My Chemo Regimen
Gemcitabine, Abraxane, and Cisplatin
My Chemo Regimen
When I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer, my chemotherapy regimen was tailored not only to my specific type of cancer but also to the BRCA-1 genetic mutation. This personalized approach aimed to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment.
My regimen consisted of three key drugs:
Gemcitabine. Gemcitabine is a chemotherapy drug that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body. It is commonly used to treat various cancers, including pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer. Gemcitabine works by incorporating itself into the DNA of rapidly dividing cells, which then inhibits DNA synthesis and triggers cell death. This action targets cancer cells, which divide more quickly than normal cells.
Abraxane. Abraxane is a brand name for paclitaxel protein-bound particles, a formulation of the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel. It is used to treat breast cancer, lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer, often in combination with other chemotherapy drugs like Gemcitabine. Abraxane works by stabilizing microtubules, which are structures within the cell that help with cell division. By preventing these microtubules from breaking down, Abraxane effectively halts the process of cell division, leading to cancer cell death.
Cisplatin. Cisplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug used to treat various types of cancer, including testicular, ovarian, bladder, and lung cancers, as well as pancreatic cancer. Cisplatin works by forming cross-links between DNA strands, which prevents the DNA from being copied. This action stops the cell from dividing and causes cell death. Cisplatin is particularly effective at targeting rapidly dividing cancer cells.
Treatment Schedule
The treatment schedule followed a specific pattern:
Day 1: Chemotherapy, Day 2: Fluids
Day 8: Chemotherapy, Day 9: Fluids
Day 15: Off
Each round of chemotherapy included six sessions, and I completed three rounds in total, resulting in 18 treatments.
The fluids were mainly for hydration and to protect the kidneys. They also helped reduce side effects, support circulation, and alleviate constipation.
Daily Treatment Routine
Once at treatment, my schedule was as follows:
Hours 0-2: Fluids
Hours 3-4: Chemo
Hours 5-7: Fluids
The following day:
Hours 0-2: Fluids
This was reduced to only 1 hour after the 2nd round of 3.
Side Effects
Chemotherapy is known for its challenging side effects. Here are the primary side effects I experienced with my specific combination of drugs:
Fatigue: This was a significant side effect, managed with steroids to help boost energy levels.
Hair Loss: Hair loss was inevitable. I was told it would take about three weeks for me to lose my hair, and on Day 21, it started coming out in the shower.
Neuropathy: This nerve damage caused tingling and numbness, particularly in my hands and feet. Fortunately, I only experienced this minimally in the last few treatments, and it is completely gone now.
Monitoring Blood Counts
Throughout the treatment, it was crucial to manage and monitor my blood counts to ensure my body could handle the chemotherapy:
White Blood Cell Count: I received a white blood cell shot once every three weeks to help maintain a healthy immune system.
Red Blood Cell Count and Platelets: Regular checks were essential to prevent anemia and ensure proper clotting function.
Tracking Progress
To monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and track the progression of the cancer, several key tests were performed:
CA19-9 Blood Tumor Marker: This marker was checked every three weeks to assess the cancer's activity.
CT and PET Scans: Every two months, these scans were conducted to visualize the tumor's size and spread.
Conclusion
My chemotherapy regimen was a challenging journey, but it was meticulously planned and executed to provide the best possible outcome. By managing side effects, monitoring blood counts, and regularly assessing progress through scans and markers, I was able to navigate this difficult phase with a clear strategy and the support of my medical team.