To all the wonderful women on this forum, my apologies in advance for a long post, but I need some help.

As some of you know, my mother (now 58, original dx was stII(b) in 2014, stIV dx 10/2017) started cycles of Xeloda and Keytruda in October. Initial stage IV dx showed mets to spine (including one that contributed to a compression fracture at C6 and is approximately 3 cm), liver (1.8 cm), both lungs (1.1 cm), and multiple lymph nodes (some described as "clusters", mammary and supraclavicular).

We just received her first scan results yesterday: progression despite the promising immunotherapy combo.

Her largest liver met disappeared but multiple new ones (1.5 cm) sprang up in its place. Small pleural effusion appeared. Largest lung mets up from 1.1 cm to 1.5/1.7 cm respectively. Bone mets in sternum looked stable. Report noted several new enlarged lymph nodes. Not sure about C6 met, but that's because the bone scan she was scheduled for on Monday fell through (she was vomiting so much after the CT that she couldn't rally for that 1.5 hour ordeal).

So where does that leave us? Parents are with the MO at Northwestern today (Dr. Gradishar). PA told me on the phone yesterday that two systemic therapies come to mind: Gemzar + carboplatin OR Eribulin + carboplatin. (Mom's treatment history includes red devil, taxane, and hormone therapy during first bout, and the failure on Keytruda+Xeloda). However, before commencing with either of those treatments (or something else), a few cycles of radiation to C6 (and steroids). The stabbing pain in her arms and shoulders (stemming from the aforementioned C6 fracture and tumor at that site) has kept her bedridden since her st IV dx. Daily meds include a fentanyl patch, norco, gabapetin, all in high quantities. Poor woman is nauseated all the time and unbelievably weak.

Anyone have experience with Gemzar + carboplatin and/or Eribulin + carboplatin? Thoughts or feelings on choosing one over the other? Is it possible something could get her NED?

Just looking for some hope at this point as I feel a bit crushed at the moment. PA said "we really need this next treatment to work" (which was a blow and took me by a bit by surprise), but that she's cautiously optimistic since she's seen women respond well to whatever treatment follows an immunotherapy. She's relatively young and has done everything possible to take care of herself since her first go-around (countless kale smoothies, no dairy, became a yoga instructor, etc. etc. etc.); but we already knew life was unfair. It hurts the most because she's my best friend. It hurts because I can see how much pain my dad is in.

Just looking for some guidance so we can give her the best shot at getting some leverage on what is apparently a very aggressive form of the cancer.

Prayers to all,

Jeff