Guest guest Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 This is just a question in general to everyone. My oncologist has recommended that I try either Xeloda or Tamoxifen. I know that Tamoxifen can cause menopausal like symptom side effects. I have also read all the material he gave me on Xeloda and the side effects from it. I would just like to hear from anyone who has taken either of these medications and get an idea of what their side effects were. I know that no two people will be the same, but would just like some generalizations before going further in my decision making. Thank you all in advance for any information that you can share. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 Well, I was on Tamoxifen for 5 yrs., a lot of weight gain and on the 21st, I will be having a hysterectomy and alot of it is from me taking tamoxifen, body was trying to go through the change, but as my onc always told me, my ovaries just refused to go to sleep. Now, this is just me, okay., you take what's best for you. God bless, Bj.44yrs.old and 6 yrs. of cancer free dsmith3603 wrote: This is just a question in general to everyone. My oncologist has recommended that I try either Xeloda or Tamoxifen. I know that Tamoxifen can cause menopausal like symptom side effects. I have also read all the material he gave me on Xeloda and the side effects from it. I would just like to hear from anyone who has taken either of these medications and get an idea of what their side effects were. I know that no two people will be the same, but would just like some generalizations before going further in my decision making. Thank you all in advance for any information that you can share. --------------------------------- Want to start your own business? Learn how on Yahoo! Small Business. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 I was on tamoxifin for almost a year and got leg cramps and swelling in the feet...switched to arimidex and have about 1 year left...Have to take calcium because of a little bone loss from the arimidex...Have some weight gain but not as much of the cramping and swelling in feet...Did have to have a D & C in June...but for now everything is ok... Betsy Note: forwarded message attached. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 Hi, dsmith - I am taking Xeloda now. I take it in a three week cycle - 2 weeks of taking the tablets and one week off. I've done three cycles so far, and start the fourth tomorrow. I will be on Xeloda for at least 6 months. The threatened side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, mouth sores - all nasties along the digestive system. I have had NONE of these - no side effects at all - I am quite comfortable taking it. Xeloda is a chemotherapy drug. It runs around in my bloodstream and if/when it finds a cancer cell it kills it. I am taking that just to clean up any stray cancer cells which may be lurking after 11 months of chemo, a mastectomy, and 5 weeks of radiation. I have not taken Tamoxifen - I am on one of the newer alternatives to that drug, an aromatase inhibitor called Arimidex. I will be on Arimidex for five years, probably. Arimidex prevents my body from making oestrogen, which my cancer was feeding on. I'm post-menopausal, so this suits me fine. It also gives me some joint pain, and probably thins my bones (so I am taking a calcium and vitamin D supplement). I don't understand why you have been offered Xeloda OR Tamoxifen. They seem to me to be two completely different drugs with different purposes. Can you maybe get your oncologist to explain a bit more about why he is offering you this choice? I do agree, you need all the info you can get before making your decisions. Love, Margery. ============================================ margery@... in North Herts, UK ============================================ > Xeloda and Tamoxifen > > This is just a question in general to everyone. My oncologist has > recommended that I try either Xeloda or Tamoxifen. I know that > Tamoxifen can cause menopausal like symptom side effects. I > have also > read all the material he gave me on Xeloda and the side effects from > it. I would just like to hear from anyone who has taken either of > these medications and get an idea of what their side effects were. I > know that no two people will be the same, but would just like some > generalizations before going further in my decision making. > > Thank you all in advance for any information that you can share. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 > Hi Margery! Thank you for your reply. My name is Diane. My oncologist is at his wits end as to how to treat my breast cancer that has now within less than three months already spread to my lung. When I first saw him and we were trying to decide on chemo or radiation, I opted for radiation. After we found out about the metastasis, he told me that chances are the chemo would not have worked anyway, would have only made me sick. I have metaplastic breast cancer which according to my oncologist is very rare, approximately 1% or less of all the breast cancers in the world are metaplastic. It is very aggressive and there has not been that much research done or information available. My problem too is that is am ER/PR negative and also Her2Nu