I have ER/PR +ve HER2 negative BC with one met site (spine) that was discovered prior to the BC. I’ve had radiotherapy to the spine (effective) and have been prescribed ribocyclib (200mg - reduced from 600mg over time) and Letetozole.
There is no involvement of the lymph nodes.
I don’t understand why I have not been prescribed chemotherapy? What are the considerations as I’ve heard of people getting chemo with mets.
Hello. I don’t know if this is of any help, but I think they reserve Chemo when you have mets for later if needed. Two years ago, I had quite a lot of Mets in my spine and was put straight on Ribociclib after radiotherapy with fulvestrant ( which I think just the same job as Letrozole or similar. ) I started on 600 mg and went down to 200.mg . There are other treatments also before they want to do Chemo generally speaking for mets I think . I hope that’s correct information but it was certainly my experience that I was never offered Chemo when they first discovered Mets in my spine… it was offered eventually ( but chemo tablets ) when the Ribociclib wasn’t holding things . I wish you well .
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That’s helpful. Thank you so much…fingers crossed I won’t need it, I guess❤️
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Hi poppy6
Thanks for posting.
It’s natural to wonder what treatment you should be having when you have breast cancer mets (secondary breast cancer).
All treatments for secondary breast cancer are evidence based, meaning that research trials have proven their effectiveness in treating the disease. In recent years many more drugs have been developed to treat secondary breast cancer, often with more tolerable side effects when compared to chemotherapy.
So for many people, depending on the individual situation, this means that there are other treatment options to try before chemotherapy, as @Gillmary has said.
Some people may still need chemotherapy as their first treatment because of the biology of their breast cancer.
Letrozole and ribociclib is a very common first line treatment combination for secondary breast cancer. The treatment is recommended for use in this way in both International and NICE guidance for treating hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative secondary breast cancer. These guidelines can be difficult to understand, but your breast care nurse or treatment team will be able to discuss with you why this combination has been recommended in your case and answer any questions you have.
You may be interested in our living with Secondary Breast Cancer services… They’re all facilitated by trained counsellors, to help you find the support you need, in person or online. However, you access a service, you’ll be able to talk, listen and learn with people who understand the challenges that secondary breast cancer brings.
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