Use of Gemzar for Breast Mets

Ellen263
Ellen263 Member Posts: 4
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I've just started my seventh chemo... gemzar...as a result of additional spread to my right lymph tissue. I started with inflamatory breast cancer three years ago and it spread to my bones, brain and now lymph tissue (area of original cancer spread). Has anyone been on gemzar (gemcitabine) that can tell me of its potential side effects and, most importantly, how well the chemo has worked for them? I would be soooo grateful. Blessings, Ellen

Comments

  • tlmac
    tlmac Member Posts: 272 Member
    #2
    Hi Ellen, A close friend in my Reach to Recovery support group found out her cancer had spread to lungs last year after battling 3 local recurrances. The oncologist put her on Gemzar and her last scan was good. Her hair has thinned slightly but she did not lose it. She is very active, babysitting grandchildren 5 days a week and has no problem keeping up with them. I believe the most serious issue was her blood count so they monitor it regularly. With the use of drugs like Procrit for red cell count and Neulasta for white, blood counts can often be controlled without discontinuing the chemo. Best of luck.
    terri
  • Ellen263
    Ellen263 Member Posts: 4
    #3
    tlmac said:

    Hi Ellen, A close friend in my Reach to Recovery support group found out her cancer had spread to lungs last year after battling 3 local recurrances. The oncologist put her on Gemzar and her last scan was good. Her hair has thinned slightly but she did not lose it. She is very active, babysitting grandchildren 5 days a week and has no problem keeping up with them. I believe the most serious issue was her blood count so they monitor it regularly. With the use of drugs like Procrit for red cell count and Neulasta for white, blood counts can often be controlled without discontinuing the chemo. Best of luck.
    terri

    Terri, Your response was so encouraging...thank you! I was on Abraxane prior to Gemzar and it fatigued me excessively. With my latest spread, my oncologist felt Gemzar would be an easier option. Your feedback confirms his comments. Although I've only had two infusions of Gemzar, I know what you mean about low counts and have definitely experienced drops in my WBC, RBC and platelets. However, I'm receiving shots for both my white and red counts. As for the platelets,my chemo nurses are monitoring them and apparently will cut back my chemo dose if they go too low or hold on my treatment until they increase. Either way, it sounds to me like this round of chemo will be easier and, hopefully, produce a good outcome. Again, heartfelt thanks for your reply. Ellen
  • tlmac
    tlmac Member Posts: 272 Member
    #4
    Ellen263 said:

    Terri, Your response was so encouraging...thank you! I was on Abraxane prior to Gemzar and it fatigued me excessively. With my latest spread, my oncologist felt Gemzar would be an easier option. Your feedback confirms his comments. Although I've only had two infusions of Gemzar, I know what you mean about low counts and have definitely experienced drops in my WBC, RBC and platelets. However, I'm receiving shots for both my white and red counts. As for the platelets,my chemo nurses are monitoring them and apparently will cut back my chemo dose if they go too low or hold on my treatment until they increase. Either way, it sounds to me like this round of chemo will be easier and, hopefully, produce a good outcome. Again, heartfelt thanks for your reply. Ellen

    Ellen, I will pray that your response to Gemzar is as favorable as my friend, Charlotte's. Take care.
    terri

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