Hope for Metastatic Breast Cancer with CDK4/6 Inhibitors
- Saturday Night Live alum Victoria Jackson, who veteran fans may remember from impersonating stars like Madonna and Roseanne Barr during her 1986-1992 tenure on the long-running NBC show, has announced that her stage 4 cancer is inoperable.
- The beloved sketch comedian is hoping to extend her time with a CDK4/6 inhibitor, a drug in the form of a tablet that targets proteins in cancer cells to keep them from growing.
- CDK4/6 inhibitors are a newer class of drugs indicated for women with hormone receptor positive metastatic breast cancer. These drugs have been effective in improving survival in women with this type of metastatic breast cancer.
- When going through a challenging diagnosis, it’s imperative to not give in to statistical data. These numbers are based on past, not current studies. Many survivors who have had a time stamp put on their life are still here a decade later. Never give up hope.
In a video posted to Instagram on Wednesday, the beloved sketch comedian, 65, shared that her doctors “cannot operate and cut out the marble in my chest that is laying on my windpipe, and eventually would suffocate me to death.”
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In the comments, fans urged her to keep going … and to stop Googling.
“I have cancer don’t Google stuff. They told me I had two years to live 14 years later. I’m still here and feeling fabulous,” one survivor wrote, with a second person sharing a similar story: “You are in my prayers. Don’t Google anything. I have an Aunt who they gave her one year to live. 11 years later still going.”
“You are handling this all with so much grace. But please, don’t let anyone speak death over you,” another fan shared.
Per her personal website, Jackson was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016. Her only symptom was a cough. It was stage 3 and she underwent a double mastectomy, which is the removal of both breasts.
On Wednesday, Jackson said she still has milestones she is looking forward to, which is so important. “I’d like to see my grandson born — his name is Jimmy — in October and get to know him a little. And I would like to see my daughter Aubrey have a baby.”
You Are Not a Statistic
There is nothing wrong with Googling information, as long as you are going to a proper source. Multiple opinions from medical professionals are always best.
The problem with looking up statistics, however, is that most people don’t realize that statistics are determined based on past years of studies.
Kelly Shanahan has metastatic breast cancer and she is a doctor so she’s seen and heard all the breast cancer stats. But she doesn’t live by those numbers. As Kelly points out, statistics apply to large populations, they don’t apply to individuals. Kelly is living beyond the average life expectancy for her cancer, and she likes to remind her husband that she’s never been average!
Metastatic Breast Cancer: You Are Not a Statistic
As a doctor and a patient, Kelly says her greatest hope remains with research, which is why she is an activist for improving clinical trials and an advocate for metastatic-specific research.
And with advancements in medicine happening at a much quicker pace these days — and more time passing since these newer drugs have come on the market — there is more hope than ever to live with metastatic breast cancer.
Like the fan commenting on Jackson’s page, we have so many survivors tell us how their doctor said they had one year to live, but they’re still here years and years, even a decade later and still going. Never give up hope.
What Are CDK4/6 Inhibitors?
CDK4/6 inhibitors are a newer class of drugs indicated for women with hormone receptor positive metastatic breast cancer. These drugs have been effective in improving survival in women with this type of metastatic breast cancer.
CDK4/6 Inhibitors for Breast Cancer Explained
One of the common side effects of these medicines is a reduction in white blood cells which are part of your body’s immune system. White blood cells are the ones that fight infections, a part of our immune response, so it’s important to discuss the risks with your doctor so that you have a full understanding of what you are taking.
As always, be sure to report any side effects you are feeling immediately to your doctor.
Common Side Effects of CDK4/6 Inhibitors
“I think it’s really important to say, ‘Look, we have this new medication, here are the benefits, here are the side effects,” Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky, a medical oncologist specializing in breast and gynecologic cancer at Valley Health System, previously told SurvivorNet. “Then really work through each individual patient about whether it’s something that is going to be right for them.”
Weighing the Risks vs. Benefits of CDK4/6 Inhibitors
Potential side effects include:
- Neutropenia, which is a low count of a type of white blood cell called neutrophils, which helps fight certain infections
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea or upset stomach
- Alopecia, a type of hair loss
- Headache
- Constipation
- Rash
- Cough
Managing Side Effects
Managing the side effects of CDK4/6 inhibitors is crucial for maintaining quality of life during treatment. Here are some strategies that can help:
- Regular Monitoring: Regular blood tests and liver function tests are essential to monitor the body’s response to CDK4/6 inhibitors. These tests help catch any potential issues early, allowing for prompt management.
- Diet and Hydration: Maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated can help manage common side effects such as nausea and diarrhea. Small, frequent meals and avoiding spicy or greasy foods may reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Medication Adjustments: If side effects become too challenging, your doctor may adjust the dosage or switch you to a different CDK4/6 inhibitor. Open communication with your healthcare team is vital to finding the right balance.
- Supportive Medications: Medications like anti-diarrheal drugs, anti-nausea medications, and supplements to boost white blood cell counts can help manage side effects and maintain treatment efficacy.
- Physical Activity: Gentle exercise, such as walking or yoga, can help manage fatigue and improve overall well-being. Tailor your activity level to what feels comfortable for you.
- Emotional Support: Speaking with a counselor or joining a support group can provide emotional support and practical advice for managing side effects and navigating treatment.
Coping with a Difficult Diagnosis
Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is undoubtedly one of the most challenging moments in a person’s life. It’s essential to remember that you are not alone. Many resources and support systems are available to help you cope with this diagnosis and navigate your treatment journey.
Here is some practical guidance on how to move forward from SurvivorNet’s experts:
- Seek Support: Reach out to support groups, both in-person and online. Connecting with others who are going through similar experiences can provide comfort and practical advice.
- Communicate with Your Healthcare Team: Your doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals are there to help you. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, express your concerns, and discuss your treatment options. Understanding your treatment plan can empower you and alleviate some of your anxiety.
- Take Care of Your Mental Health: Coping with cancer is not just a physical battle but an emotional one as well. Consider speaking with a counselor or therapist who specializes in cancer care. Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and gentle exercise can also help manage stress and improve your overall well-being.
- Educate Yourself: Knowledge is power. Educate yourself about your specific type of breast cancer and the treatments available. Reliable sources of information can include your healthcare team, reputable cancer organizations, and medical literature.
- Lean on Loved Ones: Your family and friends want to support you. Let them know how they can help, whether it’s accompanying you to appointments, helping with daily tasks, or simply being there to listen.
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