Last month my oncologist sent my biopsy from when I was first diagnosed to Foundation one for genomic testing. They find what mutations they fine then match them to available treatments to see if they can find a match. Medicare does cover some of the testing and she then had me sign a form that other groups help pay the balance.
So mine matched Afinitor, I cannot take as I had bad reaction. The other one the found was IV chemo with Gemzar. So I will be starting chemo Jan 6 it will be three weeks on one week off. I hope it works as we have tried several cocktails that did not. My markers went down to 300 when I was on Taxol I then got very sick and had to stop. They are now up to 2770 since June. I was on Kisqali with no side effects but as you see it did not work.
So everyone check into Foundation one testing. It is the new thing she said.
Hope it helps me.
Barbara
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Jerseygirl45
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Thanks so much for sharing this info...I had Foundation One testing done five years ago, but I think that predates the sort of results you received, i.e. very specific, actionable guidance re: an array of treatments...I think my doc said they'll redo the test when I have progression...apparently it works best when there is active progression vs. stable mets.
I just read another post from Namastelove that also discussed very specific treatment recommendations from this testing...While of course none of us likes to switch meds, I find it encouraging that there is a lot more science behind what treatments we do, in what order, vs. the "trial and error" approach, based on rough averages, that seemed to be the best they could do in the past...
The only thing upsetting is they say we have lots of things to try for you. But this narrows your choices since they only have two they think will work for me. I already tried the Afinitor and it put me in hospital. So she does not want to take the chance. So what if the Gemzar fails, what is left. We spend so much time trying things for two three months to find it don't work. But it fills up time.. I hope this helps markers ran up to 2770 sine my last chemo. Then Kisqali for three months.
Good morning Sister and yesssssssssss warrior remember many years ago there wasn't a lot of treatments available, except I.V. chemotherapy, and hormone inhibitors for the majority of us sister/warriors. As we are now communicating there are, and can be 1 or more additional options that may be available today, tomorrow, or next week for you, and our other sister /warriors. I do pray this current option you will be starting will work Amen Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holy days, and if I left out any other celebration of joy, and peace., Seasons Greetings. XoXoXoXo
Hi Jersey Girl, I am also going to be tested for genomics January 2nd. My hospital has its own clinic for that. Your post raise the red flag for me because you are saying Medicare does not cover all of it. I have a Medicare Advantage plan and the way it is set up I only pay $5,000 max out of pocket per year. But I guess I should double-check to see if the genomics testing will be extra out of that. I am new to Medicare so I have to get used to asking that question. So thank you for bringing that to my attention. I will look up gemzar, I don't know what my next treatments will be oh, my doctor seems to be leaning toward piqray if I am eligible or perhaps xeloda. Good luck and keep us posted on how things are going.
asked if I would have balance. She had me sign financial help papers and said a group usually picks up balance. So do not worry but check to sign help forms.
I was hoping I matched Piqray since it is the newest drug but I did not. Maybe giving me the right IV Gemzar will help rather than just try things. I hope so.
Good luck with your testing let us know what your match is.
Thank you for that very valuable tip on the financing, Jersey girl. Yes I will let you know. Good luck as well with your treatment. I will be watching to see how things go for you.
I was on it for 3 months with no side effects. My oncologist thought that was suspicious. When my tumor markers came back they had gone from about 380 to 27890 so it was not working.
Good luck Barbara!!! It’s so difficult to go from one treatment to another. This is my second treatment in less than a year. I was feeling pretty good until Xmas but past few days I’ve been nauseous and feeling very tired. I’m taking Zofran for the nausea. Hope it helps.
They will come back with one that will work. I see they have a immunotherapy going on in Maryland. I would go have blood done they will call me when ready to put back in me. I would be in hospital on MA for one month. It will attack my cancer cells only.
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