Chemo number 5 :( Abraxane or Gem/Carboplatin
Thank you New Flower for letting people know that I'm ok, it's hard to get on here sometimes and then when I could get on, something else would come up. I just finished 10 rounds of radiation to the 2 largest tumors on my spine and it kicked my butt hard this time. My first go around with radiation last year didn't seem this hard and it was 30 treatments, anyhow, I'm slowly coming out of it and the pain has decreased as well. I see my oncologist on Monday to get started on chemo, I've decided to give it another shot and I have to say I'm SO SO SO NOT looking forward to this one. My options are Abraxane or Gem/Carboplatin combo. She said the Abraxane would be easier but I don't know that I want "easier", if I'm going to be sick, lose my hair (which really makes me sad considering it came back twice as thick, curly, and I've grown quite fond of it), and go after this beast again, then I want to hit it with both barrels. The other option was a clinical trial on the parp inhibitor (I'm triple negative) but time is not on my side right now and I've been off of all chemo for a month now since the Xeloda wasn't working. It scares me to see how much my cancer grew in 5 months while I was taking 3000mg a day of Xeloda, so I need to get on this thing asap. However; this parp inhibitor could get FDA approved while I'm taking another chemo and it could still be an option up the road. If anyone has had any of these chemos, will you please give me a heads up on how they affected you, I know were all different but it sure helps to get others experiences. As for life, I've slowed down immensely, I no longer work part time and I'm no longer in school. These last mets that arrived really done a number on me physically and emotionally so I chose to step back. I do have my garden in this year and it is my "Happy Place" so I spend a lot of time in there, it's really big and always needs my attention. I've really missed all of you and I'm going to try and read through some posts so I can catch up on how every one is doing. Thanks in advance for any advice on these chemos
Big Hugs ~Kari
Comments
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Thanks Kari for posting! We
Thanks Kari for posting! We have all worried so much about you. Sorry to read that you are feeling so bad and I pray that soon, you will feel better and stronger.
Your happy place sounds great! You enjoy it!
Please post Monday to update us on your chemo.
Hugs,
Angie0 -
You are always in my prayersAngie2U said:Thanks Kari for posting! We
Thanks Kari for posting! We have all worried so much about you. Sorry to read that you are feeling so bad and I pray that soon, you will feel better and stronger.
Your happy place sounds great! You enjoy it!
Please post Monday to update us on your chemo.
Hugs,
Angie
You are always in my prayers Kari, always! I wish I could wave a magic wand to rid you of the beast, and, to take away your pain.
All of the pink sisters here are in your corner, cheering you on.
Take care & keep posting,
Sue 0 -
Sorry, double postAngie2U said:Thanks Kari for posting! We
Thanks Kari for posting! We have all worried so much about you. Sorry to read that you are feeling so bad and I pray that soon, you will feel better and stronger.
Your happy place sounds great! You enjoy it!
Please post Monday to update us on your chemo.
Hugs,
Angie
Sorry, double post0 -
My garden is my "Happy Place," too!
Kari, I think a garden is the most perfect "Happy Place" there is -- especially if you get some fresh, delicious, healthy food from it, too!
I'm glad to hear some positive news from you, but I have to say I think the best part of your post is your new picture, of you looking so beautiful (look at those curls!) at your (just as beautiful) daughter's wedding.
Big hug to you,
Traci0 -
Kari.
Hi!! I am so happy to see you back here. You are always in my thoughts and prayers too. I want to continue to wish you good luck on your treatments. May God protect you, and make you feel well soon. May these treatments be easy on your body - with minimal to NO side effects. Good to see you. 0 -
I had 3 different types of
I had 3 different types of chemo Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin(TCH)(3), FEC 100(2) and Abraxane(1). My onc tried everything because I was having such a rough time with "Big D" and dehydration. The recoupe time was quicker with the Abraxane. It was the last one that I took. Best I can remember, no Nuelasta shot with the Abraxane.
We live in Florida and we do our garden in the winter. It is too hot for the vegs we plant to grown in the summer. My husband says that I am the Migrant and he is the Farmer because I do the picken and he does the plantin.
Hugs
Donna0 -
Kari .. Our dear WARRIOR ..poplolly said:I am so sorry that you're
I am so sorry that you're having a difficult time right now. My husband loves to garden. My outlet is painting. It's so important for all of us to have that one place we can relax. I'm sending you hugs and positive thoughts.
Judy
Like the others, I am so happy you checked in to let us know .. what is going on in your life.
Sounds like your have a strong and solid specialize medical team in place -- and there is a plan of action. I am happy that your are concentrating on you right now.
Enjoy your garden, the smiles of your family, all the love and prayers showered on your daily.
Health, Happiness, Strength and Courage -- I pray for you.
Gentle hugs,
Vicki Sam0 -
Hi Kari
I did 12 of the Abraxane and unfortunatly it did not do what they hoped, my tumors kept growing. The good part was that it was relatively mild. I had it on Wednesday, and by Friday I was so exhausted that I slept most of the day. But by Saturday afternoon I was feeling better. My onco said that the Abraxane was the preferred treatment with mets to the bones, it just didn't work on me.
Compared to Erubulin which is what I am on now, Abraxane was mild, although while I was having it, I didn't think so! This one is kicking my bum really hard, I am down 4-5 days a week with it. But I have 2 good days each week and every third week no chemo, which is heavenly. So I will take 12 - 14 good days a month.
Like you, there was no was physically or emotionally that I could continue working, so I now enjoy each day that I feel good!
