Vinorelbine or Doxorubicin?

[belinda]

Thank you Smartie, sorry I don't know about how long a gap. Lots take it in fits and starts don't they so it may not be too soon as it's two years for you next year. Just to add it had failed for me after working well so it wasn't still working when I stopped it but still might be useful. Also are you er+? I don't think hormonals would do much for me now but I took Arimidex for a second time a couple of years ago and got a further 18 months with it. Good luck with your new treatment. X

[Smartie]

Hi Belinda, my oncologist mentioned the heart issue and has suggested (if I decide on that treatment) that I have an echo cardiogram before I start then it can be monitored. I have to say it's a concern but not sure how many people it affects. I am glad that you are now recovered.

i had a good response from Capecitabine, I took it for 14 months altogether - I wasn't aware you could return to it, how long a gap do you need to leave? I only finished in January 2014 so it's perhaps too recent for me.

best wishes & good luck with Eribulin, Smartie X 

[belinda]

Hi Smartie, good luck with your chemo whichever you choose. I have had Capecitabine, Doxorubicin, Paclitaxol and have just started Eribulin. I also have all the transfusions along the way too. How did you get on with Capecitabine? I ask as I was told it might be possible to return to it. I had great results from Doxorubicin but a year later I developed serious heart failure so do make sure you are well monitored throughout. I had no idea but it's a chemo which is known to be a risk but most patients are absolutely fine, I was one of the unlucky few. I have now fully recovered from heart failure. Take Care.

[Smartie]

Hi All, I haven't posted for ages but have been keeping in touch with how everyone is doing. Just had results of my latest CT scan and after relative stability at the previous scan 2 months ago I now have progression with new areas in the liver and substantial growth in the chest lymph system plus a possible in one lung. I have been ploughing my way through chemo's over the past 4 years (FEC, Abraxane, Capecitabine and lastly Eribulin), 7 cycles of this gave me relative stability from June to today but now it seems it's on the march again.

anyhow my oncologist has discussed two options today (well three if you count not having any treatment at all) either Liposomal Doxorubicin or Vinorelbine. I am not sure which way to go, I think the Dox will be more toxic but is that the best option - to hit it harder rather than being too gentle? My blood counts have suffered with all my chemo's &  I have had blood transfusions with all of them so I know I will be in the same boat again.

Any advice from your experience would be gratefully received! Sometimes I wish they wouldn't give us a choice, it makes things more difficult.

Smartie x