and my own story, if it helps anyone. I was diagnosed stage 4 from the very beginning when my hip spontaneously fractured. This all happened in 2003 when I was in my early 40’s. I had a very successful hip replacement. I’m still here seven years later thanks to good treatments and good responses to those treatments. I’ve had many of the last seven years in remission, (no detectable active cancer) still am in remission and I feel well.
I started capcetabine and Lapatinib on Friday. I’m really lucky to get Lapaatinib because its not widely available on the NHS. I’ve had a really bad cold since last week, which I’m taking antibiotics for, so its trickey to say what side effects are coming from where. I feel nauceous most of the time and I am overwhelmingly tired, but that’s all so far. I’m pretty hopefull that when I’ve gotten over my cold, I’ll feel better.
Coming to terms now with my secondy diagnosis, which is half the battle. It’s still early days in this chapter. How were your SE’s?
Hi again Annie, I’ve been on Capecitabine since Spring 2008. 2 weeks on and a week off. A high dose, 2,000 mgs twice a day. I feel well, perhaps a bit tired on the last day of the 2 week cycle but ok apart from this. I have had the dry feet, heels side effect but use the Udderly Smooth cream lots of us use and it’s okay, manageable. My hands have been fine, no problem at all.
This is my first chemo and for me it’s been a kind chemo. I will stay on it for as long as it’s working. I haven’t had any detectable active cancer since a couple of cycles into this treatment.
I hope, once your cold is over, you will find this a kind chemo.
I hope Lapatinib is also kind…and very effective!
Belinda…xx
Hi Belinda, I am an admirer of you too! Love to read your posts.
I came off Capacitabine around December and it has been good to have a break from it this summer. As you know Belinda I have had a secondary diagnosis since 1999. For thise who don’t know me I have bone mets in Spine, ribs, thorax and pelvis. I have many painkillers including morphine and am taking Bondronate every day for bones. There are times when I am not so well but am having a good spell…touch wood. I see my VConsultant in a few weeks for ususla 3 monthly check-up…but don’t expect to change anything at this stage. I have been told that I will probably go back onto Capacitabine if this change. Meanwhile I intend to enjoy my little spell of freedom. Love to all and always around if any newbees want to chat…but you too Belinda! Love Val
I am on the combo of capecitabine and lapatinib, although having a break from the chemo due to toxicity. I found I got very tired on the capecitabine although I am not sure if this side effect is more prevelant in those taking Lapatinib as well. Any thoughts anyone? Anyway, good luck with it. I get my latest blood test results tomorrow and find out if I’m going back on capecitabine. I was originally given less than 12 months 17 months ago, but I always was fairly obstinate and never like being told what to do!
Hi Snoogle, I was given a 50% chance of surviving 2 years…that was around th4e year 2000…guess I must be as stubborn as you! They just don’t know and I hope your treatment works for you for years to come. Love V
Hi Ladies, Just found this thread and thought I’d drop a line or two into it! As some of you know, I have secondaries in my liver and spine and after having had 12 weeks of Tax which didn’t work, I was put onto Arimidex. I also take Bondronat for the spine. I saw the onc yesterday and I’m delighted to report that the tumour markers have dropped to an incredible degree and my liver function is almost back to normal. I only have to see him every 3 months now when I will have a blood test and hopefully the results will remain good for the forseeable future. It’s so nice to be able to post some good news for a change. The se’s from the Arimidex are aching bones and muscles but I’ve been taking Glucosamine with Chondroitin and MSM for the last fortnight (3 a day) and I can hardly believe it - but it seems to be effective. The joints are much easier now. I could barely turn my neck a couple of weeks ago and now there’s virtually no pain at all. Amazing.
I hope that you are all feeling well today and whatever you are doing, enjoy! Lots of love, Dianne x x x
Hi, thank you for this posting. This is the first time I have had the courage to read the discussion forums as i am usually frightened at what I might read. I am 38 years old and was diagnosed with primary breast cancer in Jan 2009 and secondary breast cancer in Feb 2010 (liver, lung and lymh node mets). I have two young children and a great husband. It is great to hear that there is hope even with a secondary diagnosis. Thank you so much. Allison x
Hi Alison, Glad you have found the site yet sorry too that you have also been diagnosed with breast cancer. Please keep in touch with us all. there are lots of lovely ladies on here with secondaries so you are not alone. I have had bone mets for 11 years now. Please keep posting and if you prefer you can send a Private message ( a PM) to any of us if you wish. I hope you get lots of support from the lovely ladies on here and will look forward to hearing how you are doing. Love Val
Hi all, just had the courage to read this page as some of the others are too frightening at the moment. Just been diagnosed with secondary in the bone of my shoulder after finishing treatment for primary breast cancer end July 2008. I’ve just had my 43rd birthday and I’m waiting this week for a CT scan to determine if it’s anywhere else. This page is the sort of page I want to read at the moment - the positives about living with secondaries, so THANK YOU all so much xx
Sorry that you are finding yourself in here. I am glad that you are finding positive stories inspiring. Belinda and Val(and numerous others) have been very good at turning my thinking round from ‘dying of cancer’ to ‘living with cancer’ and believe me there is a huge psychological difference.
I felt very similar to you this April, when I discovered I had bone mets, after initial diagnosis at the end of 2006. I mistakenly asked what my prognosis was (knowing what I now now, this was a silly question and the onc should have told me that there were too many variables to answer it, but he didn’t and he scared me!) I then came onto this site and Belinda responded sraight away and I immediately knew that that was what I wanted to hear and I have listened to others on here instead.
In April I felt dreadful, each time I went for an appt they revealed another area that had mets. I had a CT scan which revealed a had another breast tumour and a growth in the soft tissue somewhere near my aorta (I freaked at this!) I was mentally planning my demise and crying regularly. As time went on, mainly due to support I received on here,I began to feel more and more positive and then I had a repeat CT scan last month and had the results 2 weeks ago. There is no further spread and a possible slight reduction in my breast, which demonstrates that the hormones I was changed to are working!
I guess what I am trying to say, amid my ramblings, is that we all understand how scared you are feeling now, most of us have been there at some time (and go back there now and again) but there are other times when hopefully you might feel more positive and just want to get on with your life. I am totally aware that I could feel different at any time but for now I am enjoying living my life and don’t want this bl**dy BC to affect my life mentally as well as physically!
Back from my 3 month check-up and all appears stable so I’m happy. The doctor did a full examination of scar area, lymph glands, lungs etc,etc and said they were all looking good, as were my blood tests each month. Keeping on the zoladex, arimidex and zometa as long as they work and next appointment in 3 months.
Hope my good news passes to everyone else with mets. 3 years ago I would never have believed I would still be here and feeling so well. Hope to be saying the same thing in another 3 years and 3 years after that too !
Just wanted to say what fanastic news Liz, I’m so pleased for you. Got back from Rome yesterday, was delayed by 1.30 because of the Pope’s visit. Finally got home art 11.00pm very tired, but we had a lovely time.
I think this post is a lifeline when you’ve just been diagnosed, which is a dark and scary place, the unknown is always the worse. This time last year I was so ill and awaiting for my demise. but I’m a different person now that I’ve been through treatment.
I totally agreed with Nicola you’ve got to living your life and make the most of what you’ve got. I try and put BC to the back of my mind and plan lots of different things to do and always have something to look forward to.
I’m just getting ready to go on the Moonlight walk in Herne Bay, got all the gear to dress up plus taking my youngest daughter and a couple of friends along so such be a laught. Got my husband to marshall.
Take care everyone and I’ll talk to you Liz on Tuesday - once again brilliant news.
