confused by onc plan

HopeFaithCourage

i have mets in sternum. Scans show no progression. Onc explained to me possible outcomes: complete response to chemo. Partial response to chemo. No progression. Or progression. Onc said if 2 more scans show no progression we will stop chemo. I'm only on abraxane and xgeva shots. Why isn't the goal at least partial response? Why is it safe to leave the mets in my sternum and what keeps it from going bat shit crazy if I stop chemo? I have an appt Monday with lots of questions. Onc also told that if I had future problems it wouldn't be in my sternum. ??

Longtermsurvivor

Hello HopeFaithCourage,

What I've heard and read indicates that often treatment takes more of a toll on a person than the cancer.

Stable disease is often a good time to take a chemo break to allow the body to mend and heal.

Another common idea is that MBC survival doesn't differ whether one is stable, has partial response or full response (NED) to treatment.

Generally, it's mets to the organs that kills us, not mets to the bone...so maybe that's what your MO meant by future problems?

I'd ask why the doctor thinks a chemo break is a good idea now. And whether that means xgeva too.

Make a list of your questions and know you're likely to hear about studies, statistics and averages.

And none of us is average or normal. There are no crystal balls to tell how any one individual will do. That's one of the hardest parts of living with MBC - the uncertainty.

warm healing wishes, Stephanie

nancyh

HopeFaithCourage,

First, congrats on the good scan. I think since you're triple neg, you'll need chemo breaks from time to time, if things are looking stable, that's an excellent time to take one. It sounds like your onc is being cautious, still waiting another couple scans just to be sure, so I'm guessing that's at least another 6 months, right? Also, it is not a bad idea at all to stop a chemo before your cancer becomes resistant to it because you can always re-use it later. I actually did this with Abraxane too and was really thankful I still had it left in the arsenal. If things start going crazy after you pause the Abraxane, you'll just go back on it or on something else.

Best wishes to you!

HopeFaithCourage

Thank you for the responses! Today is dr day and chemo day. I'm so grateful to you all!

Longtermsurvivor

(((HopeFaithCourage)))

Sending good wishes for your appointment and your conversation today.

Let us know what you find and know that we care!

warmly, Stephanie

RonnieKay

Hope...praying it went well today & you had a good chat w/your onc!   I'm one that, after repeated stable scans & markers, went off chemo.  My onc said the same...we can use it again, if necessary, but as time goes on, he says there will be other options & being able to build & keep healthier cells is important. I had liver mets & my liver seems to be doing well/blood & etc.  it doesn't take the worry away...cause if cells got there...why didn't they go other places, right????  I totally get how you're feeling...but it sounds like your onc is smart, attentive & keeping close track of how you're doing...so keep the faith :-)

HopeFaithCourage

thank you so much for the responses! One more chemo then at least a month off and scans next month. Chronic pain in sternum and surrounding tissues worries me BUT chemo has exhausted me. It's making me crazy! I really want a break. Hope all are well.....pain free and peaceful

RonnieKay

Hope....Hoping a break gives you new strength & scans show chemo worked! I remember going off chemo & my nerves started regenerating from diep flap surgery I'd had 2 years earlier...so very weird...in a good sort of way :-). Keep us posted!

Heidihill

Hope the chemo break gives you your energy back and allows your body to recover. Keeping fingers crossed for good scans next month!