Bad news from the onc today

knitterjan
knitterjan Member Posts: 20
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Six weeks ago I finished 18 weekly treatments with Taxol and herceptin and am feeling quite good, almost "normal." Since the Taxol I've been on herceptin and zometa every 3 weeks with aromasin (hormone.) I thought things were stable with my many tumors, (I'm stage IV with tumors in the lungs, liver and bones.) Just got a call from my onc saying that my tumor markers increased to 126, from 65. So now she's putting me back in chemo on Gemzar, herceptin, and Zometa.

Anyone else been on Gemzar?

I knew I would have to be back on chemo at some point, but I didn't think it would be this soon.
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Comments

  • roseyposey333
    roseyposey333 Member Posts: 68
    #2
    aww, sorry to hear that, Jan
    I know that is not what you wanted to hear but try to keep positive. My prayers are with you, Jan, as you go through chemo again. Wishing you great results and purity of spirit.

    I will be there to hold your hand through this journey,

    Sorry I don't know anything about those meds but I am sure someone will be able to answer your questions.
  • pgrace35
    pgrace35 Member Posts: 122
    #3
    I'm so sorry
    I just celebrated my one year, my dear friend, whom has battled this disease for now the 3rd time is in a similar situation as you it sounds. She is on a trial now so I'm not to sure what see is taking. I know that she is on many orals and goes in for introvinus (sp?). Her cancer has spread to her lungs, brain and bones as well. I wish I had some insight for you on the meds you are asking about. All I can say is that she is my hero and her fight is fierce, I wish that for you too.
  • sal314
    sal314 Member Posts: 599 Member
    #4
    I'm So Sorry
    to hear about your setback. That's tough to take. BUT, you just have to keep fighting and thinking positive!! I know that's so much easier said than done.

    My thoughts and prayers are with you as you start the new chemo!

    Hang Tough, Don't give up! :)

    Blessings,
    Sally
  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    #5
    :-(
    Very sorry to hear this Jan, perhaps this new chemo with kick those tumors butt! Hugs to you!

    RE
  • pinkflutterby
    pinkflutterby Member Posts: 615 Member
    #6
    think positive, my tumor
    think positive, my tumor marker was in the 170's over the summer and last marker was 29! Keep the faith, stay strong!!!!!!!!!! I am also stage IV with mets to my bones and the liquid in my brain and spine. My liver mets are gone as is the tumor in my breast :)))
  • reeseslover1234
    reeseslover1234 Member Posts: 87
    #7
    Sorry for your bad news
    Jan,

    I am so sorry you've had to start right back into chemo. It's bad enough the first time around. I don't even want to think about having to do it again. My prayers are with you and your fight. Don't give up.

    Many hugs,

    Reese
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #8
    reeseslover1234 said:

    Sorry for your bad news
    Jan,

    I am so sorry you've had to start right back into chemo. It's bad enough the first time around. I don't even want to think about having to do it again. My prayers are with you and your fight. Don't give up.

    Many hugs,

    Reese

    I am very sorry
    I wishing that new Chemo will be effective and your markers will be down very soon. Please think positive. You are in my thoughts and prayers
  • Marsha Mulvey
    Marsha Mulvey Member Posts: 597 Member
    #9
    reeseslover1234 said:

    Sorry for your bad news
    Jan,

    I am so sorry you've had to start right back into chemo. It's bad enough the first time around. I don't even want to think about having to do it again. My prayers are with you and your fight. Don't give up.

    Many hugs,

    Reese

    Jan
    Here we meet again. Sorry about the report you got today. I just went through this last month, it seems that for some of us, Herceptin isn't quite strong enough to work "alone". Mine lasted only about 2 months before we were aware of the new growth. Hopefully we can get it back under control with the addition of the new drugs we now have added. This time 'round mine is Taxotere. I've never had Gemzar, but have read good things about it. Hope it's the "key to your success".

    Stay strong and full of hope, best wishes, and God bless.

    Marsha
  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    #10
    RE said:

    :-(
    Very sorry to hear this Jan, perhaps this new chemo with kick those tumors butt! Hugs to you!

    RE

    I am so sorry Jan. Praying
    I am so sorry Jan. Praying the new chemo will do the job for you!


    Hugs, Angie
  • Pinkpower
    Pinkpower Member Posts: 437
    #11
    Sorry to hear about your
    Sorry to hear about your little set back. But dont lose the faith. Wishing the new treatment works better for you. Will be praying it does.

