Anyone on Gemzar (Gemcitabine)?

Posted by jmg1 @jmg1, Mar 25 5:58pm

Diagnosed with Leomyosarcoma 4 1/2 years ago. Metastasize to my lungs two years ago and then to mice bones a year ago. Have had two surgeries and six stereotactic radiation treatments. My last scan showed it had spread to my pelvis and pancreas. My oncologist is suggesting gems are, which is a Chemotherapy given intravenously three times a month. I was told when I was first diagnosed that chemo does not work on this particular cancer, but they’ve recently had some success with Gemzar. I promised myself I’d never go beyond treatment if they suggested chemo it’s too early to go into hospice, and the doctor said that if I don’t do the chemo, the pancreas will run havoc on my digestive system and be very painful. I’m at a quandary because I really never wanted to start chemo but not sure what’s in Store if I don’t anyone else in this position or have any ideas or suggestion, all will be appreciated… thank you, June

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mcoplien | @mcoplien | Mar 27 12:11pm

Hi June, my husband has recurrent pancreatic cancer. He had chemo and surgery 2 years ago. He has had it for 2 1/2 years. He was cancer free for 20 months. Initial chemo was 5FU for 6 months, followed by tumor removal, half his pancreas and his spleen. Now the caner is in his stomach. He has had 4 rounds of Abraxane and Gemcitabine, 2 times a month. Side effects are not too bad, mainly fatigue. It has been shrinking his tumor and cancer marker was going down until yesterday 🙁 This chemo was easier to handle than 5FU. Kim

jmg1 | @jmg1 | Mar 27 12:55pm

Hi Kim,
Thank you for taking the time to respond.
Sorry to hear about Your husband‘s difficult journey, but it is helpful to hear that I am not alone
battling this very challenging disease.
Having difficulty staying positive, but there are good days and bad days as you know.
Wish you the best, June