Mom and Femara

[Linda in Calif.]

Hi Everyone: My Mom was DX'd with a reoccurance of breast cancer to the plueral lining of her lungs. It had been 12 years since her original DX where she had a lumpectomy and radiation. She is not HER2+ and is PR/ER+. Her Onc. is recomending that she take Femara, only. No other chemo. I am wondering if any of you out there have been on Femara, only. I don't know if the DR. is being aggressive enough, yet don't want the quality of my Mom's life to be seriously compromised if it isn't nessessary. Any info would be great! Thanks, Linda

[Jackie]

Hi Linda,
I was on Femara prior to my recurrence but progressed through it, though it's a well regarded drug and very effective for many women. I didn't realize that it was used after recurrence. As you know, Her2+ tumors are more difficult to treat and tend to me more aggressive (mine in particular certainly has been), which might be the reason I progressed through it. This probably isn't too much help to you, but it would be wonderful if your mom didn't have to undergo chemo. You might ask for a second opinion if you are uncomfortable with Femara.
Best wishes to you and your mom!
Jackie

[Kathie in NJ]

My friend has been on Femara alone for approx. 1 1/2 years. Her condition is considerered stable. She had a mastectomy lymph node involvment and chest wall. She now has it in her lungs and abdominal lymphatic system. Femara has kept her disease stable with no progression.
Kathie