First line of treatment

[monkeygirl62]

Well, I finally got to see my oncologist at Fred Hutchinson cancer center today. And finally a treatment plan! This all took time because I moved from South Carolina to Seattle for cancer treatment and to be with my kids. My oncologist was grateful I had done all the tests and biopsies prior to my appointment. So she has started me on ibrance and letrozole. As well as an antidepressant which I really need. My MBC is left breast, lymph nodes, with lung mets only nothing in bones. I am ER+/HER2 negative. She is also referring me to palliative care because I have lots of pain from the cancer, my left hand and under my armpit. I can't use my left arm and hand. I feel relieved to finally get cancer care. I do have upcoming appointments, one for CT scan since my last one was August 2nd. Then every 4 weeks blood work. Every 3 months CT scans. Standard line of treatment. A previous oncologist said I need chemotherapy. Glad to know I won't be doing chemo right off the bat. Big sigh of relief today.

[Aprilfoolz1]

monkeygirl62, I see Dr Symonds at Fred Hutch . It's a great cancer ctr . I've been on Ibrance and fulvestrant for 4 years now with great results .

[monkeygirl62 in reply to Aprilfoolz1]

Hey Aprilfoolz1! That's who I see too. Dr. Lynn Symonds. Maybe sometime we could grab coffee or tea at the cafe there.

[Aprilfoolz1 in reply to monkeygirl62]

Yes! I'd love that . I'll be there in December (I think on 12/11 for a petscan and see Dr Symonds on 12/18?) . Do either of those dates work ?

[monkeygirl62 in reply to Aprilfoolz1]

Not sure yet, I don't know my schedule yet. I will let you know. Maybe it will have to be after the holidays. I do have a scan that needs to be scheduled but not sure when yet.

[Aprilfoolz1]

no worries - let me know when you have appts there . We can wait until 2024

[monkeygirl62 in reply to Aprilfoolz1]

I will let you know as soon as I know more.

[atoth17]

I also go to Fred Hutch, I see Dr. Hunter, we are lucky to go to such a wonderful facility. I’m so glad you are getting hooked up with palliative care, it has made such a difference in my care as a whole person, all the people in that department are wonderful.

Good luck,

Allison

[Aprilfoolz1 in reply to atoth17]

Another in the PNW ! I agree, I feel lucky we have such a great cancer center locally.

[monkeygirl62 in reply to atoth17]

Awesome that you are also at FH! I know I need palliative care to manage this cancer journey.

[LibraryGeek]

Good luck with your treatment. I got 4 years from Ibrance/Letrozole and lived a pretty normal life on it.

Jackie x

[monkeygirl62 in reply to LibraryGeek]

Thank you Jackie, I hope that the meds work long-term for me also.

[love2golfwell]

Glad you have a treatment plan and a good doctor. I have been on Ibrance and Letrzole for 3 years and have done well so far. Hoping you get relief from your pain and that someone can help you regain the use of your hand. Sending you hugs and prayers for good results on your scans. Take care.

[monkeygirl62 in reply to love2golfwell]

Thank you! I hope too the neuropathy can be healed.

[November1944]

Hi there. I also am on Letrozole and ibrance, which is holding thingsit seems. I hv had no problems apart from thinning hair and my nails are still a bit deformed.also got really tired for a while but after ibrance was reduced that seems to be recovering also.I have even told that when ibrance is no longer effective there will be plenty of alternatives . I have three monthly monitoring ct scans and follow up.I wish you well on your journey.

[monkeygirl62 in reply to November1944]

I will be on every 3 months scans too. And monthly blood work. I too was told lots of options if the first line of treatment is no longer effective.

[Gramat]

3 years and 10 months on Ibrance and Letrozole - No evidence of active disease after 6 months of starting treatment. Praying for many more years of this.

[monkeygirl62 in reply to Gramat]

Wow NED after only 6 months!! That's amazing.