After 5 years with bone mets last year I underwent chemo (FEC) for the first time then following further progression at the beginning of this year I underwent my second chemo regime. I finished Abraxane (Paclitaxol) in June of this year and the follow up CT scan showed a good result with reduction in enlarged lymphs in chest. Just had the latest CT scan last week and it shows new bone mets as well as growth in all the lymphs including new ones into my abdomen. Have been feeling pretty ropey and have lost weight so was perhaps expecting bad news but it was still a shock. I cried for the first time ever in front of my onc it just seems to have progressed quite quickly over the last couple of months.
We discussed treatment options and he has suggested one of the following, Vinorelbine, Eribulin or Capecitabine or have no treatment at all. If this was the route I took he thinks I would deteriorate gradually over the next 6 to 12 months (can’t quite get my head round that even though we all live with the "terminal"prognosis hanging over us!).
He seems to think that all 3 treatments would have a similar efficacy so I guess I have to consider the impact of them and the side effects, he implied that Eribulin caused the most weakness to the immune system and perhaps considering I only finished the last chemo a few months ago this might be an issue for me.
I have all the info sheets and have been looking on the internet (fatal I know!) and I guess am just looking for any experiences that you ladies have of any of the treatments above, I know I am only delaying the inevitable now but don’t want to spend whatever time I have left feeling completely wiped out by the treatment rather than the disease.
Am seeing my own GP later this week and my onc has suggested support from the Macmillan team which up until now I haven’t had communication with.
Feeling scared now and fearing the worst. Sorry to have rambled on but it feels better to get it off my chest!
Oh smarties,you must be in total shock with every thing flying around your head. Please don’t apologise for getting your worries off your chest.
I can’t really give you any advice on chemo as I haven’t had any yet. But there are lots of wonderful people on here that will be along to support. Huge hug to you xxxxxxHelen xxxxxxxxxx
Hello Smartie, what a shock for you, I’m only commenting as a patient but I’m quite surprised your Onc is suggesting no treatment just now? When I came off Arimidex, it stopped working in 2004, I had new bone mets, significant number of new bone mets and mets to both ovaries. I then started Capecitabine which lasted well for 4 and a half years. More progression to spinal mets I had some rads and started Doxorubicin which worked well. Now, as a chemo break I’m back on Arimidex and it’s started working again, the 2nd time around. I don’t know how long I have before I have more chemo but at the moment the hormonal has been working for 4 and a bit months. Good Luck with whatever decision you make, take care Smartie. x