Aphinity Trial Pertuzumab

Options
I am currently participating in this trial and I am interested in connecting with others that are participating.  I think this trial is for stage 1 and 2 Her2+ breast cancer.  The pertuzumab is combinied with TCH with the TCHP every 3 weeks for 18 weeks then Herceptin and Pertuzumab for 1 year.  It is a double blind study so half the participants get pertuzumab and half get a placebo and noone knows for sure if you get it until the study is complete.  I have completed my first 3 treatments and my MO is pretty sure I am getting the real drug.  I have had pretty severe diarrhea which is one of the side effects of pertuzumab.   Anyone else out there???
«13456

Comments

  • cvmarilyn
    cvmarilyn Member Posts: 179
    edited July 2012

    Hi - I am in California too and have just signed up for the trial. My sister told me about this group - yahoo!  I haven't started any treatments yet but am so anxious/nervous about all of this.  How are you doing?  I am looking forward to hearing from you both , and hope ladybug1 that the diarreha is better.

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited July 2012

    Those of you who have been part of a trial may be interested to read this thread here on the forums:

    Received Pertuzumab and willing to discuss?

    Your Mods
  • cvmarilyn
    cvmarilyn Member Posts: 179
    edited July 2012

    Hi - I just found out I start Chemo Tuesday - July 10! I am soooo happy to be starting.  I know exactly how you feel - this down time is crazy - and then I read way too much on the internet and get bonkers - or more bonkers as the case may be - LOL.

    I am in Northern California - near Oakland.  Where are you going on your road trip.  I want to get away - maybe I can after I get the 1st treatment.

    I hope we all get Pertuzamab too Laughing!!!!! 

  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited July 2012

    I'm in the trial.......started last month. I've had two infusions so far for the trial. Doing well so far! I'm in Florida.

  • ladybug1
    ladybug1 Member Posts: 21
    edited July 2012

    I thought I would put an update.  I am about 9 days after my 4th chemo treatment now.  I am still having a pretty severe diarrhea reaction but my doctor and I have decided to continue at full dose.  There is something comforting about sending out the chemo hunt and destroy any sneaky cancer cell that may have escaped.  So far my treatments have settled into a pattern.  The first 7 days I have fatigue and nausea.  About day 6 I start to get diarrhea and it lasts for about a week.  During that week I still have fatigue and nausea but not as bad as week 1.  Then week 3 I start to feel pretty good and almost normal by the end of the week.  My oncologist says that the severe diarrhea should be a reaction of the pertuzumaub combined with the taxotere and carbo.  I hope so! 

  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited July 2012

    I haven't had any diarrhea yet. I could be getting the placebo...is that a given, I wonder? I know they take my vitals before, and right after administration.....only one time did the nurse wink at me and say, hmmm, your b/p is a little low....I took that to mean I MIGHT be getting it, but maybe not.

  • cvmarilyn
    cvmarilyn Member Posts: 179
    edited July 2012

    Hi - good to have you girls in the group.  I'm going to be getting Taxotere/Carboplatin and Herceptin and... of course the study drug or imposter.  I'd  REALLY appreciate hearing about any side effects you are getting or any tips.  Hang in there.

    <3 

  • damiana9
    damiana9 Member Posts: 389
    edited July 2012

    I just found out yesterday that I may be a candidate!  I need to have some scans done to make sure and fill out the paperwork.  Glad to see others here that are doing it!

  • cvmarilyn
    cvmarilyn Member Posts: 179
    edited July 2012

    First chemo last Tuesday - did OK Wednesday and Thursday, then Thrusday night and yesterday BIG time nausea - not fun - but got a different med - Zonegran and Antivert and seem much better today. My head is starting to feel like it does when you have a really tight ponytail :( so maybe my hair is getting ready to go. No diarreha but haven't poohed much either. So glad to have 1 down.  How are all of you?

  • damiana9
    damiana9 Member Posts: 389
    edited July 2012

    Thanks for the update soltantio!  Hope the breathing thing gets better soon!

    I will be starting treatment as soon as I recover from surgery- so probably 4 weeks from now.  I want to hurry and start so I can hurry and get this all over with!

  • cvmarilyn
    cvmarilyn Member Posts: 179
    edited July 2012

    Hi ~ So good to hear from you Soltantio~  I had my first chemo July 10. Same drugs as you and will do 1 treatment every 3 weeks - so my next one is this Tuesday.  My hair is beginning to come out :(  luckily I have very thick hair so despite the fact that it looks like a small rodent came out in the shower I still look OK.  I had shoulder length hair then got it cut REALLY short but it's still very weird to have it come out. 

    How's your shortness of breath? That's scary sounding. I am a little nervous about round 2 but at least I know what to expect... they changed my nausea meds to Zofran as Reglan did NOT work, and I am getting hydrated Thursday which should help too. I'll let you know.

