Hello and a question for my pink sisters!

MyTurnNow
MyTurnNow Member Posts: 2,686 Member
in Breast Cancer #1

It's been a while since I've posted anything but I do check in occasionally and think of you all often!  I see many familiar names and also see way too many newbies.  Welcome ladies you have no idea how wonderful these ladies (and gents) are!

I have been on non-stop chemo since August 2011 for Stage IV.  Most recently, I was on Xeloda; however, it was not working per my CT and PET scan last week.  My cancer had metastasized to my liver and now the scan shows a spot on my lung.  So, I am going to start Ixempra on 4/25.  It is given every 3 weeks.  Anyone have any experience with this chemo.  I do my research but there's nothing like hearing from someone with experience. 

I hope all of you are doing well and kicking cancer's butt, or even better, continuing your dance with NED!  I'll try to check in more often but I know from my observation of recent posts that everyone is in good hands.  Thanks for any information you can provide.

(((Hugs))),

Debbie

 

 

 

Comments

  • TraciInLA
    TraciInLA Member Posts: 1,994 Member
    #2
    Hug back at you, Debbie!

    Debbie, it's so good to hear from you, and I sure miss seeing you here -- and, every time I see an advertisement for Jazzercise, I think of you, and picture myself sitting comfortably in the back of your Jazzercise class eating M&Ms, and saying "Go, Debbie, go!" :-)

    But I'm so sorry the reason you're checking in is because of your scans last week, and that you're having to start off on yet another chemo adventure.  I don't have any information for you about Ixempra, but know that you're in my thoughts and prayers, and we're all here to support you, anytime.

    Traci

  • jamiegww
    jamiegww Member Posts: 384
    #3
    Hi Debbie!

    I just learned in July 2012 that I was Stage lV.  My onc started me on Ixempra and Xeloda together.  The combination was too much for me so she stopped the Xeloda and continued with the Ixempra until my scans in January indicated new cancer growth.  I have been taking just Xeloda since then.  I find myself wishing I had only had one or the other and not both so I could know for sure which one might have caused the neuropathy in my feet and hands.  My onc says the ACT I had in 2010 probably started it and the Ixempra just finished the job.  I am learning to live with the nerve damage but I wish it hadn't happened.  If wishes could come true we would really keep those wish granters busy wouldn't we?  I hope it works well for you and wish I could offer more encouragement.  Please continue to let us know how you are doing. 

    HUGS!!!

    Jamie   

  • MyTurnNow
    MyTurnNow Member Posts: 2,686 Member
    #4
    TraciInLA said:

    Hug back at you, Debbie!

    Debbie, it's so good to hear from you, and I sure miss seeing you here -- and, every time I see an advertisement for Jazzercise, I think of you, and picture myself sitting comfortably in the back of your Jazzercise class eating M&Ms, and saying "Go, Debbie, go!" :-)

    But I'm so sorry the reason you're checking in is because of your scans last week, and that you're having to start off on yet another chemo adventure.  I don't have any information for you about Ixempra, but know that you're in my thoughts and prayers, and we're all here to support you, anytime.

    Traci

    Hi, Traci, it's good to hear

    Hi, Traci, it's good to hear from you.  I have to tell you that you will have to change your thoughts regarding Jazzercise as I will now be sitting in the back with you eating M&Ms.  I had severe neuropathy from one of the last chemos and had to quit.  I just didn't have the strength or balance for it.  I do miss it!!  I'm much better now and hoping the new chemo doesn't increase the neuropathy.  Time will tell.

    (((Hugs))),

    Debbie

  • MyTurnNow
    MyTurnNow Member Posts: 2,686 Member
    #5
    jamiegww said:

    Hi Debbie!

    I just learned in July 2012 that I was Stage lV.  My onc started me on Ixempra and Xeloda together.  The combination was too much for me so she stopped the Xeloda and continued with the Ixempra until my scans in January indicated new cancer growth.  I have been taking just Xeloda since then.  I find myself wishing I had only had one or the other and not both so I could know for sure which one might have caused the neuropathy in my feet and hands.  My onc says the ACT I had in 2010 probably started it and the Ixempra just finished the job.  I am learning to live with the nerve damage but I wish it hadn't happened.  If wishes could come true we would really keep those wish granters busy wouldn't we?  I hope it works well for you and wish I could offer more encouragement.  Please continue to let us know how you are doing. 

    HUGS!!!

    Jamie   

    Jamie, thanks for your

    Jamie, thanks for your reply.  I feel pretty sure that the Ixempra is the culprit for your neuropathy.  I know that is one of the side effects.  I hope it's not too bad for me or I'll have to move on to the next drug.  Good luck with Xeloda; that was the easiest chemo I had been on.  It's just too bad that it only lasted 3 months.  I did get some hand and foot symptoms but very manageable.  Wishing you success with it!  Take care and I'll do a better job to keep in touch.

    (((Hugs))),

    Debbie

  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #6
    MyTurnNow said:

    Jamie, thanks for your

    Jamie, thanks for your reply.  I feel pretty sure that the Ixempra is the culprit for your neuropathy.  I know that is one of the side effects.  I hope it's not too bad for me or I'll have to move on to the next drug.  Good luck with Xeloda; that was the easiest chemo I had been on.  It's just too bad that it only lasted 3 months.  I did get some hand and foot symptoms but very manageable.  Wishing you success with it!  Take care and I'll do a better job to keep in touch.

    (((Hugs))),

    Debbie

    Debbie .. I am giving Thanks that you

    are Striving and Surviving --   Please know that we are here for you, ALWAYS!   Come back and visit anytime of the day.   I hope, and pray that there are minimal side efforts with your new drug..

    Gentle hugs, prayers and positive thoughts dear, dear, dear, Debbie.

     

    Vicki Sam

  • TraciInLA
    TraciInLA Member Posts: 1,994 Member
    #7
    MyTurnNow said:

    Hi, Traci, it's good to hear

    Hi, Traci, it's good to hear from you.  I have to tell you that you will have to change your thoughts regarding Jazzercise as I will now be sitting in the back with you eating M&Ms.  I had severe neuropathy from one of the last chemos and had to quit.  I just didn't have the strength or balance for it.  I do miss it!!  I'm much better now and hoping the new chemo doesn't increase the neuropathy.  Time will tell.

    (((Hugs))),

    Debbie

    That just sucks!

    Debbie, I think I'm more sorry to hear that you had to quit Jazzercise than about anything else you've said, because I know how much it meant to you to continue your classes through treatment (and how incredulously jealous I was of you for being able to be so active when we were both doing chemo!).

    And I'm sure you also enjoyed the comradery of taking a class....I might suggest that, when you feel up to it, maybe you think about trying something like a mat pilates class?  Those are usually done entirely on the floor, so no issues with balance.  Not the same fun vibe as Jazzercise, but maybe something to consider?

    Traci

  • pattimc
    pattimc Member Posts: 431
    #8
    Hi Debbie!

    I am so sorry for all that you are going through. We started this journey together in 2009, right? I've posted a few times on your FB page so I've kept up with you somewhat. I don't post on here as much either...so many new faces!

     

    Anyway, hoping the new chemo will work for you. Keep the faith!

     

    Patti

     

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