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Maree66's avatar
Maree66
Member
10 years ago

Clinical Trials - Penelope and Olympia

Hi All

I had a left breast multi focal carcinoma with axillary mets, grade 3 . I had neoadjuvant chemotherapy (3 FEC and 3 Tax) followed by surgery (Wide Local Excision) and axillary clearance. I am now 3 days of finishing 6 weeks of radiation and I am on Letrozole (anti-hormone) tablets. My oncologist advised me that due to my cancer being invasive I have a 50% chance of getting a secondary cancer.

He has recommended and put my name forward to undertake the PENELOPE clinical trial.  I have met with the medical team in Sydney re the trial who suggested I may also qualify for the OLYMPIA trial if I come back positive on my recent BRCA test.

Basically I am interested in talking to anyone one else who is on or heard of either of these clinical trials.  I am torn between just wanting to move on and get on with my life (no more medical stuff) and going on one of the trials in the hope it might improve my odds.  If I go on the trial I have to go back and forth to Sydney for a year and continue to be under medical surveillance including medical tests/scans etc (this may not be a bad thing, perhaps reassuring). It is a strange feeling to go from non stop medical supervision for 9 months to nothing more than 3-6 month oncology visits.

I appreciate any advice on this matter.

Thanks so much

Maree

BRCA1-BRCA2
clinical-trials

7 Replies

  • Jurry's avatar
    Jurry
    Member
    10 years ago
    Hi Maree
    Sorry for late reply. The dr talked more thoroughly about study/drug current & past, possible side effects, why/what for etc. I have been taking drug/placebo for about 5 weeks now. I have regular appointments down to monthly now and will be followed for 10 yrs after last patient joins study. How are things with you? 
    Jodie
  • Maree66's avatar
    Maree66
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Jodie did you find out any more than the website tells you?

    ta Maree

  • Jurry's avatar
    Jurry
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Marie 

     Will do, leaning towards joining trial after talking to Dr today.

    jodie ??

  • Maree66's avatar
    Maree66
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Jodie

    Oh that's great please keep me informed if you find out anything of interest.

    Thanks

    Maree

  • Jurry's avatar
    Jurry
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Maree

    check out Breast Care Institute of Australia. Has a section on current clinical trials that give some information about the Penelope and Olympia trials.

    jodie ??

  • Jurry's avatar
    Jurry
    Member
    10 years ago

    Will follow this. I was put forward for the Olympia trial. Am seeing genetics Dr tomorrow who is also one of the researchers have many questions. The only information I have is what I was sent and related internet searches.

    Like you Marie I find it strange to go from constant supervision to virtually nothing bar appts with oncologist. 

    Jodie ??