Starting parp trial this Monday

[Redwolf8812]

There are 3 arms. 1. Veliparib and Temozolomide. 2. Veliparib with Carboplatin and Paclitaxel. 3. Placebo with Carboplatin and Paclitaxel. I don't even know what to pray for. It's in God's hands. We have a family vacation scheduled for Orlando the first week of April, so I DO pray that I am well enough to go and enjoy it, especially considering that I get to see my two elderly aunts, who are the only living relatives on my mom's side of the family. I will keep you all posted. Thanks for all your advice.

[Paula O]

I wish you the very best with the clinical trial!!!!!!

Paula

[tricia keegan]

Adding my good wishes Penny and really hope this regime gives you a great response!

[chrisy]

Dear Penny,

You are a very wise woman. I pray for you that in God's wisdom you have been placed in the right treatment selection and that you be at peace with it being in His hands.

I know nothing about the V or T agents (ok, there are some drug names I have not yet learned, believe it or not!), but I was on P+C+Herceptin as my initial chemo in 2004 and was "fine" to carry out activities other than some fatigue, low counts and fuzzy brain. All of those effects were cumulative, meaning they built up over time as the cycles went on (and on and on). My point is, the first week in April you will still be "fresh" and most likely will be able to enjoy your trip. Vacation is always good for the soul anyway. Keep ahead of any nausea or other things. Listen to your body and when it's telling you its naptime, obey!

Enjoy your trip. Wish it was me!

[Mtngrl]

Blessings, Penny.

All the best.

[karen z]

Best wishes. Stay strong (yes, listen to your body) and enjoy your trip.
I think it will do you a lot of good.
karen z

[fullofbeans]

Best wishes for today sending you good vibes
Fob x

[schoolteacher]

Thinking of you, Penny.

Amelia

[Redwolf8812]

Well, I was randomized to Arm B. I'll be receiving Paclitaxel and Carboplatin, along with the Veliparib/placebo pills. I started the pills today (8/day) and I'll start the chemo on Wednesday.

Thanks for all your kind words, thoughts, advice, and prayers.

I still feel well, praise Jesus!

[chrisy]

Penny, good luck with the trial! Believe that whatever pills you are taking, they are the right ones for you!

[BonnieR]

Penny, I liked that you said "I dont even know what to pray for". Sometimes "Let Go and Let God" is the answer. That is what you have done and a decision has been made. The right one for you.
Keep the faith.

[chemteach]

Best wishes to you. I really like "Let go and let God." Decisions are made and we more onward.

[Emelie B]

Best of luck with the trial and I also like "let go and let God" lead the way.
Postive thoughts coming your way.
Emelie

[Soccermom]

Prayers that you well respond well, Penny!

[Redwolf8812]

Had my first infusion of Paclitaxel and Carboplatin yesterday. The taxol is a 3-hour drip! I feel good, just a little jittery. Stupid steroids.

Carry on!

[chrisy]

Penny, glad you have #1 behind you! You might want to ask if they can reduce the steroids in the future. Also, I would think the taxol by itself would not take 3 hours - (or maybe I misread and the entire "show" is 3 hours?). If so, they may be able to reduce that infusion time as well. Both of those adjustments would of course depend on your reaction to the infusion.

Take care
Chris

ps - I hated the steroids and just automatically took and Ativan in the evening so I could sleep!

[Redwolf8812]

They will be decreasing the steroids as time goes on. The chemo is every 3rd week and they said the trial requires the taxol to be over 3 hours, the carboplatin a half-hour, each time. Between that and the pre-meds I'm there a good 5 hours. Small price to pay.

Ativan is my special friend right now. :-)

[chrisy]

On the Ativan - don't be fooled into thinking you DON'T need it! I remember a couple times I felt tired and figured I could skip it...and of course I was up all night!

[NEDenise]

Penny,
Praying for great results, and minimum side effects.
Denise

[chemteach]

It will be good.....believe.

[Redwolf8812]

Just updating. I started a week ago with flu-like symptoms, which are a side effect of treatment. Body aches (especially bad in the legs), fatigue, malaise, and a spacy feeling, like I can't concentrate. My appetite is fine, even with a bad taste in my mouth. We're not sure yet how long these things will last. Time will tell. I take oxycodone for the pain when I need it, which actually also helps get rid of the foggy feeling in my head. Weird.

I don't know how my husband keeps things together. He does all the grocery shopping, cooks, runs the kids around, and fixes things here. After working all day he still likes us to sit down together as a family and have dinner.

I'm still working. I enjoy it and also the luxuries that go along with the income. I'm blessed to have wonderful co-workers and understanding management. So, until I feel it's too much, I get up and go.

We're looking forward to our vacation in Disney. The oncologist said she'll write me a prescription for a wheelchair. SWEET!

God has truly blessed me. I mean it. I am surrounded by family and friends that love me. What more could I ask for?

[caya]

Thanks for the update Penny.
Sounds like that hubby of yours is a keeper. Enjoy your family.
I hope you have an easy time.

all the best
caya