Good luck with your decision, and let us know what you decide!
Prayers and good wishes to you and your family.
~Carol0 -
You look so beautiful inJean 0609 said:Hang in there Kari!
We all ♥ you. Love your profile picture at your daughter's wedding. You look marvelous! xoxo, Jean
You look so beautiful in your new picture Kari, but, you always did! I'm so glad that you decided to take treatment, even though it is kicking your behind! You stay strong and rely on us if you need support and encouragement.
I'll be looking for your post Monday about your chemo plan.
Hugs and More Hugs,
Kylez0 -
Hi Karicamul said:Hi Kari
I did 12 of the Abraxane and unfortunatly it did not do what they hoped, my tumors kept growing. The good part was that it was relatively mild. I had it on Wednesday, and by Friday I was so exhausted that I slept most of the day. But by Saturday afternoon I was feeling better. My onco said that the Abraxane was the preferred treatment with mets to the bones, it just didn't work on me.
Compared to Erubulin which is what I am on now, Abraxane was mild, although while I was having it, I didn't think so! This one is kicking my bum really hard, I am down 4-5 days a week with it. But I have 2 good days each week and every third week no chemo, which is heavenly. So I will take 12 - 14 good days a month.
Like you, there was no was physically or emotionally that I could continue working, so I now enjoy each day that I feel good!
Good luck with your decision, and let us know what you decide!
Prayers and good wishes to you and your family.
~Carol
I am not a doctor, however I did a little research about these drugs/combinations. "Paclitaxel is sold under name Taxol. A newer formulation, in which paclitaxel is bound to albumin, is sold under the trademark Abraxane" . It seems like Abraxane has the same active ingredient as Taxol. As far as I remember you already have had Taxol two years ago. Please ask your doctors questions. I am sure you want effective treatment being confident that Chemo drug you are taking is efficacious against cancer.
Good luck with your appointment. We are always here for you.
Hugs,
New Flower0 -
Kari, I am so glad you havepoplolly said:I am so sorry that you're
I am so sorry that you're having a difficult time right now. My husband loves to garden. My outlet is painting. It's so important for all of us to have that one place we can relax. I'm sending you hugs and positive thoughts.
Judy
Kari, I am so glad you have your garden to help you to relax. I am praying for you.
Hugs, Jan0 -
I'm so very sorry Kari thatpoplolly said:I am so sorry that you're
I am so sorry that you're having a difficult time right now. My husband loves to garden. My outlet is painting. It's so important for all of us to have that one place we can relax. I'm sending you hugs and positive thoughts.
Judy
I'm so very sorry Kari that this time with rads is so hard. I am praying that it will get easier for you and that you will do well with your chemo.
Hugs and prayers,
Megan0 -
double postpoplolly said:I am so sorry that you're
I am so sorry that you're having a difficult time right now. My husband loves to garden. My outlet is painting. It's so important for all of us to have that one place we can relax. I'm sending you hugs and positive thoughts.
Judy
double post0 -
I didn't have chemo Kari,BlownAway60 said:I had 3 different types of
I had 3 different types of chemo Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin(TCH)(3), FEC 100(2) and Abraxane(1). My onc tried everything because I was having such a rough time with "Big D" and dehydration. The recoupe time was quicker with the Abraxane. It was the last one that I took. Best I can remember, no Nuelasta shot with the Abraxane.
We live in Florida and we do our garden in the winter. It is too hot for the vegs we plant to grown in the summer. My husband says that I am the Migrant and he is the Farmer because I do the picken and he does the plantin.
Hugs
Donna
I didn't have chemo Kari, but, I did have rads. They really exhausted me, but, nothing like what you are going thru. I will be praying that chemo will not be hard on you. Please keep posting to update us as we all love you.
Hugs, Lex0 -
Hi KariNew Flower said:Hi Kari
I am not a doctor, however I did a little research about these drugs/combinations. "Paclitaxel is sold under name Taxol. A newer formulation, in which paclitaxel is bound to albumin, is sold under the trademark Abraxane" . It seems like Abraxane has the same active ingredient as Taxol. As far as I remember you already have had Taxol two years ago. Please ask your doctors questions. I am sure you want effective treatment being confident that Chemo drug you are taking is efficacious against cancer.
Good luck with your appointment. We are always here for you.
Hugs,
New Flower
Sometimes you just need to take care of you--and that's what you're doing. Taking a break from work and school is sometimes necessary to get the best outcome from your treatments. You don't need the extra stress or fatigue.
I hope the treatment plan you go with works wonders and not only gives you relief but also kicks that beast squarely in the butt.
Thank you so much for having the time and energy to let us know how you're doing. By the way, I love, love, love your new pic--gorgeous.
Hugs, Renee0 -
How did your appointment goNew Flower said:Hi Kari
I am not a doctor, however I did a little research about these drugs/combinations. "Paclitaxel is sold under name Taxol. A newer formulation, in which paclitaxel is bound to albumin, is sold under the trademark Abraxane" . It seems like Abraxane has the same active ingredient as Taxol. As far as I remember you already have had Taxol two years ago. Please ask your doctors questions. I am sure you want effective treatment being confident that Chemo drug you are taking is efficacious against cancer.
Good luck with your appointment. We are always here for you.
Hugs,
New Flower
How did your appointment go today Kari?
Hugs, Angie0 -
Thinking of you and prayingAngie2U said:How did your appointment go
How did your appointment go today Kari?
Hugs, Angie
Thinking of you and praying Kari.
Jan0
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