negative. He is looking into getting me into a couple of clinical trials but it just seems that there are not too many that cover my type of cancer. Also my tumor markers and blood work are all normal which means that every so often to check on whether or not there are any more metastasis I have to have CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis, MRI of the brain and total body bone scan.....which needless to say even with my insurance is becoming extremely expensive. These are just two of the latest drugs he has suggested to me that we might try. I have done research on Tamoxifen, Xeloda and also the Arimidex. I have had only two periods in the last year and a half so I would think that I am pretty much menopausal. From all I have read about Arimidex it so far would seem to be the best for me, since Tamoxifen is used for premenopausal women. I have another CT of the chest the 20th of this month and then the 27th see both my oncologist and my radiation oncologist, so I am pretty sure that will be the day we make the decision as which way to go. Thank you so much for answering my questions. I wish you all the best! Thank you again! Diane > Hi, dsmith - > > I am taking Xeloda now. I take it in a three week cycle - 2 weeks of taking > the tablets and one week off. I've done three cycles so far, and start the > fourth tomorrow. I will be on Xeloda for at least 6 months. > > The threatened side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, mouth sores - > all nasties along the digestive system. I have had NONE of these - no side > effects at all - I am quite comfortable taking it. > > Xeloda is a chemotherapy drug. It runs around in my bloodstream and if/when > it finds a cancer cell it kills it. I am taking that just to clean up any > stray cancer cells which may be lurking after 11 months of chemo, a > mastectomy, and 5 weeks of radiation. > > I have not taken Tamoxifen - I am on one of the newer alternatives to that > drug, an aromatase inhibitor called Arimidex. I will be on Arimidex for > five years, probably. Arimidex prevents my body from making oestrogen, > which my cancer was feeding on. I'm post-menopausal, so this suits me fine. > It also gives me some joint pain, and probably thins my bones (so I am > taking a calcium and vitamin D supplement). > > I don't understand why you have been offered Xeloda OR Tamoxifen. They seem > to me to be two completely different drugs with different purposes. Can you > maybe get your oncologist to explain a bit more about why he is offering you > this choice? > > I do agree, you need all the info you can get before making your decisions. > > Love, > Margery. > ============================================ > margery@... in North Herts, UK > ============================================ > > > > > > Xeloda and Tamoxifen > > > > This is just a question in general to everyone. My oncologist has > > recommended that I try either Xeloda or Tamoxifen. I know that > > Tamoxifen can cause menopausal like symptom side effects. I > > have also > > read all the material he gave me on Xeloda and the side effects from > > it. I would just like to hear from anyone who has taken either of > > these medications and get an idea of what their side effects were. I > > know that no two people will be the same, but would just like some > > generalizations before going further in my decision making. > > > > Thank you all in advance for any information that you can share. > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 Diane, I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I have never heard of it. I will keep you in my prayers. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html BreastCancerStories.com http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/ Angel Feather Loomer www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com Check out my other ornaments at www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html Lots of info and gifts at: www.cancerclub.com Xeloda and Tamoxifen > > > > This is just a question in general to everyone. My oncologist has > > recommended that I try either Xeloda or Tamoxifen. I know that > > Tamoxifen can cause menopausal like symptom side effects. I > > have also > > read all the material he gave me on Xeloda and the side effects from > > it. I would just like to hear from anyone who has taken either of > > these medications and get an idea of what their side effects were. I > > know that no two people will be the same, but would just like some > > generalizations before going further in my decision making. > > > > Thank you all in advance for any information that you can share. > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.13.30/521 - Release Date: 11/7/2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 Thank you so much for the prayers. I believe prayers and the support of others are what gets us through these rough times. I had never heard of metaplastic breast cancer until my diagnosis either and I have worked in the hospital system for over 30 years now. The day after my initial biopsy was done my radiologist who did the biopsy called and said that they were having problems identifying the type and she was going to ask some of the other pathologists at the hospital to have