GEMZAR

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S3K5
S3K5 Member Posts: 606
edited September 2018 in Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY

I am starting Gemzar next week and my onco assured me that the side effects are non-existent. I know a few of you have been on this chemo. Could you please share your experience here? I don't know what to expect!

Thanks a lot for your support and advice.

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  • AllyBee
    AllyBee Member Posts: 128
    edited August 2018

    Hi S3K5,

    I've just started Gemcitabine Carboplatin, the side effects have been bearable and I think probably caused by the carboplatin. Mainly just fatigue and trouble sleeping on the first night but I think that was from the premeds. I've had issues with low platelets but again probably because of the carboplatin.

    Sorry if that's not much help. I've found the combo very manageable, I'm sure you will do great.

    Ally

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  • azs40
    azs40 Member Posts: 99
    edited August 2018

    I am on the same regimen as Ally. Recently my blood work has been low - low platelets, low white blood cells - and has delayed my treatments. Last chemo, my onc decided to give me just gemzar - and I've had basically no side effects. It's the carbo that's a little harder, but tolerable. My blood work is still on the lower side, but I now get a boost of neupogen amd that helps.

    Hope all goes well on the gemzar and it lasts a good long time.

    -A

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  • hhfp
    hhfp Member Posts: 51
    edited September 2018

    Read forum/8/topics/866531 on this forum. My wife had low platelets and 2 transfusions while taking gemzar.

    Topic: Can someone share their experience with carboplatin'gemzar

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  • S3K5
    S3K5 Member Posts: 606
    edited September 2018

    AllyBee, azs40 and hhfp, thanks for your response. Most people I know have been getting the combo (Gemcitabine + Carboplatin). I don't know why my onco decided to give me only Gemzar. Not that I am complaining! It seems to be so much easier to tolerate than the combo.

    After 1st week of Gemzar, my WBC dropped too low. So now I have to get Gemzar on alternate weeks, with Nupogen on the off week.

    Anyone else on Gemzar only? Would love to hear from you.

    Hope this works for everyone with the least side effects.

    S3K5.


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  • Larkin
    Larkin Member Posts: 58
    edited September 2018

    I’m on just Gemzar. Starting round two on Friday. Low counts but very tolerable and no hair loss. Happy to get it as a single agent

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  • S3K5
    S3K5 Member Posts: 606
    edited September 2018

    Hi Larkin,

    You are right - Gemzar is very tolerable.

    I got my first dose 30th August and my MO had to hold the Gemzar for couple of weeks since my blood count dropped to very low counts. Got 2nd round of Neulasta 3 days ago, hoping it will help.


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