I'm new here...

Michelle · New User Joined: 21 Jun 2005 Posts: 2

I have seen this site before, but have never posted. I now have a question. I was first diagnosed with BC in 1994 at age 36. Stage II, 2.7 cm, 1 postitive node, had lumpectomy, 6 months CMF, 6 weeks radiation, 5 years tamoxifen. High tumor marker in 2000 resulted in finding of chest wall recurrence. Had excision (4.7 cm), which included ribs, sternum, etc. Then did 5 weeks radiation, still high tumor marker, so more chemo--A/C, then as tumor marker still high, did Xeloda which brought it down and went into remission. About 7 months later, high tumor marker and found spot on my spine. Had Cyberknife and that went away, then recurrence in lung-several small nodules. Did Xeloda again and pet scan came back clear, just elevated tumor marker. Was on Xeloda for at least 1 1/2 years. Dr. just said I had to go off of it because can't stay on chemo that long. Dr. referred me to bone marrow transplant Dr. Talked to him yesterday and he said if it shows up again, I should do the transplant. Thoughts?
Michelle

Muttsmom · Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 11:39 am Post subject: Re: I'm new here...

This is definately one for Leo.
I know when I was 1st dx with a 5.5 cm tumor and 9+/16 nodes, someone told me to ask my onco about a stem cell transplant. I did and it wasn't even a consideration. The studies that showed it helped (I know I'll get this bassackwards, so don't listen to me, listen to Leo) were changed to reflex it's effectiveness for BC by the ones that did the studies. I can't remember who changed or altered the results, but they didn't find that it increased the chance of getting rid of the BC. Your situation could be different, that's why I hesitated to even post. I'm sure Leo will be on line as soon as he can and can give you a lot better answer.

I'm confused about something. The PET Scan showed you had no evidence of disease, but because your TM were still elevated, that's the reason the treatment continued? A lot of oncos don't even do TM, they are unreliable a lot of the time. My best friend had TMs done before her dx and it was in the normal range, but she had a 9cm tumor and 11+ nodes. I know someone on the flip side that has elevated TMs and has had every test and scan run and NED, just high tumor markers.

Hugs and prayers
_________________
Nancy
2/14/02 ILC 43 - 5.5 cm 9+/16 nodes
Stage IIIA er/pr+ Her2-
2/02 MRM
FECx6 radsx33
Tamoxifen - Arimidex (chemo induced menopause)
4/03 SM w/bilat. recon.
9/03 expanders removed
5/04 repair reconst. disaster
10/04 Actonel for bone/joint pain from Arimidex
NED - 5 years
3/07 Diabetes
In memory of Kim 12/1/04

Michelle · New User Joined: 21 Jun 2005 Posts: 2

Thank you for your response. My tumor markers have been very reliable over the years. Xeloda seemed to be the only thing that brought it down and it even put me into remission for a short period of time. I stayed on it for so long to try to keep the cancer under control, which it seemed to do. My onc told me that staying on chemo for too long of a time can cause other problems (lukemia to be exact), so he recently took me off it, and with the belief that the cancer will come back, he had me talk to the bone marrow transplant doctor as a possible next step.

I have faired quite well with all of the treatments I have had, but have become increasingly frustrated with the emotional roller coaster of good news, bad news, take this pill, do that treatment, constant blood tests, scans, blah blah blah. I haven't heard of any new drugs out there for quite some time, so I'm thinking if the bone marrow transplant has a chance of giving me back some type of normal life, I should consider doing it.

Thanks for listening.
Michelle

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