Doxil/Caelyx 15-3 Doubled

[Hopeful4Cure]

Hello all. It has been awhile since I have posted. I have read many posts from others that are also on this chemo. I had been on extremestane and everolimus since Feb after biopsy showed no mutations. Numbers up and down - over all stable with no new bone lesions, but more nodes. Dr started chemo above to get control. 1st cycle in September and 2nd last week. A rough couple of days thus far after treatment. Just got my markers back and I about fell off my chair and felt the heat in my face and heart picked up a couple of beats. They doubled and are up to 7k. I am worried. I feel so so. Just freaking out. CBC was ready with dr, but the 15-3 was delayed and I just got them. Have any of you ladies ever had an increase like this. Allison(Iwasborntodothis) I know you were up to around 8k at one time. What treatment got your numbers down? I have luminal A and it is suppose to be the easiet to treat. I just do not get it. My mind is spinning. Thank you in advance for your comments. We are all going through a lot these days it seems. Blessings

[Iwasborntodothis]

Yes - I believe 8500 was my high at one point and it was very scary. I know CA15 isn't a great indicator for some but it is for me. I have been on seven (?) treatments and all but 2 have worked for almost a year each and one even brought my CA15 down to almost normal. There are lots of options - still even to me after 7 so don't lose heart. Taxol, Xeloda, and Trodelvy all worked for a year each after the initial Ibrance year. Carboplatin and Fulvestrant failed immediately. I am currently on round three of Enheretu after a brief "vacation" on Lymparza. I'm told Eribulin (sp) would be next.

Hope this helps. Will say a prayer for your peace about this this morning. I'm not on here a ton so I will check back tomorrow. xoxoxo

[Hopeful4Cure in reply to Iwasborntodothis]

Thanks for your encouraging words. I actually thought trodelvy was going to be prior to the HT of e.e. Since 2022, Xeloda, Vinorelbin, Enhertu, and eribulin didn't do much. Numbers just kept going up. Still no mutations. I try to stay positive knowing there are other options. I had taxol in 2016. Grateful for your prayer too. Hugs

[Hazelgreen]

If I were you, I would conclude that my oncologist clearly prescribed the wrong treatment! He or she should own up to the mistake, and write a different prescription! If you have "luminal A", ribociclib with letrozole may be all you need...

[Hopeful4Cure in reply to Hazelgreen]

Interesting, isn't it? If you've read prior posts, 22-23 I had a dr who was adamant I was resistant to HT. After anastrozole and ibrance/faslodex end of 2019,when my numbers were still low, he wanted to put me in a trial. I asked several times for mutations test. Finally, Feb of 24 I got second opinion. The head of the department is my new dr, trying to "get me back" to a manageable level. Forbes mag in 2023 one of six for his excellence. I have faith. My concern are the numbers after 1st cycle. Thanks for your response.

[Elle713 in reply to Hopeful4Cure]

Hi Hopeful, I was on Anastrazole 2019 then Ibrance/Faslodex also til 2023. What is HT? I ended up with ESR1 mutation and was put on Orserdu (had major progression to bone/liver after only 2 months. On Trodelvy IV chemo now as Onc wanted to treat aggressively. What is your treatment now? Where is your metastasis?

[Hopeful4Cure in reply to Elle713]

Hello Elle 73. Ht is hormone therapy. I have no mutations. My onc is also treating in an aggressive manner. Thanks for you response.

[Hazelgreen in reply to Hopeful4Cure]

Besides general metabolic differences, I think age and general health likely make major differences in how individuals react to various medications. Unfortunately, very few physicians seem to be research-minded when it comes to figuring out the reasons for individual reactions. Good luck with your new physician!

[Hopeful4Cure in reply to Hazelgreen]

Good point. Thanks again.

[MettavivorDS]

It’s common for tumor markers to rise for a 2-3 months after starting a new treatment. As the cancer cells die off, they shed into the blood and get picked up on the tumor marker test. If the treatment is working, the numbers should go down after the adjustment period. It’s alarming to see a spike. I get that. However, it’s still too early to tell if the treatment is working.

[Hopeful4Cure]

Thank you so much for your informative response and validating my thoughts. Indeed an alarming spike. Grateful for you taking the time. It also helps to know I am not the only one with such high numbers like some have had too.

[TammyCross]

Update? When is your next tumor marker test? I can imagine how scary that spike in 15-3 was.