First CT scan tomorrow after starting new treatment

[Julie2233]

After ibrance and faslodex stopped working in the summer, and afinitor and exemestane didn't work for me, the oncologist thinks that the cancer is now hormone negative, though the bones remained stable.

I was accepted on a trial for cabazitaxel in January. It is licenced for advanced prostate cancer and is similar to paciltazol which is used for advanced breast cancer, but is given every 3 weeks instead of weekly and is supposed to have fewer / less severe side effects.

I've started my third cycle today and it's not been too bad. The first cycle was a breeze, the second cycle was ok. I suffered from persistent nausea, acid indigestion and mild fatigue but I still have my hair (trying not tempt fate!) and generally have felt better and healthier than when I was on afinitor and exemestane. Since starting I have been able to continue working albeit at home and have only taken one day of sick leave.

My blood results today were all back in normal ranges - neutrophils were 3.6! My cancer markers have dropped from 48 to 40 and my ALT levels have come back into normal range, from 69 to 35!

I have my first scan tomorrow and feel very nervous. I won't have the result until mid March and am trying to stay positive, but it's worse than waiting for exam results.

[Julie2233]

Thank you for your positive vibes - much appreciated 😊I did get a bit low over Christmas with the uncertainty of what was going to happen next. No one was telling me anything. Though being off the meds, whilst worrying, gave me time to recover, I did have a rough time on afinitor.

I've also moved hospital but kept my oncologist. The staff in the new hospital are so much nicer and even the oncologist is less obnoxious 😊

I am horribly positive normally but the last few months have been harder than usual. Just keeping my fingers crossed for the scan 😊

[Hidden]

Hi Julie! I also have scans tomorrow, so we can go through our jitters together! As you note, all indications are positive, so I'm hopeful you'll have some good news!

Take care,

Lynn

[8576 in reply to Hidden]

I also have scans today and won't see the oncologist until March 6th. Maybe she will phone me but I doubt it. I have been put on Anastrozole. Didn't understand that from the last visit so will pick it up today. Hope it works with my change in Breast Cancer type. Good luck to all of us.

Cheers, June S.

[mariootsi in reply to 8576]

June, wishing you good scan results!

[8576 in reply to mariootsi]

Oh thanks. The scans went well. The bone scan doesn't take as long now so things are improving. Yea! I will probably phone next week to see about the results or wait until my next appointment March 6.

Cheers, June S.

[Julie2233 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, glad it's done. The staff at the new hospital were great and got the cannula in first time. Just for the waiting now. Hope yours went well too.

[Hidden]

I’m glad you are tolerating this and that the trial was there for you to access. Scan anxiety is so rough. 🤞🏻

[Julie2233 in reply to Hidden]

I really fought against going back on intravenous chemo because I had such a rough time first time round but this one is a lot easier and I feel better than when I was on the afinitor. Just waiting now until 11th march for the scan results.

[Red71]

I’m hoping that your scans will reflect how you are feeling and how your blood work is looking! The uncertainties of being in a study rather than following an established protocol can make it harder for you to feel as good and as positive as you usually are but it sounds like it is working so take heart!

[Julie2233 in reply to Red71]

One of the reasons I went for the trial was that there was better and more frequent monitoring. One of the lovely ladies on here found me a link to a trial undertaken in the States which showed similar outcomes for both drugs but better quality of life with the trial drug, so fingers crossed. So now it's just a matter of waiting, always the hardest part.

[mariootsi in reply to Julie2233]

It is the hardest part.

[Red1246]

Congratulations on your lab work and the success of your new meds! I know the night before a scan fear but it sounds like things are in your favor. Try not to worry too much. Will he thinking of you and sending all good wishes. 🙏🏻Kathleen

[Arisgram]

You are due some effective treatment and good results! I will be thinking of you today!

Andi

[Wintervt]

So glad you are feeling better! Sending love and positive vibes for your scan!

xo Jade

[Rotagirl]

Thinking of you Julie, treatment sounds positive. Onwards and upwards, Fayx

[mariootsi]

I will be praying for good scan results for you! I hate that you have to wait so long for results.

[SeattleMom]

God bless you, Julie! Praying for positive results for you! ❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻

Linda

[Justme153]

So glad this treatment has less side affects for you. Wonderful news on your blood work. Keep thinking positive your results will be good also!!