a look at the biopsies. Some of the specimen was even sent to a lab. in California...I live in South Carolina. I keep looking for any and all information I can find but it is very, very limited. Again, thank you for your prayers and thoughts! God Bless You! Diane > > > Hi Margery! > > Thank you for your reply. My name is Diane. My oncologist is at > his wits end as to how to treat my breast cancer that has now within > less than three months already spread to my lung. When I first saw > him and we were trying to decide on chemo or radiation, I opted for > radiation. After we found out about the metastasis, he told me that > chances are the chemo would not have worked anyway, would have only > made me sick. > > I have metaplastic breast cancer which according to my > oncologist is very rare, approximately 1% or less of all the breast > cancers in the world are metaplastic. It is very aggressive and > there has not been that much research done or information > available. My problem too is that is am ER/PR negative and also > Her2Nu negative. > > He is looking into getting me into a couple of clinical trials but > it just seems that there are not too many that cover my type of > cancer. Also my tumor markers and blood work are all normal which > means that every so often to check on whether or not there are any > more metastasis I have to have CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis, > MRI of the brain and total body bone scan.....which needless to say > even with my insurance is becoming extremely expensive. > > These are just two of the latest drugs he has suggested to me that > we might try. I have done research on Tamoxifen, Xeloda and also > the Arimidex. I have had only two periods in the last year and a > half so I would think that I am pretty much menopausal. From all I > have read about Arimidex it so far would seem to be the best for me, > since Tamoxifen is used for premenopausal women. > > I have another CT of the chest the 20th of this month and then the > 27th see both my oncologist and my radiation oncologist, so I am > pretty sure that will be the day we make the decision as which way > to go. > > Thank you so much for answering my questions. I wish you all the > best! > > Thank you again! > > Diane > > > Hi, dsmith - > > > > I am taking Xeloda now. I take it in a three week cycle - 2 weeks > of taking > > the tablets and one week off. I've done three cycles so far, and > start the > > fourth tomorrow. I will be on Xeloda for at least 6 months. > > > > The threatened side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, mouth > sores - > > all nasties along the digestive system. I have had NONE of these - > no side > > effects at all - I am quite comfortable taking it. > > > > Xeloda is a chemotherapy drug. It runs around in my bloodstream > and if/when > > it finds a cancer cell it kills it. I am taking that just to > clean up any > > stray cancer cells which may be lurking after 11 months of chemo, a > > mastectomy, and 5 weeks of radiation. > > > > I have not taken Tamoxifen - I am on one of the newer alternatives > to that > > drug, an aromatase inhibitor called Arimidex. I will be on > Arimidex for > > five years, probably. Arimidex prevents my body from making > oestrogen, > > which my cancer was feeding on. I'm post-menopausal, so this > suits me fine. > > It also gives me some joint pain, and probably thins my bones (so > I am > > taking a calcium and vitamin D supplement). > > > > I don't understand why you have been offered Xeloda OR Tamoxifen. > They seem > > to me to be two completely different drugs with different > purposes. Can you > > maybe get your oncologist to explain a bit more about why he is > offering you > > this choice? > > > > I do agree, you need all the info you can get before making your > decisions. > > > > Love, > > Margery. > > ============================================ > > margery@ in North Herts, UK > > ============================================ > > > > > > > > > > > Xeloda and Tamoxifen > > > > > > This is just a question in general to everyone. My oncologist > has > > > recommended that I try either Xeloda or Tamoxifen. I know that > > > Tamoxifen can cause menopausal like symptom side effects. I > > > have also > > > read all the material he gave me on Xeloda and the side effects > from > > > it. I would just like to hear from anyone who has taken either > of > > > these medications and get an idea of what their side effects > were. I > > > know that no two people will be the same, but would just like > some > > > generalizations before going further in my decision making. > > > > > > Thank you all in advance for any information that you can share. