Breast Cancer Now Forum

Streaming eyes are so debilitating! Every time I look down my glasses are covered in tears. I have a tissue in my hand permanently. Even had someone say ' Don't cry' when I was walking the dog!! ... View more

Just wondering if anyone else at Christies on eribulin? Are you having steroids? I'm on 8mg for 3 days. I'd like to wean off . Plan to chat to doctors next time. I've had 6 cycles but my dose has been reduced twice as my liver tests are up and down and it has hit me hard, although no nausea. I think dex can cause muscle weakness so given the neuropathy I wondered if it would not help. Alternatively I guess it might be reducing inflammation? Will be quizzing the oncs! Phoebe xx ... View more

Yes the fatigue is really hard. It's my worst day today (Moody Monday i call it) I have finally accepted I just have to collapse and rest completely. Yes drinking loads is essential too I will let you know how the mitts go. Could have done with the foot ones when my feet were burning up on capecitabene! ! Love to all xx ... View more

Hi everyone good to read about your eribulin experiences. I have had a bit of a rough ride I think possibly because my liver mets are very advaneed and I seem to be very sensitive to the chemo. After 3 cycles though the liver mets were shrinking which ishould fantastic. I have had to have a 40% reduction in dose to cope. My main problems now after 6 cycles is extreme fatigue and neuropathy. I've just started using the cold mitts for hands and feet like the cold capping to see if it helps. Know what you mean about the weird calf sensation too! Phoebe xx ... View more

Hi Helen Thanks for your message! yes I was due to start Wednesday but due to an oversight in the paperwork they gave it to me yesterday. Had a good nights sleep which always helps. Thye've given me steroids for a couple of days to make sure I cope. 21 months is a good length of time (at least good in my world!) ; they've told me 12 max, and thats being optimistic, but they are hopeful of a response and of course they never can tell, so we are relaxed and positive about things.    Sorry to hear you're having to move on, I can understand how you feel. I was doing quite nicely on the capecitibene and then a similar thing happened to me. The uncertainty of what they will offer and what you will have to cope with next is tough and unsettling. I'll be interested to hear what the next treatment is. All the best, I'll be thinking of you xx   ... View more

The laughing yoga sounds great Tatyana! I love yoga and meditation and find it a life saver! Great free app called Insight Timer with loads to choose from. Enjoy your coffee outing Anne. Friends have kept me sane on this journey! Hugs x ... View more

Hi Anne it would be a good idea to get referred to your Occupational Health department. This will probably happen anyway as part of the protocol. They are usually very good at supporting you through this process and making sure your employers work with you to facilitate a return to work that is manageable for you, as and when you feel ready. Don't put yourself under any pressure or try to make any firm decisions yet. Hugs Phoebe x ... View more

Love your reply Pippin! Sat having my steroids as early as possible so they don't keep me awake ! Thanks for making me smile at 5.30 am! ! Quite an achievement! Did you know Anne, that actually forcing a smile and breathing slowly can fool your mind into thinking all is well even when you feel like .........! Worth a try!! Or we can wait for Pippin'so next post! Hugs and smiles all xxx ... View more

Hi Anne It's so easy to blame yourself and early on we all search for reasons 'why" I was fortunate enough to be picked up on a routine mammogram at 49 but still developed secondaries 4 years later. They were so advanced I suspect the mets had spread early on. As the others.have said, it's all part of the shock and adjustment but it's best to focus on each day and look for the little blessings that come along. I have found the only way to cope is a day at a time! Yesterday was difficult but it's gone now. Today I will hopefully be having my first eribulin in the next hour! Thinking of you Anne Hugs xx ... View more

Thanks so much Sarah xx ... View more

A very challenging day at Christies yesterday. Due to start my eribulin, but a series of errors meant the proper paperwork had not been completed so the drug could not be issued. We were at the hospital all day while they tried to sort everything out, but were then sent home. I gather its very expensive and only given after 2 failed chemos, so there are tight controls. We have a 4 hour round trip to the hospital, so waiting for the call today to say the drug has arrived and we can go ahead! Very stressful Hoping and praying for a result today!! ... View more

Hi Anne The waiting is incredibly hard for everyone and you're reaction is perfectly normal. Probably good to try not to Google as it can be scary and misleading! I'm amazed at the vast array of treatments and the quality of life they give. It's a continual process of adjustment but you will find ways to relax and get through. Sounds like you've a great hubby supporting you Hugs Phoebe xx ... View more

Thanks liz ......and apologies for the previous typo! Predictive text can land you in all sorts of trouble!! X ... View more

Hi all  Relieved to find my bloods have remained stable in this interim phase - I know the cancer has grown in my liver, but fortunately I've kept well with no treatment for the past 4 weeks. Now I've been given the go ahead for my first eribulin on 10th April I'll be celebrating my son and husband's birthdays with all the family this weekend, so we're all overjoyed I've got the promise of the 3rd line chemo and hopefully many more months/years of quality time ahead!   Beautiful sunny day here! hope everyone in good spirits Hugs Phoebe xx ... View more

Thanks Nicky and Lizard that's very helpful Xx ... View more

Hi I'm hoping to start eribulin next Tuesday. Can anyone tell me if you have to take steroids before the infusion? Thanks Px ... View more

Hi Carol I've just found out cape isn't working for me. I've been on it for 9 months. I have extensive liver mets and minor lung and bone mets. I was on taxel initially. I have been offered eribulin subject to my bloods being ok. It's fairly new and expensive so I understand it's only offered if 2 previous chemos have failed. From what I've read here it seems well tolerated and some ladies havery been on it for a long time. All the best with the scan Hugs Phoebe x ... View more

Hi Liz thanks for that lovely encouraging message which is just what me and my husband needed to hear today! So glad you are doing so well on the eribulin! Have a very Happy Easter Phoebe xx ... View more

Hi Clarrise and all the other 'eribulin' ladies I hope you are all still doing well on Eribulin? I have had taxel and capecitebene, which has now stopped working. I am hoping to start eribulin on 10th April, if all my blood tests are ok Phoebe xx ... View more

Thanks Tatyana xx ... View more