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Who else has had Gem-Abraxane chemo regimen and for how long?
Pancreatic Cancer | Last Active: 4 days ago | Replies (42)Comment receiving replies
Hello 199
Noted that you have been on gemcitabine/abraxane for over two years, and you had a four-month break. Have a question for you since you're more experienced at this:
I've been on it now for 11 months every other week (about 22 treatments). My CA19-9 has been in the 20s for the last three months.
My oncology team never brought up the possibility of a break. Are breaks from the treatment standard or even common? I had not heard that other than maybe a one week break on occasion.
Thanks for whatever insights you have.
Replies to "Hello 199 Noted that you have been on gemcitabine/abraxane for over two years, and you had..."
I had been offered a break or vacation a few times when my CA19-9 was down to 8. I think that would have been the time to take one, but I was determined to keep up with chemo. After 44 treatments, my CA19-9 was slowly creeping back up when I took the break. I took it because I felt so worn out. I think if I had taken the break sooner it would have been longer. Who knows.
I was going down again but had to miss one chemo due to pneumonia & my numbers went from 29.4 on 10/31 to 93.9 on 12/5 then to 105.2 on 12/19 so no more breaks. I have to admit it was a great 4 months off the chemo: started getting hair, had more energy, could walk better & breathe better!
I do not think breaks are standard. It is up to you & your oncologist.
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Do you explore side-effects after the chemo? I just had my first one, and was very tired and nausious