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.13.30/521 - Release Date: 11/7/2006 > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 > > > Hi Margery! > > Thank you for your reply. My name is Diane. My oncologist is at > his wits end as to how to treat my breast cancer that has now within > less than three months already spread to my lung. When I first saw > him and we were trying to decide on chemo or radiation, I opted for > radiation. After we found out about the metastasis, he told me that > chances are the chemo would not have worked anyway, would have only > made me sick. > > I have metaplastic breast cancer which according to my > oncologist is very rare, approximately 1% or less of all the breast > cancers in the world are metaplastic. It is very aggressive and > there has not been that much research done or information > available. My problem too is that is am ER/PR negative and also > Her2Nu negative. > > He is looking into getting me into a couple of clinical trials but > it just seems that there are not too many that cover my type of > cancer. Also my tumor markers and blood work are all normal which > means that every so often to check on whether or not there are any > more metastasis I have to have CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis, > MRI of the brain and total body bone scan.....which needless to say > even with my insurance is becoming extremely expensive. > > These are just two of the latest drugs he has suggested to me that > we might try. I have done research on Tamoxifen, Xeloda and also > the Arimidex. I have had only two periods in the last year and a > half so I would think that I am pretty much menopausal. From all I > have read about Arimidex it so far would seem to be the best for me, > since Tamoxifen is used for premenopausal women. > > I have another CT of the chest the 20th of this month and then the > 27th see both my oncologist and my radiation oncologist, so I am > pretty sure that will be the day we make the decision as which way > to go. > > Thank you so much for answering my questions. I wish you all the > best! > > Thank you again! > > Diane > > > Hi, dsmith - > > > > I am taking Xeloda now. I take it in a three week cycle - 2 weeks > of taking > > the tablets and one week off. I've done three cycles so far, and > start the > > fourth tomorrow. I will be on Xeloda for at least 6 months. > > > > The threatened side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, mouth > sores - > > all nasties along the digestive system. I have had NONE of these - > no side > > effects at all - I am quite comfortable taking it. > > > > Xeloda is a chemotherapy drug. It runs around in my bloodstream > and if/when > > it finds a cancer cell it kills it. I am taking that just to > clean up any > > stray cancer cells which may be lurking after 11 months of chemo, a > > mastectomy, and 5 weeks of radiation. > > > > I have not taken Tamoxifen - I am on one of the newer alternatives > to that > > drug, an aromatase inhibitor called Arimidex. I will be on > Arimidex for > > five years, probably. Arimidex prevents my body from making > oestrogen, > > which my cancer was feeding on. I'm post-menopausal, so this > suits me fine. > > It also gives me some joint pain, and probably thins my bones (so > I am > > taking a calcium and vitamin D supplement). > > > > I don't understand why you have been offered Xeloda OR Tamoxifen. > They seem > > to me to be two completely different drugs with different > purposes. Can you > > maybe get your oncologist to explain a bit more about why he is > offering you > > this choice? > > > > I do agree, you need all the info you can get before making your > decisions. > > > > Love, > > Margery. > > ============================================ > > margery@ in North Herts, UK > > ============================================ > > > > > > > > > > > Xeloda and Tamoxifen > > > > > > This is just a question in general to everyone. My oncologist > has > > > recommended that I try either Xeloda or Tamoxifen. I know that > > > Tamoxifen can cause menopausal like symptom side effects. I > > > have also > > > read all the material he gave me on Xeloda and the side effects > from > > > it. I would just like to hear from anyone who has taken either > of > > > these medications and get an idea of what their side effects > were. I > > > know that no two people will be the same, but would just like > some > > > generalizations before going further in my decision making. > > > > > > Thank you all in advance for any information that you can share. > > > > > > > >I can't really tell you what to do but I can tell you about my experience with tamoxifen. I was on it for over a year and at first I couldn't tell a difference except it felt like it made my periods more tolerable as far as emotions and cramps go. About six months ago I quit taking it because I struggle with depression and I looked up premonopausal symptoms on the internet. I had every single last one ! I also was having irregular bleeding and pain. I learned that tamoxifen causes changes in you uteras. I didn't like worrying about uterine cancer and I didn't like feeling like a crazy person. I just had a hysterectomy about six weeks ago so I am considering taking the tamoxifen once again. My antidepressants were also doubled. good luck with your decision! > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 Hi Diane, May heart goes out to you, I will keep you in my prayers. I will pray that God will watch over you. I'm recently new here too. I had IBC, duble mastectomy. I don't know anything about the kind of cancer you have but I would think if it is speading, your oncologist would start chemo or radiaition to try to shrink it or try to get a handle on it before surgery if you have not had it yet. That is what I have been reading on other women