Connect
Metastatic Breast Cancer treatment options
Hello all, Firstly thank you for creating this forum. Late August I was diagnosed with stage 4 MBC that has gone to @3 bones and through the skeletal system. Bone biopsy confirms BC in bones but PET shows the bones are not hypermetabolic where the breast & lymph are hypermetabolic. I'm in Raleigh NC. My surgical & medical oncologist have ruled out surgery, chemo & rad leaving me with one option, Ibrance with an inhibitor. I've read the trials ( 2016-17) on Ibrance and it seems like 79% of participants have lower immune responses. Firstly, Like to know if anyone has feedback on a newer protocol/drug regime as this seems to have been developed 3-4yrs ago. And anyone have personal experience with Ibrance if they could let me know what their day is like, quality of life. I understand everyone's different... I'm 68yrs, living alone and this decision weighs heavy on my shoulders. Thank you for your responses.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.
Connect
Yes, my doctor said she has paperwork for me to get the $0 copay if I wish. I have been given a name to get the Greece test which I think is what you're mentioning with Foundation One I'm not sure I think the genome test they gave me was just to see if it was an inherited gene or not. There's so much information coming at me from different sources, I have to say I'm overwhelmed. Thank you for reminding me about this.
I am starting 10th month on IBRANCE & letrozole-my side effects are fatigue, hair loss & joint pain. So far the drugs have stopped new progression of bone Mets. My side effects are tolerable-exercise, good nutrition, prayer & support of family & friends certainly help to counteract & keep me positive & hopeful.
At start, Dr lowered ibrance dosage as he monitored my WBC. With lower dosage, WBC was not as severe.
@junec-good luck to you as you make decisions!
@djwc
Biotin may help with your thinning hair - I had read about that and take a high dosage and seems to help with mine due to aromatase inhibitor. However, if you do take it, you need to be off of it a few days before labs, such as thyroid, as it can skew results. Thank you for sharing your experience with Ibrance for @djwc.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI'm just so scared all of a sudden,
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI'm just so scared
@junec
Hang in there and take one day at a time. If you have a local breast cancer support group or cancer support group you can go to, please sign up. Right now in our area, we just have WebEx or Zoom meetings, but it still helps considerably to know there are others out there that share same feelings. This is a GREAT site to be out in addition to local groups. Sending virtual hugs to you.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 Reactions@junec
Of course you are... that's a perfectly normal reaction. There are days when we all feel overwhelmed by the entire cancer journey; but just when we think that we can't take it any more, we get busy with something and the feeling passes. Managing those feelings has been aggravated by the Covid situation, in my view; the isolation makes us focus (too much) on ourselves. That is the ideal time to pick up the phone and call a friend... see how she is doing and whether there is anything which you can do for her (share a recipe, recommend a book, send a card, etc.); it's also a good time to spend ten minutes in meditation or deep-breathing exercises... send out a good intention into the universe for peace and wellness; or call a pastor and ask that s/he pray for and with you. The anxiety will pass and you will get back to your life. Know that the entire MayoConnect community walks with you, and is rooting for the best of outcomes for you.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 Reactions@junec I think everyone that is on this forum would agree that it’s very normal & ok to be scared! I think sometimes the ‘possible’ side effects & the fear of what will happen creates much fear & anxiety! Make sure that you trust your Dr & support staff. And surround yourself with positive & supportive people! I was very scared & overwhelmed at first-I am now focusing on self care, prayer & appreciating each day. (And I feel very well most days!)
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsChecking in @junec. How are you doing today?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI have been thinking about you as well, @junec. I hope you are staying strong. You have a support group here that you can always rely upon.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions