August 16, 2010 by  powersteph65  aka Ironside

Some information on my type of Breast cancer, complicated because it is the
first case of it’s kind.

Breast cancer has not only bypassed my lymph nodes,
but has bypassed also my breasts .

Having read this, I have no idea what the future holds for me.

When breast cancer spreads beyond the breast, it is said to be 'metastatic', meaning that it has travelled from the breast to another part of the body.

Cancer cells can travel through either the lymphatic system or the blood vessels.

There are two types of metastatic breast cancer. When the cancer cells travel from the breast to the under arm (axillary) lymph nodes, it is still considered an 'early' or potentially curable breast cancer. With proper surgery and systemic treatments, there is still a good chance that all cancer can be removed from the body.

If the cancer has travelled past the lymph nodes to another part of the body, a woman is said to have 'distant metastasis'. The most common places that breast cancer spreads to are the bones, the liver, and the lungs. Many treatments are available for breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, but unfortunately once cancer has escaped from the breast and under arm lymph nodes, it is no longer curable.

The goal of treatment in this case is to prevent the cancer from spreading further while at the same time minimizing side effects from the treatment.

A woman may be found to have a distant metastasis of her breast cancer at the time when her initial breast cancer is found, or months to years later.

This occurs because breast cancer cells can escape from the breast before surgery and may take a long time to form a tumour in another part of the body.

When breast cancer comes back months to years after it was originally found, it is called a breast cancer recurrence.

Treatment for Breast Cancer Metastasis

Once breast cancer has spread beyond the breast and under arm lymph nodes, it is considered a 'systemic' disease, meaning that it is necessary to treat the whole body rather than just one particular spot.

This is because, once the cancer has travelled through the blood stream or lymphatic system, there are likely to be breast cancer cells in many different parts of the body, even if scans only show a few spots.

For this reason, treatments that reach all parts of the body, such as chemotherapy and hormonal therapy, are used to treat metastatic breast cancer instead of treatments that just treat one part of the body, such as surgery.

In general, surgery is not a part of the treatment of metastatic disease because treating only one area allows cancer to grow in other places.

it is unfortunately not possible to remove all of the parts of the body where the cancer has spread because it is impossible to measure the individual cancer cells that will grow into a tumour without chemotherapy or hormonal treatment.

Breast cancer often responds to many different kinds of treatments, and most patients can live for months to several years with metastatic breast cancer.

Recent research has shown that there are many different types of breast cancer, and the best treatment plan for a particular patient needs to be decided by a woman and her medical oncologist.

In general, a woman might be treated with a hormonal therapy if she has a hormone responsive (estrogen or progesterone receptor positive) tumour and does not have a large amount of cancer in her liver or lungs.

Women with tumours that are not responsive to hormonal therapies or who have a large amount of disease in their bodies are usually treated with chemotherapy.

There are many different types of chemotherapy that are used for breast cancer. In general, it is important to remember that the goal of treatment is to stop the cancer from growing while still allowing the patient to live a normal life.

Many times the chemotherapy that is chosen in this setting is less toxic than the chemotherapy given after breast cancer surgery.

In recent years, there has been much interest in developing new types of medicines that kill breast cancer cells in new and different ways.

Some of these medicines, such as trastuzumab (Herceptin), are designed to work against a specific type of breast cancer. Others, such as becizamab (Avastin), may work well in combination with chemotherapy to increase the likelihood that a treatment will stop the tumour from growing for a longer period of time.

In general, most women with metastatic breast cancer will be treated with several different types of therapy over the course of their disease.

Over time, cancer cells become resistant to a treatment, and will begin to grow. When this happens, a change in treatment is needed.

Unlike many other types of cancer, breast cancer cells can be controlled by many different types of chemotherapy, and women with metastatic breast cancer are living longer and longer.

Hopefully with further research, women will no longer die of this disease in the future.

by powersteph65  aka Ironside

MACMILLAN CANCER:    MYOCET is used to treat Breast Cancer Metastasis.

This is a new much ‘softer’ chemotherapy to treat advanced Breast Cancer. I have been in touch with Macmillan and they are very helpful with any questions one may have.  They have a good online service and information to help you through the side effects of chemotherapy. MYOCET is the chemotherapy I have been prescribed…SIX sessions , the minimum and after that we shall have to wait and see if I need  more.  I need not say ‘I hope not’.

My fourth session will be  on Wednesday 15 Sep 2010 and I would rather be any place anywhere than in THAT hospital.
I have lost my hair all but a few tufts which are hanging on in there, they shall remain ,I refuse to shave them off as to me this is my body showing defiance to my cancer .

Liposomal doxuribicin : MYOCET

by powersteph65  aka Ironside

So many people have been so kind and left wonderful messages. I am going through the side effects at the moment but promise I will answer every single one.

I need a few days to get through this.

Meanwhile, this is the treatment I am on…this in my case is for advanced Breast Cancer.

 Write up by Macmillan:

Liposomal doxorubicin (Caelyx®, Myocet®)

Liposomal doxorubicin is a chemotherapy| drug that is given as a treatment for some types of cancer . It is most commonly used to treat ovarian cancer| and Aids-related Kaposi’s sarcoma| , but may also be used to treat advanced breast cancer| .

* Pis a chemotherapy drug. In liposomal doxorubicin the molecules of the drug are enclosed (encapsulated) in a fatty coating known as liposome. The liposome allows the doxorubicin to remain in the body for longer so that a greater amount of chemotherapy is delivered to the cancer cells, while having fewer side effects on healthy tissue.

Liposomal doxorubicin isn’t suitable for everyone who needs doxorubicin and you may find it helpful to discuss this with your cancer specialist, who will be able to advise you on whether this type of treatment is appropriate for you.

There are two liposomal doxorubicin drugs that work in slightly different ways and are used to treat different types of cancer. These are Caelyx® and Myocet®.

Caelyx® is a form of doxorubicin| that is enclosed in liposomes. It is sometimes known as pegylated doxorubicin hydrochloride (PLDH). It is used to treat:

* Advanced ovarian cancer that has come back after being treated with a platinum-based chemotherapy drug.

* Women with advanced breast cancer who have an increased risk of heart damage from other chemotherapy drugs.

* Aids-related Kaposi’s sarcoma .

Myocet® , another form of liposomal doxorubicin, is used to treat advanced (metastatic) breast cancer| in combination with another chemotherapy drug, cyclophosphamide| .

What it looks like
Liposomal doxorubicin is a light red fluid.

How it is given
Liposomal doxorubicin may be given by a drip (infusion):

*  through a fine tube (cannula) placed into the vein, usually in the back of the hand

*  through a fine plastic tube that is inserted under the skin into a vein near the collarbone (central line )

*  into a fine tube that is inserted into a vein in the crook of your arm (PICC line ).

The Infusion usually takes 60-90 minutes.

Chemotherapy is usually given as a course of several sessions (cycles) of treatment over a few months. The length of your treatment and the number of cycles you have will depend on the type of cancer for which you are being treated. Your nurse or doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.

Possible side effects

Each person’s reaction to chemotherapy is different. Some people have very few side effects; while others may experience more. The side effects described in this information won’t affect everyone who is given liposomal doxorubicin, and may be different if you are having more than one chemotherapy drug.

We have outlined the most common side effects and some of the less common ones, so that you can be aware of them if they occur. However, we haven’t included those that are very rare and therefore extremely unlikely to affect you. If you notice any effects which you think may be due to the drug, but which aren’t listed in this information, please discuss them with your doctor, chemotherapy nurse or pharmacist.

Lowered resistance to infection Liposomal doxorubicin can reduce the production of white blood cells by the bone marrow, making you more prone to infection| . This effect can begin seven days after treatment has been given, while your resistance to infection usually reaches its lowest point 10-14 days after chemotherapy. The number of your white blood cells will then increase steadily, and will usually have returned to normal levels before your next cycle of chemotherapy is due.

Contact your doctor or the hospital straight away if:

* your temperature goes above 38ºC (100.4ºF)

* you suddenly feel unwell (even with a normal temperature).

You will have a blood test before having more chemotherapy to make sure that your cells have recovered. Occasionally it may be necessary to delay your treatment if the number of blood cells (the blood count) is still low.

Bruising or bleeding Liposomal doxorubicin can reduce the production of platelets (which help the blood to clot). Let your doctor know if you have any unexplained bruising or bleeding, such as nosebleeds, blood spots or rashes on the skin, or bleeding gums.

Anaemia (low number of red blood cells) While having treatment with liposomal doxorubicin you may become anaemic. This may make you feel tired| and breathless| . Let your doctor or nurse know if these symptoms are a problem.

Sore mouth and ulcers Your mouth may become sore| , or you may notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids, and cleaning your teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush, can help to reduce the risk of this happening. Tell your nurse or doctor if you have any of these problems, as special mouthwashes and medicine to prevent or clear any mouth infection can be prescribed.

Taste changes You may notice that your food tastes different. Normal taste usually comes back after the treatment finishes.

