Hi all, had results of latest CT scan yesterday which, after 14 cycles of Capecitabine, shows progression to my liver. Numerous spots the largest being 3cm (which seems massive!). Up until now it has just been bone (diagnosed 2006) and lymph node mets (diagnosed 2012)
Have to say that I half expected bad news as I haven’t been feeling myself lately and have lost my appetite and some weight but it’s still such a shock, I can’t help feeling that it’s progressing at a fast rate now (last scan was just 3 months ago which showed no liver involvement) and am worried about a big deterioration.
I am to start Eribulin in a couple of weeks time (only just finished my last cycle of Cape so need to give my bloods a little time to recover) - can anyone give me any idea what it will be like? And how effective it’s been for you? I have had 2 IV chemos in the last 3 years FEC which gave me 12 months before progression and Abraxane which only gave me 3 months, have to admit that I really struggled with Abraxane and am dreading going back to IV. I used to complain about taking all those peachy pills…if only!
My nurse doesn’t think my veins will hold out for another round of chemo with all the associated blood tests too so is recommending a Hickman Line, again any tips or advice would be gratefully received.
Trying desperately to stay positive but keep bursting into tears every time I think about it - thank god for waterproof mascara!
Smartie x
Hi Smartie, so sorry to hear your news of progression to liver.
I have bone and liver mets, I’m on capecitabine though probably not for much longer as tumour markers/liver function are on the up
Capecitabine is a relatively mild chemo so maybe you would need a stronger option. I had eribulin in 2013. It was relatively doable, no problems with nausea etc. Unfortunately I lost all my hair - some people keep their hair, others have thinning. Eribulin is kind to nails so if you had nail problems with cape they will recover. I also had fatigue with eribulin, but recovered after I stopped (I had 7 cycles - it can be given “indefinitely” if working).
Oh Smartie - I’m so sorry that you have had progression to your liver. It is such a shock even if you were expecting it and it is natural to worry about what it might mean.
I’m afraid I can’t add any useful experience about Eribulin but hope it keeps the little uggers under control for you.
I’m sure some liver mets ladies will be along with wise advice, but until then (((Smartie))).
Oh smartie,I’m soooo sorry. Huge hugs. It so hard hitting when a chemo comes to the end of working. This one will kick butt xxxxxx we are all here for you,massive hugs xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
So sorry to read of the progression Smartie. There are ladies on FB that have really good results with Eribulin and not too many side effects. It’s great that that your getting on it in time before its cut from the drugs fund too. I had hoped this may be an option for me at some point but I believe it’s one that is being cut. You’ll be okay as long as your starting in time. Good luck! Xxx
Hi Smartie, I am sorry to read your news. Along with the support you have here don’t forget that our helpliners are here for you 9-5 weekdays and 10-2 Saturdays on 0808 800 6000
I was diagnosed in Feb2014 with lung and pleural mets. Started paclitaxol in May, after 7 weeks it wasn’t really working and went on letrozole. Been on this for six months and lungs are continuing to improve but my last scan showed a suspicious mark on my liver
I am waiting on a mri to investigate further. If this is further mets I am disappointed that letrozole only worked for six months although the onc said he may leave me on letrozole for my lungs and monitor the liver as sometimes liver mets can remain stable for some time after appearing. My head is all over the place. My son is 14 and suffers from muscular dystrophy. I may have to wait 3 weeks for scan and further week for result. I have taken a diazapam this morning as the anxiety is making me ill.
Gillg, i was on paclitaxol first and didn’t respond but I responded well to letrozole. I met a woman while getting Chemo who like you had bone, lung and liver mets from the get go. Half way through Chemo everything had disappeared except for small lesions in her liver. You can get good responses to secondaries. You will find loads of evidence of this on other threads. Hope you get a good response, but remember the are loads of other drugs to try.
