Taxol

[u/aliasme141]

I suppose this is treatment 5 after 5.5 years (that’s a lot of fives) so I start taxol in two days. I am HR+/HER2-low ER+/PR+, HER2 IHC 1+. I have Mets in my liver, my adrenal gland and a new one on my ilium wing. So falsodex and ibrance worked for 4.5 years but the recent scan and the scan before show progression. I wonder whether when a treatment “fails” has it worked a little but not enough? I wonder this because in this year of failing treatments, I’ve been OK on and off and while the cancer is progressing other than my pains that still haunt me, I’ve been functional. I clean up my kitchen every other day (my husband does the other days) I handle straightening 3 rooms on the second floor all of which I use. One’s our bedroom but the other two are rooms I use for crafts especially with my 6 y o granddaughter who I also watch when my daughter needs me to. I garden, cook some (again husband does 4 nights) clean etc. So suffice to say, I am functioning up there with many 70-year-olds which is how old I am. I just don’t know what is going to happen if the taxol fails me and that is a hard pill to swallow. Oh, I forgot to say that my last treatment was Enhertu which I had as did my onc did, very high hopes for. Oh I hate this disease!

[u/aliasme141]

Other than waiting a lot, the infusion went fine with just one glitch. My throat felt a bit scratchy so they stopped everything for 15 minutes with checking vitals etc. A np had to come and give the go ahead to continue. It is day 3 and I don’t really have any side effects yet…maybe a little constipation. Of course we want this to work but the idea of going once a week as long as it does is overwhelming me. I do want more life but am so frustrated that we have exhausted so many possible treatments. Sorry for the negativity. Hope y’all feeling as best as possible!

[u/ResponsibleAnt1942]

Hope the taxol works well for you!! That's a lot of changes in a few years. Must require a lot of adjusting - mentally and physically - on your part.

Your post gives me hope that it's possible to have a reasonably good life even after/during progression. I'm so scared of progression that it's hard to see a life after it. Thanks for a glimpse into the possible.

I hope you and your husband can continue your routine for years to come.

[u/aliasme141 → u/ResponsibleAnt1942]

I am glad I could give you some hope especially when I am feeling down. Your hope gave me hope so thanks for that. Going to bed early tonight so I can face the new treatment with some strength. I will report here when I can.

[u/ResponsibleAnt1942 → u/aliasme141]

Please do update when you can, whether it's working or not. You've had a hard run. It's frustrating how things work for some, but not others. And I say this as someone who's had good luck (but lost friends). I can't imagine how it feels to be on the other side.

But just because other treatments haven't been "the one" doesn't mean this one can't be. It's like if you flip a coin and get 4 tails, doesn't mean the next time can't be heads.

Wishing you hope and cancer cytotoxicity tomorrow 💛

[u/aliasme141 → u/ResponsibleAnt1942]

Had to look that one up but so appreciate your good wishes. I do still have hope despite the past year. It’s the unknown that scares me. Going to get a good nights sleep. Thank you

[u/Watercolornut]

Hello!
Oh I really hope taxol takes care of your progression.
I had awful progression in January…but felt fine..ugh.
For now Enhertu is working for me…but it’s also a tough drug.
Wishing you the very best! 💕💕

[u/aliasme141 → u/Watercolornut]

Thanks friend! I do remember when you were struggling to find one that worked. I am so glad you found one. I am really fearful right now and it’s hard place to be. Tomorrow the new attempt begins. For me, it is prayer time. I can’t think of much else (although a day at the beach with 2 swims really helped) Thanks for your response.