Eribulin, so far

By Sarah

So far I have had two treatments with the newly approved breast cancer drug Eribulin. I had a hard time at my first treatment  just getting my insurance company to ok my treatment. You can read about my experience here. It’s kind of scary receiving a new drug but exciting at the same time. Not knowing really what to expect. I am my doctor’s first patient to receive the treatment and the first patient at the hospital to receive it. I felt like I was on the cusp of something important. Paving the way for other women like me who have tried several drugs for their cancer that had not worked.

I have not experienced many any side effects from my treatments so far. My most significant side effect is fatigue. I seem to be sleepy all the time but it may have to do with the meds I am taking for my cough too. The only other side effect I have experienced is a little constipation which as all  cancer patients know is very common. I don’t have any food aversions and have been able to drink my coffee every morning which makes me very happy.

I am currently using an oxygen machine to make my breathing easier. My cough that I have had is getting better and I think the oxygen is really helping that out. If I feel short of breath or have a lot of coughing I just go into my room turn my machine on and put my nose piece in and bam, I get a nice oxygen treatment.

My hair is still hanging on and I am told that it will not all fall out. We will see about that. My hope is that this new treatment will kill my cancer and put me into remission. I would like to celebrate a lot more Christmases.