Less-Toxic Drug PProlongs Survival in Metastatic Breast Cancer
 

To my smart, knowledgeable sisters......

It was because of this support group that I knew about this study and I can't thank you all enough.

I was about to reenter chemo for a recurrance and the plan was to go back on taxotere which had been fairly successful. After reading an earlier post, literally the night before my Dr. appointment I went in and asked about Abraxane. My Dr. agreed to give it a go!!! (I believe she was using it for non-BC patients)

So....here it is, 6 weeks later and an update.

My Dr. wanted to use the exact dosage used in the study, which was a higher dose than she had used for other cancers. My white blood counts and platelets took a huge hit and while I was able to receive my 2nd weekly dosage, I couldn't receive a third.

YIPES....let's just say a little unnerving. OK...more than a little...I was sort of crazy for 3 days.

So, I skipped one session and had my ususal 3rd week off.

I just had my 3rd treatment at a lower dose that my Dr. has used in the past.

The side effects have been almost non existant. YEA!!!! Big round of smiles!!! (OK...it is still a taxane so I am losing my hair.....I cried about that on another post) No mouth sensitivity to the degree that I had with taxotere and I "should" avoid that whole scarry lifting nails thing. No neuropathy to date.

I'll keep everyone posted after my next scan in August as using Abraxane was also coupled with the zapping of the liver met via cryosurgery.

Right now we continue to creatively use available tools to beat back the beast and hopefully will receive validation via Pet/CT in August.

OHHHH>>>for another thread. I also convinced my Dr. to run a Circulating Tumor Cell test to see if we can use that as a marker. I receive the initial test next Thursday.

Again...thank you....thank you all who post information. It has DEFINATELY impacted my treatments for the better!!!!

Love....Lori

Hi Lori
So glad the abraxane is going so well and you are having less side effects than taxotere.
I am due my 4th cycle of taxotere next week and had the horrible nail lifting and a bad skin rash. I'm sure these toxic effects are solvent related.
I hope abraxane will be available here in the UK soon but as usual the cost is an issue!
Keep us posted with your progress-I am really pleased for you
Ellie