Exhausted usefulness of Ibrance/Faslodex. Experienced heart issues on 1st treatment of Xeloda, and onc says not wise to try again. So, knowing I react poorly to Taxol, he’s recommending gemcitabine infusions.
Reading paper specifics are one thing- hearing your experiences are quite another. I’d be grateful for any who can share their experience on this chemo. (This is my 3rd type of iv chemo in 5 years, so many are excluded due to previous use.). Thank you.
4thTimesTheCharm -
I'm sorry that you're facing a change - I imagine it's a stressful time - and I'm afraid that I don't have any experience with that treatment. I just googled and it certainly sounds potent so I hope it's very effective for you!
Just wanted to wish you well with it...
Take care,
Lynn
Thank you, kind friend.
I’m just trying to remember to be grateful that there is additional treatment to use rather than my naturally rebellious mode which says “I don’t want to do this any more.” And trying to get an accurate picture of what experience others have had...which might be silly anyway since we’re all different in the way our bodies react. More lessons in “trust.”
Ahh, well. Thank you for your kind support always. kc
Dear 4th...It is so challenging...And I do hope (actively...meaning sending my most positive energy) that this treatment just decimates those cancer cells!
I know a lot of us are on the "easy", lite treatments right now, but you've pulled out the big guns/artillery. It's likely to be challenging, but hopefully well worth it! Lynn
I’m on my 4th chemo in a year 1st Ibrance/letrozal 2nd paxlitaxol 3rd Zeloda now on Adriamycin which seems to be working no side effects with any except Zeloda which was awful. Just keep trying something will work🌹
Thank you for your note. hoping your treatments continue to be side-effect free!
Thanks
Why do they keep changing treatments? Is it because of side effects or because it is not working? Can they tell in so short a time if it is working or not?
I had Adriamycin in my first line of defense when I had stage 3c cancer. I understood its main danger was to the heart. I got flip floppy heartbeats at first but they went away after awhile. There is a limit to the amount you can take over the course of a lifetime. I took it every other week for I think six sessions and that was my lifetime allowance.
When I was on ibrance and also paclitaxal my tumor markers jumped up Xeloda I couldn’t tolerate ended up with a bowel blockage and in hospital Adriamycin is working tumor markers dropped from 1100 to 800 I am at the lifetime but they are checking my heart so far so good I get a weekly injection of 32mg so we will continue for a while they also are adding another injection to protect the heart I’m praying it stays good
Thanks for your input. My first Adriamycin Cocktail for bc was in 2002, 7 cycles. Subsequent chemos in 2016 and 2018 had to avoid the A as I was at max already. Had significant progression suddenly after @20 mos on I & F.
Xeloda nearly sent me to the ER with Heart issues and chest pains, And shortness of breath. Changing to something he’s hoping will slow the cancer from overtaking the liver.
Just trying to get an even picture.
Appreciate your note.
Can you Let me know what You are given. I am suffering with xeloda but cant go on taxol again untilNov
I’m not sure what more I can tell you. I am to start the gemcitabine on 14 July. Have port placement scheduled a fee days prior. Hope that is more clear. Best to you as you work through your own chemo choices.
I never had it but I know someone on it that tolerated it quite well.
Best wishes that U tolerate it well..😀
I appreciate the encouragement. Thank you.
Do you know if you reacted poorly to the actual taxane in Taxol or to Cremaphor, the solvent needed to deliver it? I ask because I'm allergic to castor oil (Cremaphor) but am doing well on paclitaxel (Abraxane). It is also a taxane but is bound with albumin that doesn't require Cremaphor.
Whatever the next treatment, I hope you do very well on it. Gemzar is also on my list of options after Abraxane.
Take care!
Patty
Hmmm. I really don’t know that answer. I think we’re avoiding taxol as I’ve had it before and retain some neuropathies. Trying to avoid adding to that problem!
Thanks for Th e idea, Patty. I’ll ask the question.
Again- interesting. I’ll bring this up at the next conf w onc
Hi,
I was on Gemzar for 3 months. I loved it smooth treatments no side effects at all.
My oncologist goes by tumor markers and said mine went up 100 so it did not work. I would have liked to give it more time.
Some doctors do not go by markers.
Hope it works for you and I wish no side effect on you also.
Good luck.
Barbara
Hi, Barbara-Thanks for sharing your experience. Sorry you couldn’t stay longer on the Gemzar since SEs were minimal, but glad your onc was quick to monitor progression. Any idea what you will switch to now?
My onc does not follow tumor markers as primary indicators. It’s interesting to see how each prefers which indicators to give credence to.
I got my port today and will start a Gemzar on Tuesday so i guess I’ll find out soon enough.
Thanks again and best to you on your next round. -KC
(BTW-did I ever tell you that I lived in Middlesex County NJ for nearly 12 years?)
No did not know you lived here. Where are you now?
My oncologist put me on abraxane after the Gemzar. Took tumor markers down from 4400 to 100 and 3600 to 200. But side effects put me in hospital for two weeks. WBC went to zero diarrhea vomiting could not get out of bed mouths sore down throat no appetite food taste bad 5 toe nails fell off lost all hair sores on arms. Very bad.
Not sure what next treatment is had last on May 20 needed time to build strength will start chemo again on July 20. They are putting a port in on 13th..
Just hope no side effects with new one.
Barbara
The port eases treatment day-removing one stressor every cycle. Expect to be a little sore for the first few days, but it’s manageable.
I’m glad you have a span of time to let drugs clear the system before the new start.
Remember-we can request a break in schedule when we need to. We can take “chemo-holidays” and I will continue. Sometimes time with family is a better exlir than our poison meds!
Thanks Sandra-still feeling a little rummy, but not too painful. Just trying to do some quick healing to be ready for Tuesday. Thank you for your kind thoughts! Kathleen
Could you give me some idea of what I will go through please?
Piqray or Xeloda? What were your experience?
Questions on treatment options
