NEW Tx

many

My Wifes oncologist finally put her on Femera after completion of 6 Rounds of Gemzar and Carboplatin

he asked us to check the estradionl levels in first week of may and if found that her ovaries are still working, he will put her on Luron shots

so now on to Femera + zometa (monthly)

i have a mixed feeling as i am happy that chemo is over but feel as if the protection cover she was under while on chemo is gone

plz let us know your experience & success on with Aromatose inhibitors

regards

Many

AmyQ

Many,

Believe it or not, many patients feel as you and your wife do. Once chemo has stopped, she feels vulnerable as it feels like the big guns have been put away and now her only protection is by a water pistol. There's definitely a certain amount of comfort and security from chemo and having it end is unnerving. I know I felt that way once I finished and moved onto anti-hormonal drugs. But surprisingly, they work just ask well, if not better in that chemo kills cancer cells. The other prevents the cancer cells from multiplying in the first place. So presumably your wife is cancer free or close to it, now her body, with the help of the anti-hormonal or AL's or AI's as they're sometimes called, will keep new cancer from forming.

What you two are going through is completely normal. I'm so happy she has an engaged husband during this difficult time. You are a champ to be right by her side. Best wishes and welcome to BCO.

Amy

Btw, I had a longer than normal run with Femara and you will find hundreds of women here who continue to enjoy progression free years on AI's

Goodie16

On the opposite side of the spectrum...I've never had chemo and only been treated with hormonals. I was first on tamoxifen but as the first of the year, I've been switched to Lupron injections and Arimidex. I asked to be taken off of tamoxifen due to side effects. Everyone around me seems to want me to have chemo, but I'm thankful I haven't yet. I know that someday I will probably need it.

Congrats to your wife on completing chemo. I wish her well on the hormonals. Tell her not to hesitate to speak up if the side effects become bad, as there's lots of options to try to relieve them. Best of luck to both of you.

many

PLZ POST YOUR EXPERIENCES

LindaE54

Many - Welcome to BCO. I don't have any experience with chemo. I was dx'd stage V from the start in Nov 2013 with multiple bone mets and have been on hormonals since. A short period on Tamoxifen but also requested to be changed due to side effects. Femara is keeping me stable with very manageable SEs. I also have Xgeva (bone strengthener) monthly. Had rads to a few places over time for pain relief, which worked very well. I echo what has been said above to speak up regarding SEs or pain. QOL is very important.

Wishing your wife the very best. Keep us updated and jump in anytime. These boards are a wealth of information and support. We will welcome your wife if she decides to join as well. Best of luck to you both!

ibcmets

Many,

I got 5 good stable years at stage IV with Femera & Zometa (now Xgeva shots). I did get arthritis and joint pain, but controlled the mets pretty well for a long time. I'm back to chemo as I've exhausted AI's.

Hope your wife does well.

Terri