XL 184 Update- Week 12

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After 12 weeks on Cabozantinib (XL 184) things are going OK.

 

I started the 25mg trial on August 30th. During the first 6 weeks I didn't notice any side effects, however I did notice an

increase in pain in several locations. On October 11 I had the first required follow up bone and CT scans. The results of those

scans showed a 20% improvement in the overall state of the bone mets. While good, the trial was looking for 30% or greater.

 

On November 1st my dose was increased to 125mg (per the trial, I was concerned about that high of a dose).

[side note I was at the time on both 2- 10mg Oxycontin and 6-8 325mg Oxycodone daily]. The increase in the trial drug

coupled with the constant struggle with constipation from the pain meds, made for an interesting beginning on the month.

After trying multiple OTC laxatives I finally got a prescription variety that stared working right away. Also, after six days on the higher dose

of the trial meds, the nausea was unbearable at times. The doctor suggested I stop taking the medication for three days.

 

With both the nausea and the constipation under control I started the trial meds again on November 10th at a lower 75mg dose.

The following twelve days were spent readjusting the pain meds, laxatives etc and I was able to go back to Boston for my November 21st scans 

and doctor appointment on the 22nd. At the appointment on the 22nd the doctor showed me a side by side comparison of the October 11th

and the November 21st bone scans. Even with my untrained eyes I could see a difference, and it was encouraging! There were a few spots that

had cleared up and most had noticeable reductions.

75mg may still be too high, I still have occasional nausea issues. The best news is I have not had Oxycodone in almost 48 hours. Sleep is getting better

but there are still some nights that are rough.

 

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