My Current Treatment: Claire

11th August 2020 SBC & Me How I Thrive

Secondary breast cancer patients are constantly working with oncologists to identify treatments, tablets and medicines that keep them stable. Each patient's body is unique and as such, each course of treatment is unique. Our new series looks at the treatment each member of our community is currently on. We hope this will offer other secondary patients an insight into the different treatments available. 

Today, Claire has agreed to share her treatment!

Claire: Secondary Breast Cancer with Bone mets (lower spine, ribs and sternum)

• Letrozole – One tablet per day

Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor which is used in the treatment of ER+ (hormonally-responsive) breast cancer after surgery. This drug reduces the levels of circulating estrogen.  It is commonly used in post-menopausal women

I uused to have a Zoladex injection (once a month) alongside Letrozole which is used to put your body into menopause by stopping your periods.  I no longer need this injection as I had an elective oopherectomy (ovary removal) in order to stop having this injection.  

• Ibandronic Acid – One tablet per day

Ibandronic acid or ibandronate sodium is a bisphosphonate medication used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and metastasis-associated skeletal fractures in people with cancer. I take this as a bone strengthener drug alongside my Letrozole to keep my bones as healthy as possible during treatment. 

• Stexerol-D3 – One tablet per day

Stexerol-D3 is used for the prevention of a Vitamin D deficiency

• Fluoxitine 20mg – One tablet per day

Flouxitine is an anti-depressant drug.  

This helps my general mood and well-being.  It has also been helpful with side effects from the menopause such as hot flushes and night sweats. 

My treatment is currently carried out via repeat prescription as all my medication is in tablet form.  I visit my oncologist once every 6 months at present and have scans every 6 – 9 months.  It used to be every 3 months but as my cancer is currently stable (4+ years) the time frame between scans and oncologist visits has increased.