Keep calm, carry on.

After 2 years of radical, exhausting treatment my disease continues to progress. More bad news today that spine mets are progressing and looks like its spread to my ovaries, but this is the first time I’ve been able to not panic and take it on the chin. We get the results and my husband and I just look at each other and say ‘carry on’. I’m taking it ok, but I was wondering if any other secondary ladies could just tell me how happy they are, as I know I will be again after this last lot of dust has settled.

X*x*X*x*X

Yes, “carry on” - really sorry to hear about the progression but you and your husband sound strong. Are they offering you new treatment or are you waiting for them to decide?
Do keep in touch
Fran

Hi Annie, yes carry on carrying on…after all my years of bone mets I was suddenly diagnosed with an ovarian met last Autumn…my bones are in good shape so I was surprised, in a way. I’m having regular CT scans and my markers are back down again and all is stable at the moment…I will change chemo when I get any further progression. Felt a bit low but I’m OK now…and will deal with things as and when they happen and not before. Feeling happy and back ‘in charge’ (even if I’m not really!) :slight_smile: xx

Hi annie
I’m really sorry to hear about the progression :frowning: Its so hard isn’t it especially after going hrough the mill (+ then some!!) in the hope of keeping the disease at bay. I’m in a similar situation- it’s just been relentless since my dx in jan last year. Mx, chemo, recurrence, more surgery, recurrence again, rads more chemo… And all at the grand old age of 33…
I think we do become stronger along the way and as you say, we dust ourselves off and get on with things after each new development. I think we unconsciously prepare ourselves for the next bit of bad news to soften the blow.
What treatment will you be having next then? Really hope it halts progression + you are smiling again very soon :slight_smile:
Love tina xx

Thank you all so much for your comments and support. It’s just what I needed. I’m 30 Tina also and Bel, how is your ovarian cyst managed? I’m on Capecitabine and Lapatinib at the moment and generally toerate it very well. Fingers crossed I’ll continue to be well. Going to the coast tomorrow with my hubby and children to get some fresh air and perspective back.

Thanks again so much for your support.

Annie x x x

Annie - hope you enjoy your break with the family - weather forecast is good for most of the country - yes, I love getting out into the fresh air too - feel it contributes to helping me cope with the BC both physically and emotionally. Glad you are coping with the chemo ok - hope that continues
Best wishes
Fran
x

Hi annie. I am just about to start Capecitabine and lapatanib. I have just had my px today and was unprepared for the sheer volume of tablets. When do you take yours can I ask? I think I have settled on lapatanib at 8am, then Capecitabine about 9-9.30 with the evening dose at about 7.30 - 8.
I have my ups and downs. I have been on weekly tax for 16 sessions so I shall be happier away from the hospital. Going on holiday to Norfolk for a week in June and am SO looking forward to it. I am always aprehensive when strating a new treatment and as Lapatanib is so new don’t really know what to expect
x sarah

Hi again Annie, have a great day by the sea. PM me anytime, I’m having 3 weekly markers taken and 12-14 week CT scans to monitor and look for any changes. When things progress I will be changing chemo…it will probably be Docetaxol next. Since October nothing has changed. I hope you too also have a longer time yet with Capecitabine.
Take Care…xxx

Hi Annie

So, so sorry to hear your news, I hope this doesn’t change your plans? You have been so looking forward to a fresh start it is just too dreadful.

Yes, I am happy and feeling well, in fact I love my life now, apart from the cancer, even though I have this threat hanging over me. I am ‘lunching’ like there is no tomorrow!!!

I have had scans today, results next Friday. But I feel okay so I remain hopeful.

LOve and hugs Sue xx

Dear Sarah
I hope your new treatment has a good effect. I am on the weekly taxol now - 3 of 18 only and was hoping to keep my hair but not looking so promising. I do find it tires you on the day but otherwise not too bad. I am not sure about the tablets you are on but think they are meant to be well tolerated or so my Oncologist told me.
Did you get more side effects of the taxol as you went on or is it the same for 18 weeks. I am on paclitaxel 3 in 4 weeks with the bone hardener zometa
best wishes
joanna

Hello Annie
I just wanted to say how sorry I am to hear that your cancer’s progressing and I hope you continue to feel positive. Enjoy your time at the seaside with the family, best wishes xxx

joanna, I was fine up to about week 10 then i was getting tired. Also had tingly fingers andtoes, but I had continuous treatment with no ‘week off’. Just make sure you use difflam mouthwash, if I didnt use it for a few days i developed the beginnings of mouth ulcers
x sarah

Morning Annie

Thinking about you. Sue xx

Still thinking of you…Sue x

Hi Girls,

Just to fill you all in; I’ve been to the seaside, which was actually also a house hunting trip as we were planning to move. Get a bit of the good life. That’s why I was so devastated about my results, I just feel that if my disease and just give me 12 months of good quality life I can get my kids in order. But I need to be able to work to do this. I’ve been managing fine on my Capctiabine and Lapatinib and I’m hoping that I can avoid aggressive treatment for just a little longer. I’m seeing the oncs in 2 days to discuss a plan with them. Hopefully my new ovarian cyst can be endometriosis and I can begin biphosphonates to maintain my bones a bit longer. I’ll also get results of a CT scan to stage me again, fingers crossed- nothing else will show up. I’ve had docetaxol before and progressed quite aggressively while on it. I’m a bit suspicious of it for my cancer – BUT, I know it’s very effective for many people.
It’s so disappointing that just when you think you’re disease is being managed and you start to plan things to make your life better, it all goes pear shaped again.

Thank you, all of you for helping me get through this.

xxx