    Take good care everyone,

    MWink 

  • cvmarilyn
    cvmarilyn Member Posts: 179
    edited July 2012

    Hi - Wow S, you have A LOT going on :(  the whole chemo thing sucks.  Did they tell you that the cold cap thing may keep the chemo away from going to your head? I'm only telling you becasue I want you to get all the good stuff from the chemo and NEVER EVER have to do this again.  I'll let you know how tomorrow goes - I'm on my way to get lab work done - I can hardly wait...

  • cvmarilyn
    cvmarilyn Member Posts: 179
    edited August 2012

    Hi - got through the second one OK - interesting was that I got nauseous when they were giving me the test drug - my friend the oncolgy nurse said it could be anything - but I wonder if it means I'm getting Perjeta???? Also found out that I haven't been tested for the genetic component of this because staistically I don't have a high change of that. Hello???? I didn't have a high risk of getting BC either.  My husband says not to do the test because then we'll live in the uh-oh land but I have a daughter who is 24 and I think I should do it for her... and for me to because it sounds like the treatment would have been different - i.e. prophalactic masectomies - oh my... thoughts please???

  • cvmarilyn
    cvmarilyn Member Posts: 179
    edited August 2012

    Hi -  I got hydrated yesterday  2 litres and got Zofran too - so feel better than the last go round at this point. But still queezy today :(  

    Anyway - I heard you don't find ot if you go the test drug for a really long time - but you do find out.  Doesn't the study last like 10+ years?

     I hate feeling this way - and feel a bit whiny today - but I guess I'm entitled. Shaved my head Wednesday - and am sort of getting used to seeing myself without hair.

    Take good care-

    CVM 

  • cvmarilyn
    cvmarilyn Member Posts: 179
    edited August 2012

    Yep - the whole thing sucks.  I had a 2nd hydration yesterday and feel more human today - but I can't get rid of this weird taste in my mouth and tastes are changing :(  I recommend hydration - it gets a bunch of fluid in you so that you get rid of all that crud. And it's easy - just install and voila - sounds like an ad - LOL.

    I will try to find out when they are going to let us know if we got the test drug.  How did you find out the study's only half full? I think I heard something about 13 years then we'll know... that seems OK - I'll be getting close to 70 then - yikes... when did that happen? 

  • cvmarilyn
    cvmarilyn Member Posts: 179
    edited August 2012

    Since I last wrote I have felt up and down - but today seems pretty normal - I should take my poor dog for a walk but I have felt winded doing the littlest thing - it's a real Catch 22 because they say to walk but walking makes me feel tired...

    I know what you mean about it taking over your life and your thoughts - but go figure.  I will be done for the most part in January too - then back to work/reality... but wonder if it will ever be like it was before, and if I even want it to be. Deep huh? 

  • kirwin524
    kirwin524 Member Posts: 47
    edited August 2012

    Hi the link worked Soltantio, thanks! Interesting that my C drug is Cytoxan ... Seems like everyone else is on different one?



    I am TCx6 and HPx12 and I guess the P could be either the Pertuzumab or the Placebo.



    My onco told me it is double blind as well. I'll be like you Soltantio, busy comparing side effects but I bet even that won't be definitive, since everyone is different! I start next Weds. It has been intense jumping through all of the fiery hoops to make it but I am glad I did.

  • kirwin524
    kirwin524 Member Posts: 47
    edited August 2012

    Well it would help if I wrote it so it makes sense though!  I am actually taking all 4 at the same time, but after I finish the TC part the HP part carries on for 6 more.  That makes me even more confused!

    I also just filled my scripts and I have Ativan (for nausea and anxiety) and Compazine (for nausea) and Zofran (for nausea) ... wondering how that works having that many for nausea all noted take every 6 or 8 hours!  I will have plenty of questions when I go in on Wednesday!

    I will share what I learn about the combo, I wrote it down on my list of questions, my Onco loves me (thank God) and my list.  I will also be thinking of you soltantio and hoping that you are faring well on Wednesday too! 

  • cvmarilyn
    cvmarilyn Member Posts: 179
    edited August 2012

    Hi all ~  I posted Soltantio but I guess I neglected to actually hit the right button to have it show up - go figure....   Anyway I hope everyone is doing well. I am doing pretty good this week. I HATE seeing myself without hair!!!!! It is so weird. And I also HATE wearing the stupid wig or the "obviously you are going through chemo scarf". I have decided that these are for other people's comfort (for the most part) and I guess for me so I don't have to deal with stupid questions or sympathy from someone who doesn't know me.

    I have learned that Ativan is a drug for all occassions - nausea and anxiety and it works! Also Reglan and Zofran seem to work for nausea too.  As for protein I am craving it - Flor tortiallas with mozarella cheese is my go to food.  When I begin to get hungry I make it quick and it works.  I have been walking which has felt so good - just to move. And I actually have had more energy which makes me feel human and not like a slug :)

    I haven't been constipated and things have been moving :) so feel REALLY good about that.

    Take care Test Sisters!!!

    <3

    CVM 

  • cvmarilyn
    cvmarilyn Member Posts: 179
    edited August 2012

    Hey Soltiano - Hope today goes well for you - it feels good to have 2 down right? I am actually looking forward to #3 - then it's half over!!!!! Today I have to talk with the HR guy about modifying my job - hello - I am not released to return to work???? Ugh red tape - I wish I could just retire. Let me know how you do today.  I am thinking of you.  Does yours take hours? 

