I'm back, with mets... anyone in the Dasatinib+Femara trial?

lulubee

Unfortunately, ladies, I'm back after three sweet years NED.  I'm one of those who was "never" supposed to have a recurrence, and here I am with bone mets in four thoracic vertebras and both sides of my sacrum/ilium.  I just had a quick oophorectomy/hysterectomy last week to start altering my hormone environment, and pathology found ILC in my right ovary, too.  At least the ovary is out of there now, and the bone spots are all tiny as yet, I'm told.  

My CA 27.29 tumor marker hovered between 15-19 until last January.  It wasn't checked again until the end of September.  It was 90.  That's what tipped us off.

Here's my question: I am to start on an aromatase inhibitor this coming week.  My oncologist has offered to put me in a Phase II trial for Femara + Dasatinib.  Half will get Femara only, the other half will get both drugs.  Do any of you know anything about this newish drug?  My other choice is to go for Arimidex off-study.  She says it's a "philosophical decision" and she's fine either way.  What would you do?  I really need some counsel as I know nothing about being in studies. 

She also wanted to put me on Pristiq (the next generation of Effexor, a new drug) for hot flashes, and I tried it but just could not handle it.  I felt horrible and had about seven side effects, one of which was a really gloomy mood-- on an anti-depressant!  Go figure.  So I will be gutting out the hot flashes and mood swings, I guess.  But I guess that's a story for another thread.

God bless us, every one,

Lulubee

8/03/07: ILC & IDC, multi-focal, multicentric, Grade 1, ER+PR+ Her2 neg, 0/3 nodes, age 46.   9/6/07: BMX + lat flap recon.  (No Tamox; not a candidate due to blood clot issues.) 10/1/10: Bone mets spine & pelvis.  10/12/10SAH+BSOoph = right ovary mets found in post-op pathology.

Gitane

Lulubee,  I wish this hadn't happened to you.  Cancer is so unfair. Giant HUGS.  I took Effexor for a while and didn't like it either so I quit after 10 uncomfortable months.  I don't know anything about Dasatinib but have heard that it is very effective in trials so far.  I take Femara.  I think Femara's side effects are the same as Arimidex, however, some have done better on one than the other.  The trial sounds interesting, and perhaps is worth a try if you cannot get Dasatinib outside of the trial.  I don't honestly don't know what I would do.  Hopefully women with more knowledge than I have will be along soon to help.  All the very best to you! G.

Gitane

Hi Lulubee,  I found this article from Dana Farber about Dasatinib.  This is a link to the abstract, I can't get to the article, sorry.  It's recent,  July 2010.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20634194 

 Clin Cancer Res. 2010 Jul 15;16(14):3526-32.

Advances in targeting SRC in the treatment of breast cancer and other solid malignancies.Also, if you decide to go with Arimidex, or Femara (outside of trial) ask your oncologist about getting Zometa, too. 

mari55

You may want to post this question on the stage IV boards as the audience is larger.  Sorry you are back. I was one of those that wasn't supposed to be back either.  Oh well, it happens and then you move on.  With bone only and in only a few areas you should do well. I agree with asking about zometa in addition to the hormonals ( unless it is excluded on the trial) the stats are good with bone only cancer.  Good luck to you.

lulubee

Gitane, I appreciate the link; that was good information at that link, and somewhat encouraging. 

Mari55, I will try to post this on the main Stage IV board.  Thank you for suggesting that.

4keenan

I am in this trial.  Started Femara back in April...Just started Disatinib a week ago.  So far OK.  Had hives the first few days, though,  The last couple of days seem fine.  I'm going to stick it out, the clinical trial nurse at my doctor's office was very positive about this drug.  Side effects really suck, no matter what drug you take.  Femara causes alot of joint pain for me, mainly feet (ankles) and knees.  Can't sit for long periods of time...so stiff when I get up.  But, I'll try anything!

lulubee

4Keenan, I am so glad to know someone else here is in this trial!  I will be randomized on Monday, so I'll know then whether I'll be on Dasatinib.  I'll let you know! 

My onc's research nurse suggested I start taking glucosamine and chondroiton now, plus fish oil.  They already had me on D3, folate and calcium/magnesium citrate.  Are you taking supplements for the joint pain?