HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - rejected from weight-loss study due to previous breast cancer

Gerri · 08-20-2008, 02:14 PM

Jyber,

Wow! I got frustrated just reading about your experience.

Yes, the coordinator should have checked with someone higher up to make sure she was answering your question correctly. It is so frustrating when you try so hard to make something happen only to be turned away due to the incompetence of others.

Do you have access to the trial criteria? If so, does it state that having been treated for cancer excludes you from the study? If there is nothing in the criteria stating this and you are interested in pursuing it, you may be able to contact the Principal Investigator in the study and ask for confirmation that you do not qualify.

If this doesn't work out don't let it undermine your determination to lose weight. I too am on Femara and need to drop the pre-cancer and post chemo weight that I have put on and just signed up for Weight Watchers at work. I am really hoping it works for me but am concerned that Femara (causes weight gain) and another non-cancer related drug I am on (also causes weight gain) will make it hard for me to lose. I am really determined to do this so hopefully I will be successful.

Good luck getting some answers. If ultimately you can't get in the study, maybe a try at Weight Watchers or something similar is your next best bet.

All my best,

08-20-2008, 02:14 PM	#2
Gerri Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Southern California Posts: 900	Jyber, Wow! I got frustrated just reading about your experience. Yes, the coordinator should have checked with someone higher up to make sure she was answering your question correctly. It is so frustrating when you try so hard to make something happen only to be turned away due to the incompetence of others. Do you have access to the trial criteria? If so, does it state that having been treated for cancer excludes you from the study? If there is nothing in the criteria stating this and you are interested in pursuing it, you may be able to contact the Principal Investigator in the study and ask for confirmation that you do not qualify. If this doesn't work out don't let it undermine your determination to lose weight. I too am on Femara and need to drop the pre-cancer and post chemo weight that I have put on and just signed up for Weight Watchers at work. I am really hoping it works for me but am concerned that Femara (causes weight gain) and another non-cancer related drug I am on (also causes weight gain) will make it hard for me to lose. I am really determined to do this so hopefully I will be successful. Good luck getting some answers. If ultimately you can't get in the study, maybe a try at Weight Watchers or something similar is your next best bet. All my best, __________________ Gerri Dx: 11/23/05, Lumpectomy 12/12/05 Tumor 2.2 cm, Stage II, Grade 3, Sentinel Node biopsy negative ER+ (30%) /PR+ (50%), HER2+++ AC X 4 dose dense, Taxol X 4 dose dense Herceptin started with 2nd Taxol, given weekly until chemo done then given every 3 weeks for one year ending on March 16, 2007 Radiation 30 treatments Tamoxifen - 2 yrs (pre-menopausal) May 2008 - Feb 2012 Femara Aug 2008 - Feb 2012 Zometa every 6 months March 2012 - Stop Femara, now Evista for bone strengthening ********** Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. - Robert Brault Last edited by Gerri; 08-20-2008 at 02:26 PM..