I have just been taken off my Capecitabine Chemo for a while by my Onc as my feet have got really sore. I have been unable to drive these last few weeks as they became raw, swollen and bled everytime I stood up. Has been quite a nightmare.
They have started to improve now which is such a relief, as I was beginning to think that they would never ever be normal again. I didn’t appreciate my mobility until I hadn’t got it! I reliase how some of you ladies must suffer.
I am going to stay on Herceptin but now with Arimidex too. I think this combination is meant to be good, but feeling a little nervous as now off chemo for a while. Hope it controlls my Liver Mets.
Hi Pauline
Yes I’m on both these plus zoladex since I’m pre-menopausal. Now aged 44, was 41 at dx.
DX in April 2005, had 6xFEC, then started this combination August 05. Things still appear stable. I was diagnosed primary (both breasts) and liver mets within a few weeks of each other. I have never had surgery. Right breast tumour was very large- approx 15cm, left breast tumour 1cm. 15% of the liver was covered in ‘spots’. Since chemo, they can only detect one very small tumour which in subsequent scans is hardly visible.
Overall I feel well - can get tired easily but otherwise quality of life is very good on this combo. I have no side effects apart from being menopausal - hot flushes, dry skin, joint ache first thing in the morning.
Very best of luck with the treatment - previous chemo sounds awful. keep posting with how you’re going on.
I am really pleased that you are doing so well… and being diagnosed with both primary and secondary at the same time! You must have been devestated.
I get really bad joint ache in the morning too… feel like and old woman until I get moving!
I live in Poole Dorset… are you going to the BCC secondary taskforce event at Westminster next Weds?
Snap I am too 44. Diagnosed firstly 6 years ago… always had a feeling though that something was lurking in my body. Re diagnosed October 2006 on an extra check up due to a past Herceptin trial for early breast cancer which I had been on 2 years previously. I felt fine too! My Onc felt my tummy and said it appeared harder than normal… scanned me just to be safe and hey presto there it was (7 cm).
Liver met has shrunk quite considerbly since then… so fingers crossed it stays that way!
Glad to hear that my story made you feel happier. Yes it was a shock - made worse by the fact that I asked for a prognosis which was very bad !
I have made contact with others, some of whom are doing really well. In particular I remember reading about a lady in Australia who is 12 years post dx of liver secondaries.
It’s interesting to know where you are - our drugs combination is very expensive and you hear so much about the postcode lottery.
Unfortunately I won’t be going to the conference. It’s half term here and my 10yr old and hubby are off, although we can’t go far - I broke my arm a few weeks ago and can’t drive and hubby’s just had a small op which makes him less mobile. We’re a right set of parents !!
Was just about to email you privately to say have you posted here as well as bcpals and then found out you do!
See you on Wednesday - not sure where we’re going for lunch yet but my friend is looking at the net. I’m veering towards Covent Garden but she thinks there’s something on the South Bank but will email you tomorrow or Tuesday to let you know where we’ll meet up.