No TDM1 trial for me - DQ'd for Metformin use

[jml]

As this week marks 8 years since my diagnosis, I find myself still fighting, riding this rollercoaster of treatment and searching for NED.
After 8 weeks on Ixempra+Herceptin and a mixed response, but with liver mets progressing, I traveled from Atlanta to Indianapolis to screen for a TDM1 trial + additional study drug @Simon Cancer Center. Because of the very strict enrollment criteria, I thought I would only be screened, then wait-listed indefinitely.
Low and behold, when I arrived and met the doc, I was told that it looked like I would qualify and the did have a spot for me.
I was ELATED.
I had to complete additional screening tests-CT, Brain MRI, Cardiac studies, labs.The study would have required weekly travel for the first 6-8 weeks, but then settle into once/3weeks for the TDM1 infusion. They said the combo is really well tolerated and their patients have a great quality of life. This was so encouraging, in spite of the travel, because Ixempra has been a real challenge.
Yesterday would have been Day 1 of the study and my 1st infusion of TDM1.
Unfortunately, last Thursday the Research Coordinator called to tell me that the Sponsor (Genentech) had determined that I would NOT be able to do the study because I have been using Metformin for the past 7 years. (I was originally dx'd with Insulin Resistance from prolonged steroid/chemo exposure, but more recently have stayed on the drug because of the positive benefits with MBC).
Ironically, when I was being examined by the study doc and we were talking about my Metformin, she said she was aware of the research & would not ask me to stop taking the drug. But even though the docs believe in the benefits of Metformin, the potential toxicity when combined with the study drug is too uncertain, and they disqualified me from the study.
I was in shock and heartbroken and (still)scared as my options are few.
Their recommendation was to dc the Metformin asap x 2mos, then return to them to re-screen and repeat all the tests.But even if I did re-qualify, they didn't know if they'd have a spot for me in 2mos. So it looks like that study is completely off the table now for me.
Another irony is the Research Coordinator mentioned that there are some studies coming down the pipeline investigating the use/benefits of Metformin and breast cancer.
Oh, and the Brain MRI shows a 4mm spot on the frontal lobe. That's just too much for me to deal with right now, so my doc's suggesting we repeat the MRI in 4-6 weeks.
I'm feeling very confused and pretty dejected by all of this. We've shifted gears again and am pursuing SIR Spheres (radioactive pellets) for the liver mets and resuming Ixempra. This is a really good option for me, but still have to consult with the Interventional Radiologist, have some preliminary studies done on my liver before they green light the procedure. I'm so afraid they're going to determine that I'm NOT a candidate. I'm trying not to think about that and will keep my head and heart focused on having the procedure done on May 25th.
It's been a tough 18 mos, with multiple combos not working for me and then Ixempra working beautifully in some areas, but not in my liver.
I just want to get going with a plan and for life to resume some sort of balance.
This is a very weird time for me, reflecting on the 8 years of this bumpy journey, and feeling very melancholy and probably pretty depressed too.

So there you have it. Wish I were feeling more positive and optmistic, but I'm just not right now.
Waiting for Hope to find me~

Jessica