    Lupe
  • knitterjan
    knitterjan Member Posts: 20
    #12
    Marsha Mulvey said:

    Jan
    Here we meet again. Sorry about the report you got today. I just went through this last month, it seems that for some of us, Herceptin isn't quite strong enough to work "alone". Mine lasted only about 2 months before we were aware of the new growth. Hopefully we can get it back under control with the addition of the new drugs we now have added. This time 'round mine is Taxotere. I've never had Gemzar, but have read good things about it. Hope it's the "key to your success".

    Stay strong and full of hope, best wishes, and God bless.

    Marsha

    Thanks to everyone.
    Your kind words really do make me feel better. It's amazing how alone one can feel while fighting this battle. You folks really help letting me know that others are going through this too and that your spirits are with me.
  • survives
    survives Member Posts: 254 Member
    #13
    Pinkpower said:

    Sorry to hear about your
    Sorry to hear about your little set back. But dont lose the faith. Wishing the new treatment works better for you. Will be praying it does.

    Lupe

    Tumor flare?
    I have read that once one finishes chemo, the markers jump because of the dying tumors. Could this be what is happening? I had this happen to a friend once, and she waited awhile, and redid the count.

    I HATE tumor markers. Simply hate them. I think all they do is add extra stress because they aren't really accurate. Here's hoping you the best, and you continue to feel well.

    survives
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    #14
    reeseslover1234 said:

    Sorry for your bad news
    Jan,

    I am so sorry you've had to start right back into chemo. It's bad enough the first time around. I don't even want to think about having to do it again. My prayers are with you and your fight. Don't give up.

    Many hugs,

    Reese

    Sorry to read this Jan.
    Sorry to read this Jan. Sending prayers and positive thoughts to you!


    Hugs, Jan
  • susie09
    susie09 Member Posts: 2,930
    #15
    survives said:

    Tumor flare?
    I have read that once one finishes chemo, the markers jump because of the dying tumors. Could this be what is happening? I had this happen to a friend once, and she waited awhile, and redid the count.

    I HATE tumor markers. Simply hate them. I think all they do is add extra stress because they aren't really accurate. Here's hoping you the best, and you continue to feel well.

    survives

    Hang in there Jan! I am
    Hang in there Jan! I am sending lots of hugs, support and prayers right to you!
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #16
    susie09 said:

    Hang in there Jan! I am
    Hang in there Jan! I am sending lots of hugs, support and prayers right to you!

    Jan .. no I'm not, I just wanted to send you love,
    encouragement and support. Prayers as well!


    Strength and Courage:

    Vicki Sam
  • gedikoglu
    gedikoglu Member Posts: 1
    #17
    Hi! Do not worry...My mom
    Hi! Do not worry...My mom went to the same procedure, so I can understand how you feel. But she is now much better. The thing with tumors is sometimes we expect everything will be fine so soon, but it sometimes take time to keep things in order...My mom was also in your stage and now she is doing really fine...So do not worry!!
  • cookie97
    cookie97 Member Posts: 200
    #18
    Soooo Sorry
    That had to be a devistating blow. Try not to let it get you down. You've worked so hard at this CRAP keep fighting. We're all here for you.

    Peace Love and Lots of Prayers coming your way.
    (((((hugs))))),
    Edie
  • Mama G
    Mama G Member Posts: 762
    #19
    cookie97 said:

    Soooo Sorry
    That had to be a devistating blow. Try not to let it get you down. You've worked so hard at this CRAP keep fighting. We're all here for you.

    Peace Love and Lots of Prayers coming your way.
    (((((hugs))))),
    Edie

    pINK FLUTTERBY
    WHAT ARE YOU ON??? THAT SOUNDS GREAT!
  • cahjah75
    cahjah75 Member Posts: 2,631
    #20
    Jan I'm so sorry
    that you received unwelcome news about your tumor markers today. I'm hoping the new chemo treatments work. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
    {{hugs}} Char
  • knitterjan
    knitterjan Member Posts: 20
    #21
    pinkflutterby said:

    think positive, my tumor
    think positive, my tumor marker was in the 170's over the summer and last marker was 29! Keep the faith, stay strong!!!!!!!!!! I am also stage IV with mets to my bones and the liquid in my brain and spine. My liver mets are gone as is the tumor in my breast :)))

    What an inspiration!
    Thank you for sharing your story - you have given me hope.

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