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Something new in the treatment arsenal?
Breast Cancer | Last Active: May 1 9:04pm | Replies (58)Comment receiving replies
Hello @californiazebra
The plan is that as long as the medication is working, I will stay on it. Fingers crossed that is for a very long time.
In terms of neuropathy, it is minimal.
As for quality of life, as I did with all the other medication‘s, I continue to do everything I want to do, which includes going for walks, dragon, boat practice, spending time with my friends and family and grandkids, travelling, entertaining…
What is different is that some days I do have to take more breaks, particularly in the week following chemo. As well, am regularly through the day having to put a variety of eyedrop’s in my eyes, as well as rinsing my mouth due to pretty significant mucositis. The mucositis also impacts my eating and drinking so that is a bit of a juggling act, but things could be much worse.
That being said, it is all quite manageable just takes a bit of planning and juggling and ensuring I listen to my body to stay as healthy as possible.
With the other medications, Anastrozole and Kisqali gave severe bone pain in particular in my feet and hair thinning, but was manageable.
Affinitor and Exemestane I had a terrible rash and trouble breathing so that had to be stopped pretty quickly.
With the Xeloda, I had nausea every single day, for the whole afternoon, which was more of an issue than what I’m dealing with now.
So long story short, I am living my life and doing all the things I want to do, just with more breaks, more medication’s for side effects and a few more steps to try to be more comfortable, but I’m still doing it all. Hope that answers your questions, feel free to reach out if you have more. Take care, LeeAnn
Replies to "Hello @californiazebra The plan is that as long as the medication is working, I will stay..."
Good morning, just a little update on my recent scan.
As a reminder I was diagnosed June 2020 de novo stage 4 breast cancer, HR+, HER2- (now considered HER2 low) Mets to bones in 7 places.
Kisqali and Anastrozole for 16 months, was NED then progression.
Also monthly XGeva injections which I still do.
Switched to Afinitor and Exemestane for about 6-8 weeks, had to stop due to bad rash and breathing trouble, continued disease progression.
Went on Xeloda for 6 months, didn’t work, continued disease progression.
Started the Tropion 01 clinical trial, phase 3, November 1, 2022.
Recent scan shows no sign of bones Mets, no sign of initial breast tumour, 3 lymph nodes still showing but have shrunk from initial scan and have remained the same size for last 6 months. Dr said it might actually be scar tissue and not cancer.
No new lesions or any evidence of disease elsewhere, all major organs continue to be clear!
Grateful for the Trial, Dato-Dxd and my medical team at the MUHC here in Montreal!!
I just started Xeloda on Monday ( 3 days). What were your major side effects? I will be on this for 33 treatment days M-F along with Proton Therapy ( double whammy)
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Hi LeeAnn @leeann66
Thank you for all the great information in your upbeat response. I'm so glad you are still able to enjoy life despite all the challenges with the cancer and, often more so, the cancer meds. I believe your positive outlook will take you a long way. Prayers for good scan results. Zebra