that sometimes they have recieved chemo or radiaition to try to shrink the tumors. May you be blessed with a great day and hugs to you. Cat in IN > > > > > Hi Margery! > > > > Thank you for your reply. My name is Diane. My oncologist is at > > his wits end as to how to treat my breast cancer that has now > within > > less than three months already spread to my lung. When I first saw > > him and we were trying to decide on chemo or radiation, I opted for > > radiation. After we found out about the metastasis, he told me > that > > chances are the chemo would not have worked anyway, would have only > > made me sick. > > > > I have metaplastic breast cancer which according to my > > oncologist is very rare, approximately 1% or less of all the breast > > cancers in the world are metaplastic. It is very aggressive and > > there has not been that much research done or information > > available. My problem too is that is am ER/PR negative and also > > Her2Nu negative. > > > > He is looking into getting me into a couple of clinical trials but > > it just seems that there are not too many that cover my type of > > cancer. Also my tumor markers and blood work are all normal which > > means that every so often to check on whether or not there are any > > more metastasis I have to have CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis, > > MRI of the brain and total body bone scan.....which needless to say > > even with my insurance is becoming extremely expensive. > > > > These are just two of the latest drugs he has suggested to me that > > we might try. I have done research on Tamoxifen, Xeloda and also > > the Arimidex. I have had only two periods in the last year and a > > half so I would think that I am pretty much menopausal. From all I > > have read about Arimidex it so far would seem to be the best for > me, > > since Tamoxifen is used for premenopausal women. > > > > I have another CT of the chest the 20th of this month and then the > > 27th see both my oncologist and my radiation oncologist, so I am > > pretty sure that will be the day we make the decision as which way > > to go. > > > > Thank you so much for answering my questions. I wish you all the > > best! > > > > Thank you again! > > > > Diane > > > > > Hi, dsmith - > > > > > > I am taking Xeloda now. I take it in a three week cycle - 2 > weeks > > of taking > > > the tablets and one week off. I've done three cycles so far, and > > start the > > > fourth tomorrow. I will be on Xeloda for at least 6 months. > > > > > > The threatened side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, > mouth > > sores - > > > all nasties along the digestive system. I have had NONE of > these - > > no side > > > effects at all - I am quite comfortable taking it. > > > > > > Xeloda is a chemotherapy drug. It runs around in my bloodstream > > and if/when > > > it finds a cancer cell it kills it. I am taking that just to > > clean up any > > > stray cancer cells which may be lurking after 11 months of chemo, > a > > > mastectomy, and 5 weeks of radiation. > > > > > > I have not taken Tamoxifen - I am on one of the newer > alternatives > > to that > > > drug, an aromatase inhibitor called Arimidex. I will be on > > Arimidex for > > > five years, probably. Arimidex prevents my body from making > > oestrogen, > > > which my cancer was feeding on. I'm post-menopausal, so this > > suits me fine. > > > It also gives me some joint pain, and probably thins my bones (so > > I am > > > taking a calcium and vitamin D supplement). > > > > > > I don't understand why you have been offered Xeloda OR > Tamoxifen. > > They seem > > > to me to be two completely different drugs with different > > purposes. Can you > > > maybe get your oncologist to explain a bit more about why he is > > offering you > > > this choice? > > > > > > I do agree, you need all the info you can get before making your > > decisions. > > > > > > Love, > > > Margery. > > > ============================================ > > > margery@ in North Herts, UK > > > ============================================ > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Xeloda and Tamoxifen > > > > > > > > This is just a question in general to everyone. My oncologist > > has > > > > recommended that I try either Xeloda or Tamoxifen. I know that > > > > Tamoxifen can cause menopausal like symptom side effects. I > > > > have also > > > > read all the material he gave me on Xeloda and the side effects > > from > > > > it. I would just like to hear from anyone who has taken either > > of > > > > these medications and get an idea of what their side effects > > were. I > > > > know that no two people will be the same, but would just like > > some > > > > generalizations before going further in my decision making. > > > > > > > > Thank you all in advance for any information that you can share. > > > > > > > > > > >I can't really tell you what to do but I can tell you about my > experience with tamoxifen. I was on it for over a year and at first > I couldn't tell a difference except it felt like it made my periods > more tolerable as far as emotions and cramps go. About six months > ago I quit taking it because I struggle with depression and I looked > up premonopausal symptoms on the internet. I had every single last > one ! I also was having irregular bleeding and pain. I learned that > tamoxifen causes changes in you uteras. I didn't like worrying about > uterine cancer and I didn't like feeling like a crazy person. I just > had a hysterectomy about six weeks ago so I am considering taking the > tamoxifen once again. My antidepressants were also doubled. good > luck with your decision! > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 8, 2006 Report Share Posted November 8, 2006 I had my mastectomy August 1, 2006. Saw my surgeon on Friday, had ultrasound and biopsies that same afternoon, saw him again the following Monday and had mastectomy with node resection the very next day, Tuesday, August 1. I have also had 28 rounds of radiation which I completed a couple of weeks ago. My life has been a total whirlwind of activity since, but I am not giving up.....no matter what anyone says, I believe if it is God's will that I be healed that someone, somewhere will find an answer for this rare form of cancer. I know from working in the hospital all these years that strange and miraculous things happen every day....and not all can be explained by medical technology. Plus as an extra added bonus our hospital has just opened a huge beautiful Cancer Treatment Center which is lucky to be affiliated research wise with MD in Houston. How lucky for a small hospital in South Carolina to have such a good connection. How lucky not only for me but for all the cancer patients in our area. As I stated I have another CT of the chest on the 20th and then see by oncologist and radiation oncologist on the 27th and we will then all three make a decision as to what can be done or at least tried. Please continue with the prayers and good thoughts, not only for me, but for all the women on this site. May God bless us all with his presence in our lives. Diane > > > > > > > Hi Margery! > > > > > > Thank you for your reply. My name is Diane. My oncologist is > at > > > his wits end as to how to treat my breast cancer that has now > > within > > > less than three months already spread to my lung. When I first > saw > > > him and we were trying to decide on chemo or radiation, I opted > for > > > radiation. After we found out about the metastasis, he told me > > that > > > chances are the chemo would not have worked anyway, would have > only > > > made me sick. > > > > > > I have metaplastic breast cancer which according to my > > > oncologist is very rare, approximately 1% or less of all the > breast > > > cancers in the world are metaplastic. It is very aggressive and > > > there has not been that much research done or information > > > available. My problem too is that is am ER/PR negative and also > > > Her2Nu negative. > > > > > > He is looking into getting me into a couple of clinical trials > but > > > it just seems that there are not too many that cover my type of > > > cancer. Also my tumor markers and blood work are all normal > which > > > means that every so often to check on whether or not there are > any > > > more metastasis I have to have CT of the chest, abdomen and > pelvis, > > > MRI of the brain and total body bone scan.....which needless to > say > > > even with my insurance is becoming extremely expensive. > > > > > > These are just two of the latest drugs he has suggested to me > that > > > we might try. I have done research on Tamoxifen, Xeloda and > also > > > the Arimidex. I have had only two periods in the last year and > a > > > half so I would think that I am pretty much menopausal. From > all I > > > have read about Arimidex it so far would seem to be the best for > > me, > > > since Tamoxifen is used for premenopausal women. > > > > > > I have another CT of the chest the 20th of this month and then > the > > > 27th see both my oncologist and my radiation oncologist, so I am > > > pretty sure that will be the day we make the decision as which > way > > > to go. > > > > > > Thank you so much for answering my questions. I wish you all > the > > > best! > > > > > > Thank you again! > > > > > > Diane > > > > > > > Hi, dsmith - > > > > > > > > I am taking Xeloda now. I take it in a three week cycle - 2 > > weeks > > > of taking > > > > the tablets and one week off. I've done three cycles so far, > and > > > start the > > > > fourth tomorrow. I will be on Xeloda for at least 6 months. > > > > > > > > The threatened side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, > > mouth > > > sores - > > > > all nasties along the digestive system. I have had NONE of > > these - > > > no side > > > > effects at all - I am quite comfortable taking it. > > > > > > > > Xeloda is a chemotherapy drug. It runs around in my > bloodstream > > > and if/when > > > > it finds a cancer cell it kills it. I am taking that just to > > > clean up any > > > > stray cancer cells which may be lurking after 11 months of > chemo, > > a > > > > mastectomy, and 5 weeks of radiation. > > > > > > > > I have not taken Tamoxifen - I am on one of the newer > > alternatives > > > to that > > > > drug, an aromatase inhibitor called Arimidex. I will be on > > > Arimidex for > > > > five years, probably. Arimidex prevents my body from making > > > oestrogen, > > > > which my cancer was feeding on. I'm post-menopausal, so this > > > suits me