Gemzar Carbo treatment

Quick question.   Has anybody had the Gemzar/Carbo chemo along with radiation as a treatment?  Oncologist said this was not an option because the radiation does not work well with one or both of the chemo products.  But she said it in a manner that is making me second guess her.

Okay that is what I needed.  Thanks Donna

Craig,

My biggest complaint is fatigue.  My worst are days 3 and 4 following treatment where I'm really tired.  Today is my day 5 and I'm feeling better.  I'm coming up to my off week and I know I'll feel better each day.  My treatment has been 2 weeks on, 1 week off of chemo.  I've been able to work while getting treatment, but work from home the day following chemo.  Other members have had other side effects that I didn't experience.  They'll watch the WBC, RBC and Platelets closely.  While my wbc slide, I've been able to get treatment and so far they bounce back close to normal before the next treatment.

Donna

I just finished with gem/carb with the Parp BSI 201 I was on gem/carb to reduce my liver enzymes so I could get the trial drug. From Sept to Dec I had a decrease of 20-25% area in my liver. But my recent CT Scan reflected new lesions on the left lobe of my liver. So I am off the Gem/Carb for now. The drugs did a real number on my platelets, I must of had 6 platelet transfusions over 5 months. Other side effects minimal , I had radiation previously, this treatment for reoccurrence. Good Luck

Kathy I too am sorry to read you had to go off the Gem/Carb for now.  I would be interested in hearing what they plan to do next.  All my best..

Well thanks everyone for your information.  She had her first dose of Gem/Carbo this past Tuesday.  Her biggest complaint was a stomach ache the third and fourth day.  She has also complained about needing to throw up but can't so there are some side effects to this stuff.  She does not have the metal taste in her mouth as she with the first round of chemo that she had.  She is on the same schedule as you Donna.  Gem/Carbo one week, Gem the following week, and nothing the third week.  She is repeating it for three cycles and hopefully this will put her cancer into some form of remission.  If it does she might be able to get radiation for that side of her body and for her lung and bone spots.  Radiation worked extremelly well last time so that is what we are hoping for.  Oh and also went for a second opinion.  It was like night and day so I would suggest that to anybody.  The first onc was so negative, did not even want to listen to any treatment options, and was not sure if she would even make it a year.  The second onc told her that her cancer was concerning but was not quite dangerous yet.  She was so nice, offered a ton of treatment possibilities, and gave us so much hope.  So anybody that is thinking about a second opinion because of how your onc treated, do it.  It is so worth it.  

Donna~

SIZE=2]My new treatment is Cytoxan, Methotrexate & 5 FU Onc is holding off on the Havalen-last resort. The cytoxan was to be 3 pills a day for two weeks orally. My esophagus did not cooperate so I will get the cytoxan by IV next treatment. I have had unbearable back pain before I started this new treatment, recent CT scan did not reflect anything other than the cancer lesions on the left lobe of my liver. I am having a MRI on my spine this week. I currently use two low dose fentanyl patches which alleviates the pain. Anyone have experience with back pain?

Hello everyone. I'm a new member to this website. I am a TNBC patient. I just finished my 2nd treatment cycle of Gem/Carbo + iniparib in a clinical trial (expanded access). This is my third chemo regimen since my diagnosis in Oct 2008. I will get my first scan during my rest week in April, following cycle 3. I have had extreme fatigue and nausea with this treatment. My pre meds only include decadron, aloxie (both IV) and oral tylenol. I get both gem and carbo on days 1 & 8, and iniparib on days 1,4,8 & 11. My blood counts have really bottomed out.  First my ANC - which caused me to miss a treatment. And then, my plts....luckily I didn't miss any treatments for cycle 2. I now do neupogen shots on days 3-5 and 9-11 to help with ANC. I appreciate everyone's questions and comments. It really helps to know I'm not the only one with this horrible disease, and fighting the fight. I look forward to reading and learning about everyone's journey as I continue to fight my fight.
Martha

Welcome Martha, no you certainly are not alone.  We all support each other in our various situations the best we can.  Thank you for sharing your story, we all learn from each other.