If no chemo works, then what?

HavahJ · 02-14-2008, 07:40 PM

I did abraxane/herceptin . It was a no. Now I'm trying navelbine/hecepton/teloda. Then what? HavahJ

Joe · 02-14-2008, 07:54 PM

You may wish to discuss the Trastuzumab-MCC-DM1 trial with your oncologist. I've heard good results so far.

Regards
Joe

Bill · 02-14-2008, 10:14 PM

Hey sweetheart, you have to slow down just a little bit and let your chemo. do it's job. I know that's easier said than done, but you may be too focused on your tumour marker results. Who is ordering those tests? You or your oncologist? I know you're not a religious person, and that's okay, but you need to take a step back, take a deep breath, and try to focus on the things that are going to help you. One, you must strive to cultivate a more positive attitude towards your treatments. Visualize them working and destroying the cancer cells within your liver. This is very important. You seem to be in a new course of treatment and have already pictured it failing and wondering what is next. You are taking on stress that you don't need by doing that. You must have faith and a positive attitude towards each treatment, and do the the best you can to fight each step of the way. Eat as well as you can, rest well. You have already shown a strong will to live by coming to this site. Maybe it's just too overwhelming at this point. What if you just pick one day a week, the day when you normally feel the best and don't come to this site and don't even think about the cancer, and regroup for the battle, watch tv or movies or whatever, go to bed early, and the next day, come back strong. You need a break, you deserve a break. You're always in my thoughts and prayers, love, Bill

tousled1 · 02-15-2008, 08:05 AM

Jan,

I agree with Bill. You must slow down. It seems that it wasn't that long ago that you started the Abraxane so how can you say it isn't working. As for tumor markers -- they are not the most reliable indicator. Any slight infection or inflammation can affect tumor markers. Also you should only be having them at about every 12 weeks. It takes a chemo regime approximately 12 weeks until you can tell if it is working for you. I know 12 weeks sounds like a life time but it's not -- it's goes by quickly. Please Jan, slow down, stop and smell the roses. Many women here are Stage IV and have been for many years. I know that you will kick these mets to the curb but you must be patient. There is no durg that works overnight.

fullofbeans · 02-18-2008, 04:51 AM

I hope that you have managed to calm down a little now as I can imagine how terrible the news must feel. I hope that you can perhaps now look at the battle ahead with a bit more hope.

There are many options still open to you (the one I took are in my profile), first (I know this is a disputed area) but really please try to first concentrate on the drug working not the contrary (placebo effects are real and reported, not a disputed area).

Try to concentrate on the successful cases that we have on the site or elsewhere and how after (yes some awful time) been able to now be fine.

My advice is to never ever lose hope, ever. Face the tiger do not be in denial, know all your treatments options be proactive and keep hope. Connect to something powerful whatever form it takes for some it is faith in a higher power and for other people it is good vibe/universe or simply believing in your own inner power/ visualisation (it can only help).

Also be aware of the reasons the treatment just has to work and how great you will feel after it has worked.

StephN · 02-18-2008, 01:31 PM

Hi there -
Hope the signs of spring will lighten your load just a LITTLE bit.
By the way, that combo you are on was a TRIAL just 4-5 years ago. This is what Esther took for her VERY extensive liver mets - and it WORKED for her.

To me it is your fear that you need to grip on and dampen down. Believe me, I know what it is like to face an onslought of mets. But, I managed to calm down and find ways to try to help myself.

Music became my constant companion. I shopped for new CD's that would infuse me with calm and help me center myself. (Nothing like mets to send us reeling.) Go and use the listening booths to find something that you can feel a physical change from. Then buy it and listen to it.

I knew I could not count on the chemo to do it ALL. My state of mind was important to me. My emotional well-being was important to me. My ability to sleep was important to me.

You have something that I did not have. A support group that could give you some success stories. You have some real reason to HOPE that a treatment can work. I had to carve my own way with almost no data for the trial I was in to give me much more than a SHRED of hope.

You and your care team have plenty of new drugs to try. I was nearly at the end of my possibilities. You have vast new knowledge as an ally. If your care team does not seem to take advantage of this then find a care team who will.

The answer to your question is to "get your affairs in order." But so far I have NEVER DONE THAT! I have a file that is started, seen a lawyer, but never finalized it. Wrote a codicil to my OLD will, but that is it.

SoCalGal · 02-18-2008, 04:26 PM

I think that you need to find a therapist who can help you to calm your panic. I have been there with screaming panic in my head. Jan - we are all going to kick the bucket - DIE - that's the one guarantee in life.

Ironic that it's so hard for us to face since it happens all the time.

You can count on the chaos of life. It is a sure thing that we can never tell what is around the next corner - meaning miracles are waiting sometimes for us. Trying to have faith and allow the possibility of a healing is not easy but it's possible to do - sometimes you just need help getting there.

It would be good to find someone who could help you until you feel less panic. You received very good responses to your limited post. Take them to heart. Is there a friend or family member that you can talk to while you are going thru this difficult time?
Flori