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GemAbraxane Side Effects

Posted by bethf @bethf, Apr 25, 2023

My oncologist is recommending GemAbraxane for second line treatment for recent recurrence. I am scared of the Abraxane side effects. He said 100% of patients get fatigue, hair loss. and messed up blood counts. I know some of you are having or have had GemAbraxane. I also hear that few people can tolerate the Abraxane and have to drop it and do Gem only after just a few treatments. It would be helpful if you can share your experiences. Thanks, Beth

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bethf | @bethf | Apr 30, 2023
In reply to @lvtexas "@bethf Where did your cancer originate? Have you been or are you going to a major..." + (show)
@lvtexas

@bethf Where did your cancer originate? Have you been or are you going to a major cancer center? Are you stage 4 because of the portal vein only? Reach out to Mayo Rochester and have them look at your scans - Dr Patrick Starlinger. Double confirm your staging and options.

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To answer your question, I was diagnosed at stage 2B and had a whipple and six and a half months of whole fair enough which knocked things down to NED status. I was NED for 10 months and now appear to be having recurrence. My options are a clinical trial or chemotherapy. I am currently stage 4. The tumor has intruded into my liver and is at risk of closing off the portal vein and also at risk of blocking the bile ducts. If it gets much bigger. I know I do not want multiple surgeries or heroic measures, but am willing to consider chemotherapy again. However, it's a hard decision to make when I feel wonderful. As far as treatment, I am at a center for excellence which is UC Health at Anschutz in Denver, Colorado with a highly qualified and experienced oncologist, Dr. Wells Messersmith, who is the head of the department and also very involved in both research and clinical treatment. I also had a great surgeon. I also flew to UCLA and met with an excellent doctor and researcher there about an immunotherapy trial but found out I no longer qualify for that because the cancer is growing. So I got a second opinion from UCLA. I might consider a third opinion, but mainly to find out how much time I'm likely to have before the intrusion occurs because I do know that surgery is not an option and I know the chemotherapy is the other option I have. Have. If you know of any other options for treatment though I would be very happy to hear about them.

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1 reply
bethf | @bethf | Apr 30, 2023
In reply to @bethf "To answer your question, I was diagnosed at stage 2B and had a whipple and six..." + (show)
@bethf

To answer your question, I was diagnosed at stage 2B and had a whipple and six and a half months of whole fair enough which knocked things down to NED status. I was NED for 10 months and now appear to be having recurrence. My options are a clinical trial or chemotherapy. I am currently stage 4. The tumor has intruded into my liver and is at risk of closing off the portal vein and also at risk of blocking the bile ducts. If it gets much bigger. I know I do not want multiple surgeries or heroic measures, but am willing to consider chemotherapy again. However, it's a hard decision to make when I feel wonderful. As far as treatment, I am at a center for excellence which is UC Health at Anschutz in Denver, Colorado with a highly qualified and experienced oncologist, Dr. Wells Messersmith, who is the head of the department and also very involved in both research and clinical treatment. I also had a great surgeon. I also flew to UCLA and met with an excellent doctor and researcher there about an immunotherapy trial but found out I no longer qualify for that because the cancer is growing. So I got a second opinion from UCLA. I might consider a third opinion, but mainly to find out how much time I'm likely to have before the intrusion occurs because I do know that surgery is not an option and I know the chemotherapy is the other option I have. Have. If you know of any other options for treatment though I would be very happy to hear about them.

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Not whole fair enough, It is supposed to be Folfirinox. I should have proof read before sending.

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lvtexas | @lvtexas | Apr 30, 2023

@bethf sorry to read you had a Whipple and cancer still returned. I had Whipple surgery that removed bile ducts and part of pancreas and gallbladder. My recovery was tough, still recovering. Once recovered I will do chemotherapy. If you are open to chemotherapy, which one are you being offered? And would radiation have a benefit or no? Blessed in health as you make some very hard decisions.

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