Need wisdom ! iBrance / Faslodex now moving to Afinitor/Exemestane and Faslodex. Was doing so well on iBrance/Faslodex. Sigh.

[Adele_Julia]

Hello Ladies,

I was diagnosed with MBC in Nov of 2020. It started with the cancer at the precise same location as my lumpectomy in 2019 when I was originally Stage 2 with lymph node infection. Went through the lumpectomy in 2019 (Feb), 4 months of Chemo, a full right lymph nodal dissection, 2 months of radiation that ended Nov 2019. In Nov 2020, I was put on iBrance/Faslodex. Petscan prior to. In May of this year, the Pet showed a 31% reduction in tumors but additional fluid to the pleural lining but reduction of "spots" that lit up. Had the thoracentisis 3 weeks ago. Drained 2 cups of fluid. So we all knew since Nov 2020 that it was "suspicious" for pleural malignancy. OK. But 6 months of progress. Yesterday my onc called on a telehealth call and said "We're moving you from iBrance/Faslodex" to Afinitor/Exemestane and Faslodex. " Her response is that we are bringing in a battleship. Still confused with great progress on iBrance/Faslodex in 6 months from having been diagnosed that I'm changing up medication. Trying to bridge the gap between then and now. My basic question is what leads to the change in medication? Sorry I'm rambling. A bit confused which doesn't help with my level of myoptic focus on my journey.

Heart hugs .... worry wart here.

Julia

[love2golfwell]

It does seem surprising that your doctor is changing treatments when it sounds like you had good progress on the Ibrance/Faslodex. Can you have another conversation with your doctor or her nurse to find out more about her reasons for the change? I would definitely want a detailed discussion with my oncologist if faced with this situation. I will pray that you get the answers that you need so you can make an informed decision. Best wishes.

[SoulJourney]

Hey Julia,

Sorry to hear you are struggling. It seems like you are having the carpet pulled out from under you when you are going in a positive direction and your treatment is suddenly changed.

It is natural and positive to question; many times I have had to go into an appointment and say..."I just don't get it can you explain to me again why we are making this change? I need to get my brain onboard so I can positively move forward with this plan for successful treatment."

My paranoid self wants to go in and go what the hell, while jumping up and down screaming and crying. Lol. It doesn't help and I have to tell that person (my paranoid self) your oncologist has a degree, studied, specializes in treating you, either you trust her or you don't. Ask questions to seek understanding not to undermine, ultimately if you trust them then move forward confidently believing they know what they are doing and have your best interest at heart.

It is good for your own healing and recovery to have that confidence. I am 5 years past my expiry date!

Even bad news can be good news, I firmly believe know is always better than not knowing and we call them specialists for a reason!

Hugs,

Tammie

[Adele_Julia]

Hello Ladies ! They are moving me from Ibrance/Faslodex to Afinator/Faslodex. I was incorrect in stating it was both Faslodex and Extremane. My onc said it was because the MBC moved to the "fleshy part" (Pleural lining) and she's bringing in a battleship. WTF?! I'm also on Careoncology.com protocol. But I can not say how amazing it is to have you lovely ladies redirect my myoptic focus. Heart hugs everyone !

[Adele_Julia]

Love you sweetheart. And I agree ! Thank you for jumping in and "heart hugging" me !

(( wow ! I'm a poet and didn't even know it ))) lol.

Thank you !