fine. > > > > It also gives me some joint pain, and probably thins my bones > (so > > > I am > > > > taking a calcium and vitamin D supplement). > > > > > > > > I don't understand why you have been offered Xeloda OR > > Tamoxifen. > > > They seem > > > > to me to be two completely different drugs with different > > > purposes. Can you > > > > maybe get your oncologist to explain a bit more about why he > is > > > offering you > > > > this choice? > > > > > > > > I do agree, you need all the info you can get before making > your > > > decisions. > > > > > > > > Love, > > > > Margery. > > > > ============================================ > > > > margery@ in North Herts, UK > > > > ============================================ > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Xeloda and Tamoxifen > > > > > > > > > > This is just a question in general to everyone. My > oncologist > > > has > > > > > recommended that I try either Xeloda or Tamoxifen. I know > that > > > > > Tamoxifen can cause menopausal like symptom side effects. I > > > > > have also > > > > > read all the material he gave me on Xeloda and the side > effects > > > from > > > > > it. I would just like to hear from anyone who has taken > either > > > of > > > > > these medications and get an idea of what their side effects > > > were. I > > > > > know that no two people will be the same, but would just > like > > > some > > > > > generalizations before going further in my decision making. > > > > > > > > > > Thank you all in advance for any information that you can > share. > > > > > > > > > > > > > >I can't really tell you what to do but I can tell you about my > > experience with tamoxifen. I was on it for over a year and at > first > > I couldn't tell a difference except it felt like it made my > periods > > more tolerable as far as emotions and cramps go. About six months > > ago I quit taking it because I struggle with depression and I > looked > > up premonopausal symptoms on the internet. I had every single > last > > one ! I also was having irregular bleeding and pain. I learned > that > > tamoxifen causes changes in you uteras. I didn't like worrying > about > > uterine cancer and I didn't like feeling like a crazy person. I > just > > had a hysterectomy about six weeks ago so I am considering taking > the > > tamoxifen once again. My antidepressants were also doubled. good > > luck with your decision! > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 8, 2006 Report Share Posted November 8, 2006 Diane: Sending a huge A-men your way : ) beautifully said! - Jen : ) Age 40, taking Chemo Stage 1c, Grade 3, ER- HER2+ Lumpectomy, SLNB, Mastectomy Diagnosed: 7/2006 (1st Mammo) On Wed, 08 Nov 2006 11:59:52 -0000 " dsmith3603 " writes: > I had my mastectomy August 1, 2006. Saw my surgeon on Friday, had > ultrasound and biopsies that same afternoon, saw him again the > following Monday and had mastectomy with node resection the very > next > day, Tuesday, August 1. I have also had 28 rounds of radiation > which > I completed a couple of weeks ago. My life has been a total > whirlwind of activity since, but I am not giving up.....no matter > what anyone says, I believe if it is God's will that I be healed > that > someone, somewhere will find an answer for this rare form of cancer. > > I know from working in the hospital all these years that strange and > > miraculous things happen every day....and not all can be explained > by > medical technology. Plus as an extra added bonus our hospital has > just opened a huge beautiful Cancer Treatment Center which is lucky > to be affiliated research wise with MD in Houston. How > lucky for a small hospital in South Carolina to have such a good > connection. How lucky not only for me but for all the cancer > patients in our area. > > As I stated I have another CT of the chest on the 20th and then see > by oncologist and radiation oncologist on the 27th and we will then > all three make a decision as to what can be done or at least tried. > > Please continue with the prayers and good thoughts, not only for me, > > but for all the women on this site. May God bless us all with his > presence in our lives. > > Diane > > > > > > > > > > > > Hi Margery! > > > > > > > > Thank you for your reply. My name is Diane. My oncologist is > > > at > > > > his wits end as to how to treat my breast cancer that has now > > > within > > > > less than three months already spread to my lung. When I > first > > saw > > > > him and we were trying to decide on chemo or radiation, I > opted > > for > > > > radiation. After we found out about the metastasis, he told > me > > > that > > > > chances are the chemo would not have worked anyway, would have > > > only > > > > made me sick. > > > > > > > > I have metaplastic breast cancer which according to my > > > > oncologist is very rare, approximately 1% or less of all the > > breast > > > > cancers in the world are metaplastic. It is very aggressive > and > > > > there has not been that much research done or information > > > > available. My problem too is that is am ER/PR negative and > also > > > > Her2Nu negative. > > > > > > > > He is looking into getting me into a couple of clinical trials > > > but > > > > it just seems that there are not too many that cover my