    Take good care-

    CVM 

  • damiana9
    damiana9 Member Posts: 389
    edited August 2012

    Got my start date today- Sept 5! Holy cow this drug trial has alot of rules!  I had my echocardiogram rescheduled (apparently earlier than was 'supposed to' per trial protocal, so it made them have to hurry up and get me ready.... They still have to send my tissue sample from surgery off to Milan to be looked at there for the official trial stuff and now they have to hurry quite a bit more than they thought they would.  Oops!  At least I have a date now :) 

    How long is it taking for the chemo?  I am looking at the schedule and it looks like it is over 6 hoursSurprised

  • damiana9
    damiana9 Member Posts: 389
    edited August 2012

    ok, thanks!  I won't be doing the cold caps but they do ice fingers (not sure about toes)

  • cvmarilyn
    cvmarilyn Member Posts: 179
    edited August 2012

    Hi d ~ Soltiano is right  - it takes forever the first time - mine was started about 10 and we got out there about 6. The second time was faster.  Don't you think you should be able to accompany your tissue to Milan?  I do - it only seems right.... LOL

    It's good to have you join our group - that I know none of us EVER wanted to be a member of.

    S - how are you doing?  I am getting sort of nervous about round 3... and then what comes next as far as symptoms. I have been SO sleepy - ugh - and I know I need to walk - but REALLY????? Anyway... hope you are doing OK.

    <3

  • cvmarilyn
    cvmarilyn Member Posts: 179
    edited August 2012

    Hi - the only thing I can attribute are soft stools - which who knows - right? I had my 3rd chemo yesterday and was expecting/hoping to feel nauseous during the test drug like last time, but didn't. Who knows.  The trial nurse told me that I won'd find out if I have the real drug for 10 yrs :( I didn't ask my oncologist about the reoccurence rate because I've decided that I am not going to think about it - at least not too much. I am going to realy really try to live each day and really live it.

    How are you feeling Soltiano?

    Take care-

    Marilyn 

  • cvmarilyn
    cvmarilyn Member Posts: 179
    edited August 2012

    Hi - Good for you swimming - yea!!!!  I am impressed - you are a tough cookie.  I, on the other hand, feel like a slug.  I took that shot Neupresta (?) instead of Neuprogen and it made me feel SOOOOOOOOOO nauseous.... ick!!!!!!!!!!

    Funny about  your nurse e-mailing you about that stuff. Mine has been incommunicato lately - a little too uncaring though if you ask me. Not that I need her 24/7 but a little check in would be OK. I guess it's either feast or famine (did I spell that right????)

    Take care~

    Marilyn 

  • cvmarilyn
    cvmarilyn Member Posts: 179
    edited August 2012

    Hi - so interesting that you aren't getting the shots - I always heard uyou were supposed to to make sure your white blood count was OK - so that you could continue to get chemo - I WISH I didn't have to because I HATE them - I have had a really bad day - vomiting and all that I expected chemo to be @#$@%#^#%@!!!!!!! My counts have declined each time but I heard that's to be expected to.  Have you had your 3rd chemo already? I was just wondering what you thought of the cumalative effect. I'm wondering why I felt so crappy this time. Better - thank God - tonight.   Take good care ~

  • kirwin524
    kirwin524 Member Posts: 47
    edited September 2012

    It really is strange on how differently each onco approaches ... I had the Neulasta shot the day after my chemo and then had awful bone pain (despite starting on Claritin the day before chemo) and taking it for about 10 days in total. Tried to manage the pain with advil but eventually had to take my pain med to deal with it.  Might be worse because I have arthritis, just not sure, but it stunk. Was glad when it started to ease off about 5 days out!

    Biggest side effect for me with the chemo has been the runs (yippy skippy) and I am just using imodium to manage it.  Have lost 11 pounds since chemo and my blood counts on labs last week were a little whacked but no clue what it all means yet.  Assuming I go back for more this Weds :)  

  • cvmarilyn
    cvmarilyn Member Posts: 179
    edited September 2012

    Hi - Today marks 7 weeks until my last chemo - hallejulah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I get my 4th chemo a week from today.  I can't wait - even though I know the next weekend will SUCK!!!

    S- how are you?  I just feel a little out of body.  I tried some wine this weekend and it made my heart rush - so after a few sips - I stopped. Can't wait to get back to my life - also feel sooooo tired.  Are you still working? You are a tough cookie :)

    Marilyn 

  • cvmarilyn
    cvmarilyn Member Posts: 179
    edited September 2012

    NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I want us both to have it.... and who knows, right?  I have no idea if I'm getting it or not. Everything effects everyone in a different way. DO NOT fret.  The important thing is that having it, or not, that we beat the crap out of it so it NEVER wants to visit us again. 

  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited September 2012

    Sometimes I feel like I might be getting it ( my b/p drops a bit, I'm fatigued sometimes after infusion), then other times I have no symptoms, and feel good, then I think I'm not!

Categories