What’s next?

[MMMP]

Looking for some treatment options after Abraxane has failed- been on it for 3 cycles of 3 with a week off in between- I’m 5 years into treatment- I’m Triple Negative that doesn’t help matters. My son is getting married in May and I need to be there!!!

[Hidden]

Hi MMMP,

I'm sorry, but I don't have an answer to your question about next treatment, and I'm also very sorry that you're concerned about being able to make it to your son's wedding...Are you saying that the Abraxane has stopped working or are you trying to anticipate what might be next? I hope it's the latter...

Are you a candidate for the recently approved immunotherapy for TN (I think this is true...Is it Keytruda? Or have you already tried that one? I do hear good things about it...

I'll mention that my sister has triple negative MBC, so I know that it comes with some unique challenges...

I'm hopeful that you'll be able to make it to the wedding, though (Congratulations to you all!! ), e.g. maybe if whatever treatment your on is causing you big problems you can suspend it for a week prior? Or get rads for pain? If you haven't already, I'd be sure to tell your docs about this important event...I'd hope they'd be sympathetic and supportive...

Take care,

Lynn

[MacroMom]

Hi MMP; I've just started Abraxane myself, for ER +, HER2 negative. I did quite a bit of research when I was given the option of Abraxane or Taxol, and came across at least one study that said combining Abraxane with Carboplatin was more effective for Triple Negative than Abraxane alone. You might ask your oncologist about that. I also like Lynn's suggestion of Keytruda. I asked my oncologist about it for myself but she said it works best for TN.

I find dealing with treatment changes that hardest part of this roller coaster. May you find good support and clarity as you move forward. Keep that May date in your sights!

Best wishes,

Patty

[Bubbles001]

Tecentriq in combo w Abraxane was approved for TNBC. Tecentriq is a PDL1 inhibitor immunotherapy which is similar to Keytruda, but Keytruda has not been approved for breast cancer. However, Merck has a program where they will pay for Keytruda if your doctor signs off and you meet income limits that are fairly high. My Onc is trying to get me on Xeloda and Keytruda. I took Tecentriq with Lynparza and all my TNBC mets have disappeared, so it’s worth asking about. The application process takes several weeks for Keytruda, FYI.

[MMMP in reply to Bubbles001]

Wow - thanks for the suggestion- I will discuss this option on Monday- my only glitch my be my PDL1 came back negative. I wonder why he just started me on one therapy? So many questions- thanks again🥰

[lynnhbtb in reply to MMMP]

My PD-L1 was low as well, but they opted to try immunotherapy anyway and it's been working. See my longer message below.

[Bubbles001]

I think most TNBC is PDL1 positive, but am not 100% sure of that. Good question on why he only started you on one therapy. . . .

[lynnhbtb]

Sorry about your treatment, but glad you're with us on this site. You'll be here in May! I was also diagnosed TN after originally being diagnosed ER/PR +. Anyway, I've been on taxol, which I stopped due to increasing neuropathy. I switched to taxotere and have been getting Keytruda, the immunotherapy drug mentioned in another post. The immunotherapy approved in the US for TN is tecentriq. All the studies I've read show immunotherapy with a chemotherapy agent show the best results. I hope this helps you. I was told a year and a half ago I wouldn't see my next birthday and yet, hear I am. Been on IV chemotherapy treatment for 16 months, but most days quality of life is pretty good. It's doable, but not for the faint of heart, mind or body. I wish you well. Go buy that dress for your son's wedding! xo Lynn

[MMMP in reply to lynnhbtb]

Thanks for the words of encouragement!! I will push for the immunotherapy- so glad this site is here!!

[mariootsi]

May is right around the corner! You'll be there for sure!!!!!!! Something wonderful to look forward to!

[PLASEM]

I am TNMBC I had started Abraxane and did not qualify for Tecentriq , I am having gastric problems showed thickening of my gastric wall

I had endoscopy done waiting for the biopsy

I was taking Xeloda it is used for TN too

God bless you

[Duffles in reply to PLASEM]

I was diagnosed having changed to triple negative after spinal and femur surgeries, Ibrance, Letrozole, Xeloda...in between surgeries and rads! I also didn’t qualify for tecentric. I’m going on 3rd cycle of Abraxane...hoping it will help with the bone mets all over body. I had some bad GI side effects. This time was given Prilosec for the inflammation...and it seems to help (plus GasX and Tums) Hope you get good news on your tests!

[PLASEM]

Thanks so much, I hope your treatment works too

[Hidden]

When you say three cycles 3 with a week off in between what do you mean? Also, is this 5 years just of Abraxane or in total including others meds ? Sorry for so many questions but trying to Figure out your past treatments.

I started on Abraxane in May. I received 490 Mg every four weeks. I have Zometa every three months. My dose was lowered to 390 due to debilitating side effects. (Abraxane dose) My cat scan said most bones showed some healing. I will know the real truth when I have my bone scan this month.

My oncologist said there are several other chemo drugs I can try if the Abraxane stops working. If one has stopped for you then on to the next. Have you have genome testing ? I looked into it but in Canada it’s not covered by government of drug companies 😞 at $6000 it’s too steep.

Sorry this is so long but there are lots of different treatments for you to try. Don’t let them tell you no. Hopefully this makes sense as I have a bad itchy reaction to chemo this month and I’ve been taking whatever over the counter meds I can find. Not sleeping so not yo bright today.

Sarah