type > of > > > > cancer. Also my tumor markers and blood work are all normal > > which > > > > means that every so often to check on whether or not there are > > > any > > > > more metastasis I have to have CT of the chest, abdomen and > > pelvis, > > > > MRI of the brain and total body bone scan.....which needless > to > > say > > > > even with my insurance is becoming extremely expensive. > > > > > > > > These are just two of the latest drugs he has suggested to me > > that > > > > we might try. I have done research on Tamoxifen, Xeloda and > > also > > > > the Arimidex. I have had only two periods in the last year > and > > a > > > > half so I would think that I am pretty much menopausal. From > > all I > > > > have read about Arimidex it so far would seem to be the best > for > > > me, > > > > since Tamoxifen is used for premenopausal women. > > > > > > > > I have another CT of the chest the 20th of this month and then > > > the > > > > 27th see both my oncologist and my radiation oncologist, so I > am > > > > pretty sure that will be the day we make the decision as which > > > way > > > > to go. > > > > > > > > Thank you so much for answering my questions. I wish you all > > the > > > > best! > > > > > > > > Thank you again! > > > > > > > > Diane > > > > > > > > > Hi, dsmith - > > > > > > > > > > I am taking Xeloda now. I take it in a three week cycle - 2 > > > > weeks > > > > of taking > > > > > the tablets and one week off. I've done three cycles so > far, > > and > > > > start the > > > > > fourth tomorrow. I will be on Xeloda for at least 6 months. > > > > > > > > > > > The threatened side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, > > > > mouth > > > > sores - > > > > > all nasties along the digestive system. I have had NONE of > > > these - > > > > no side > > > > > effects at all - I am quite comfortable taking it. > > > > > > > > > > Xeloda is a chemotherapy drug. It runs around in my > > bloodstream > > > > and if/when > > > > > it finds a cancer cell it kills it. I am taking that just > to > > > > clean up any > > > > > stray cancer cells which may be lurking after 11 months of > > chemo, > > > a > > > > > mastectomy, and 5 weeks of radiation. > > > > > > > > > > I have not taken Tamoxifen - I am on one of the newer > > > alternatives > > > > to that > > > > > drug, an aromatase inhibitor called Arimidex. I will be on > > > > Arimidex for > > > > > five years, probably. Arimidex prevents my body from making > > > > > oestrogen, > > > > > which my cancer was feeding on. I'm post-menopausal, so > this > > > > suits me fine. > > > > > It also gives me some joint pain, and probably thins my > bones > > (so > > > > I am > > > > > taking a calcium and vitamin D supplement). > > > > > > > > > > I don't understand why you have been offered Xeloda OR > > > Tamoxifen. > > > > They seem > > > > > to me to be two completely different drugs with different > > > > purposes. Can you > > > > > maybe get your oncologist to explain a bit more about why he > > > is > > > > offering you > > > > > this choice? > > > > > > > > > > I do agree, you need all the info you can get before making > > your > > > > decisions. > > > > > > > > > > Love, > > > > > Margery. > > > > > ============================================ > > > > > margery@ in North Herts, UK > > > > > ============================================ > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Xeloda and Tamoxifen > > > > > > > > > > > > This is just a question in general to everyone. My > > oncologist > > > > has > > > > > > recommended that I try either Xeloda or Tamoxifen. I know > > > that > > > > > > Tamoxifen can cause menopausal like symptom side effects. > > I > > > > > > have also > > > > > > read all the material he gave me on Xeloda and the side > > effects > > > > from > > > > > > it. I would just like to hear from anyone who has taken > > either > > > > of > > > > > > these medications and get an idea of what their side > effects > > > > were. I > > > > > > know that no two people will be the same, but would just > > like > > > > some > > > > > > generalizations before going further in my decision > making. > > > > > > > > > > > > Thank you all in advance for any information that you can > > share. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >I can't really tell you what to do but I can tell you about > my > > > experience with tamoxifen. I was on it for over a year and at > > first > > > I couldn't tell a difference except it felt like it made my > > periods > > > more tolerable as far as emotions and cramps go. About six > months > > > ago I quit taking it because I struggle with depression and I > > looked > > > up premonopausal symptoms on the internet. I had every single > > last > > > one ! I also was having irregular bleeding and pain. I learned > > that > > > tamoxifen causes changes in you uteras. I didn't like worrying > > about > > > uterine cancer and I didn't like feeling like a crazy person. I > > > just > > > had a hysterectomy about six weeks ago so I am considering > taking > > the > > > tamoxifen once again. My antidepressants were also doubled. > good > > > luck with your decision! > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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