on platelets.

[Epinto in reply to MMMP]

Thanks for your reply and sharing. Really scary!! I guess I just have to wait and see where my doctors go from here. I never thought about the possibility of the cancer cells going to the spleen attributing it all to the ibrance. Something else to worry about. Wishing you well with the new medication.

[Nmartinez15 in reply to MMMP]

You need drink beets juice to increase your hemoglobin really fast.

[Gaily71 in reply to Nmartinez15]

thanks for the tip. Does this really help a lot?

[Nmartinez15 in reply to Gaily71]

My mother used to drinking n my friend after she lost alot blood in a surgery

[Duffles in reply to MMMP]

Had similar problems after only 13 days on Ibrance (with Letrozole)Onc just started me on Xeloda after over a month. (Well I fell and cracked a couple bones meanwhile...not good) Hoping Xeloda helps, and whatever your next treatment is helps you. Guess it’s trial and error?

[lynnhbtb]

Cold Caps work! I've been using them for a year through Gemzar, TAxol and taxotere. I use Penguin Cold Caps. THey aren't cheap, but if you can make it work, they do help you keep your hair, although it does thin and the texture isn't great. I lost all my hair 7 years ago and didn't want to lose it again.

From what I understand Abraxane is similar to taxol, but delivered in a different carrier so not as many side effects. You might want to google abraxane vs. taxol.

Sorry you're going through this. All the best. xo

If you want tips on surviving the cold caps I'd be happy to share. Just message me.

[MMMP in reply to lynnhbtb]

Wow- thanks for the encouragement- this all seems like a bad dream- did you lose the eyelashes to the taxol???

[Titaniam_Turtle in reply to MMMP]

I haven't after 3 treatments. Hair is gone though. I am praying everything stays the same for my last 3 treatments. I am getting 3 other drugs besides the taxol.

[MMMP in reply to Titaniam_Turtle]

Thanks I ordered some special stuff to use on eyebrows so they stay...EES essential eyebrow solution!

[lynnhbtb in reply to MMMP]

Yes, I lost my eyelashes, or most of them. They would start to re-grow on my off week, but then get knocked out by the next treatment. I found that lining both upper and lower lids makes it look like you have eyelashes (a bit).

I'm using an eyelash serum now too and they;ve grown back.

[Jonesburger in reply to lynnhbtb]

Hi - can u tell me what eyelash serum you’re using? Thanks

[lynnhbtb]

I just ordered this one. Pronexa Hairgenics Lavish Lash - Eyelash Growth Enhancer & Brow Serum with Biotin & Natural Growth Peptides for Long, Thick Looking Lashes and Eyebrows! Dermatologist Certified & Hypoallergenic.

I had MD Grande Lash before, which worked well and was recommended by my dermatologist, but they changed the formula and I read it doesn't work as well now. I just went on reviews for this one.

[Hidden]

I used the cold cap in 2015 when I received taxol as I’d lost my hair with original diagnosis in 2004 and wanted to avoid that. Here are my thoughts for what they are worth. (1) It works! I had thinning hair just past my temples but it was easily camouflaged. (2) My hair lacked its usual body but still was better for me. (3) You shouldn’t shampoo frequently. Shampoo will dry your hair and you will find many hair strands when you do. (4) Find a good liquid cleansing conditioner. It’s less harsh than shampoo and can be used between shampoo cleaning. (5) It really is very cold. It had to be changed every 30 minutes or so to a newly cold cap as the temp wears off. Just as I’d adjust to the cold, we would have to add a new one. After a day of chemotherapy I’d just want to go home and lie down. But you have to rotate cold caps for about 2 hours afterward. (6) Have someone with you to help with this process. I’m grateful my husband handled it for me. The good news nowadays is hospitals will make this available to you. In 2015, we had to do all the research ourselves, order it, bring a cooler of dry ice for the caps to chemotherapy etc. (7) My chemo was once every 3 weeks for 4-5 sessions. If I had to do chemotherapy on a more regular basis, or for more sessions, I’m not sure I could’ve handled all that cold. (8) Nevertheless I’m glad I did it. It was shocking enough to hear my cancer returned. It helped to not have a daily reminder when I looked at myself. (9) Everyone is different. Do what is best for you. I had a wig on standby in case it became too much.

[MMMP]

Thanks for sharing- I need the chemotherapy weekly and it’s going to be long term- so I really think it’s going to be too complicated- it’s just hard to wrap my head around not having hair!!!again!!