Reflecting on 3 Cycles of Piqray

We’re halfway through November, 2019, and I just picked up my fourth cycle of Piqray from the specialty pharmacy at my cancer center yesterday.  I also found out yesterday that my first PET scan since starting Piqray demonstrated that my cancer has had a partial response to the medication over the past three months. While I’m not satisfied with partial (because I want the whole enchilada), it’s definitely better than hearing progression again.

It’s a good place to be, three cycles in, to know that the medication appears to be working.  At this point, here’s an update of where I’m at with the experience of Piqray:

1. Sticking to a low carb, keto-like diet has been helpful to support the efficacy of the medication and keep my sugar levels in the right range.  When I’ve cheated, my body has absolutely let me know.
2. The nausea is here to stay, it’s low level, thank God, and manageable, but I do have to eat like a pregnant person.  Lots of little, protein rich, meals throughout the day and I keep my ginger ale handy.
3. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out Metformin and how to tolerate Metformin and then, my medical oncologist ran across thisletter to the editor in the New England Journal of Medicine and now I’m on Jardance instead.  The side effects seem generally the same but I’m still adjusting to a new medication.  I’ve reached out to Novartis to see if theirrecommendations will change and haven’t heard anything yet.  
4. The rash so many people struggle with has not shown up, but I do still have a lot of dry skin.  I pretty much have the skin on my face under control, but inside my nose is still super dry and easily irritated.  I’m still taking Claritin every day and will continue to do so–that’s also probably contributing to the dryness in my nose!
5. Piqray is still a very weird name.

I’ve a meeting planned with Novartis next month at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, so let me know if you have any questions about Piqray and I’ll be sure to pass them along and then get them answered and disseminated.