Skin changes Your skin may darken, due to excess production of pigment. This usually returns to normal a few months after the treatment has finished.

Areas of skin that have previously been treated with radiotherapy may become sensitive again while you are being treated with liposomal doxorubicin.

Soreness and redness of the palms of the hands and soles of the feet If you are being treated with Caelyx, you may develop red palms and soles of the feet, sometimes referred to as palmar plantar, or hand and foot syndrome. This effect can begin after two or three cycles of treatment, but is temporary. It will usually begin to improve within 1-2 weeks after the treatment is finished. You may be prescribed vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), which can help to reduce this.

It can also help to keep your hands and feet cool and to avoid tight fitting clothing, such as socks, shoes and gloves. Palmar plantar is unlikely to happen if you are being treated with Myocet.

Hot flushes or backache Some people have hot flushes or backache when the drug is being given.

Sensitivity to the sun While you are having liposomal doxorubicin, and for several months afterwards, you will be more sensitive to the sun and your skin may burn more easily than normal. You can still go out in the sun, but always wear a high protection factor suncream and protective clothing.

Discoloured urine Your urine may become a red/orange colour. This may last for a few hours after having liposomal doxorubicin and is due to the colour of the drug. It is quite normal.

Fever, chills and allergic reactions Back pain, breathlessness, headaches and swelling of the face may occur from the time the drug is given. If you do develop these symptoms the infusion may be stopped and re-started at a slower rate. Your doctor may prescribe a drug that can reduce these side effects and which can be given before your next treatments.

Tiredness and feeling weak It is important to allow yourself plenty of time to rest.

Less common side effects

Feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting) If you do feel sick this may begin a few hours after the treatment is given and last for up to a day. Your doctor can prescribe very effective anti-sickness (anti-emetic) drugs to prevent, or greatly reduce, nausea and vomiting| .

If the sickness is not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor; they can prescribe other anti-sickness drugs which may be more effective. Some anti-sickness drugs can cause constipation. Let your doctor or nurse know if this is a problem.

Changes in the way your heart works Liposomal doxorubicin can affect how the heart works. The effect on the heart depends on the dose given. It is very unusual for the heart to be affected by standard doses of this treatment. If affected the heart normally goes back to normal once the chemotherapy is finished. Tests to see how your heart is working may sometimes be carried out before the drug is given.

Hair loss

This is more likely to occur if you are being treated with Myocet than Caelyx, although it can happen with both. It usually starts 2-4 weeks after the first dose of liposomal doxorubicin, although it may occur earlier. Your hair may just thin but could fall out completely, although this is rare. You may also have thinning and loss of eyelashes, eyebrows and other body hair. Hair loss| is temporary and your hair will start to regrow once the treatment ends.

Injection site If you notice any stinging or burning around the vein while the drug is being given, or any leakage of fluid from the cannula site it is very important that you tell the doctor or nurse.

If the area around the injection site becomes red or swollen you should either tell the doctor on the ward or, if you are at home you should ring the clinic or ward and ask to speak to the doctor or nurse.

Risk of blood clots Cancer can increase your risk of developing a blood clot (thrombosis), and having chemotherapy may increase this risk further. A blood clot may cause symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling in a leg, or breathlessness and chest pain. Blood clots can be very serious so it is important to tell your doctor straightaway if you have any of these symptoms. However, most clots can usually be successfully treated with drugs to thin the blood. Your doctor or nurse can give you more information.

Other medicines Some medicines may be harmful to take when you are having chemotherapy, including those you can buy in a shop or chemist. Let your doctor know about any medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, complementary therapies and herbal drugs

Fertility Your ability to become pregnant or father a child may be affected by taking this drug. It is important to discuss fertility| with your doctor before starting treatment.

Contraception It’s not advisable to become pregnant or father a child while taking liposomal doxorubicin, as the developing foetus may be harmed. It is important to use effective contraception while taking this drug, and for at least a few months afterwards. Again, discuss this with your doctor.

Note from User of Fulvestrant

This it is a new treatment only used in special cases due to the price. 1000.00 for two injections 2 x 250 mg. Not yet available in the now higher recommended dose of 500mg. so for the moment you need to by two 250 mg. Injected into each cheek in the muscle of the buttock and believe me I am still standing as the pain to sit is unbelievable.  Side effects not too bad...much better than Femara.

Wigs, I found it so hard to find any wigs that did not look false or were very expensive. I finally found simply wigs and have bought several from this company. The owners name Stuart, is very helpful and as it seems so many young girls now have cancer he has a very good choice and price.  http://www.simplywigs.co.uk/catalogue/ladies-wigs/index.html 

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