YellowTail all done Chemo!
 

I am officially all DONE my 16-week chemo regiment!

On Monday I received my last taxol treatment and I wish there was a bell to ring at the chemo suites. However there was not, so quietly I left the chair, the IV pole, said a quiet goodbye to the nurse at the front desk and walked down the hallway in BLISS knowing that that was my last chemo. Reflecting I on those weeks I did exceptionally well, minimal side effects all around, no fevers, no hospitalization thank goodness. Certainly as you most probably can all relate to it was a journey filled with plenty of emotions across the scale of course. Comparing the 4XAC to the 4XTaxol, most definitely the AC was a more foggy and challenging time yet still tolerable. The taxol, very eay for me, the first two doses I had a few sore joints and muscle aches that were handled with Tylenol Extra Strength. The Nuelasta shots were also well tolerated and I did not have to have the last shot as I am done chemo, happy happy. Now what to do with all the anti-nausea meds and Tylenol 3's that I did not use? I guess I can take them to the pharmacy.

My Onc team is thrilled with my results, cancer free from the time I had the lumpectomy and node removal and very pleased with my actions and reactions to the treatments. For me I believe it is a collaboration between the traditional meds, positive outlook, yoga, rieki and meditation.

Now on to radiation, planning and tattooing done, begin Nov. 29 for 16 sessions and 5 boosters.

Tamoxifen begins Nov. 28th for 5-years.

I have been asked to be a part of a trail study as well. Has anyone else been asked to participate in the following? or any other studies and what are your thoughts?

A PHASE lll RANDOMIZED TRAIL OF METFORMIN VERSUS PLACEBO ON RECURRENCE AND SURVIVAL IN EARLY STAGE BREAST CANCER.

It is world wide, approximately 3582 people will take part. It is a double blind study placebo group and metformin group, we will only know who was on which med at the end of the study. I am doing more research before signing on however learning towards participating. The Metformin is a med that is tried and true on type 2 diabetics and has been shown to have good effects on other cancers according to some of the research I have come across. The purpose of this study is to find out whether it is better to receive the drug Metformin with the usual treatment for breast cancer, or not. The research is being done because previous laboratory work has shown that Metformin may decrease the growth of different types of cancer cells, including breast cancer cells. Research has shown that Metformin lowers the level of insulin, a hormone found in blood that can cause growth of the breast cancer. It is not know if Metformin will help prevent the recurrence of breast cancer in patients like myself who have had their breast cancer removed by surgery.

As noted earlier I am not certain to date if I will participate, I have a 2-weeks to decide what to do. I would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions.

On the road to complete recovery!

Re: YellowTail all done Chemo!
 

Congratulations on finishing chemo, everything else I felt was a breeze so think you have the hard part done!!:)

I've participated in a few trials since I was dx and a still on the Azure trial which was to see if zometa lowered the risk of bone mets, the early trial results are out but the study is ongoing.

I think its wonderful to take part in a trial and help tx move forward and when I was asked to do so initially my first thought was thanks to all those earlier women who were in the herceptin trials and now I was benefitting so its a way of paying it forward.
From a purely selfish point of view too, I liked the fact I'd be watched and tested more closely on an ongoing basis going forward so all in all it was a good decision for me.

Re: YellowTail all done Chemo!
 

Congratulations on completing your chemo!

There's a thread on the topic of Metformin:

http://her2support.org/vbulletin/sho...ight=Metformin

Looking forward to hearing more report of the trial from you.

Re: YellowTail all done Chemo!
 

Marlene,
Congratulations! What a great feeling!

I'm involved in three trials. But the research doesn't involve my taking any medication I wouldn't already be taking anyway.

Are there any negative side effects of taking Metformin? If not...I'd go for it! Like Tricia said...other women participated in trials so we could have Herceptin.

Congrats again on finishing the chemo marathon!
Denise

Re: YellowTail all done Chemo!
 

Good news! May you continue to flourish!

Re: YellowTail all done Chemo!
 

Congrats! The rest is a breeze :)

Re: YellowTail all done Chemo!
 

Thanks Ladies for your thoughts, I have decided to go ahead with the trail, the only side effect I have been told about and read about is the diarrhea which I think I can handle simply knowing it will pass. I have also decided to start the tamoxifen for two weeks then start on the trail, whether it be a placebo or metformin I will not know until after the trail however if I get the side effect stated I think that will indicate that I am on the med not the placebo, however I could be wrong.

I agree Tricia with your comment about the many ladies that have been on trials for years before me....this is certainly a way to pay it forward :)

thanks again everyone

Re: YellowTail all done Chemo!
 

Christmas came early for you! But just in time for Thanksgiving!
Keep the faith.