Dear Chrisy,

I'm am ever so glad to hear that this trial will be starting at UCSF. We are lucky to have Dr. Rugo and many other brilliant cancer docs so close by. I have a very good feeling about this trial.

I must admit, that I too over indulged with food and wine over the holidays and my labs and blood pressure have not been good lately. But, I decided six years ago when I became stage IV that I wasn't going to deny myself those little splurges now and then. Now that the holidays (and 4 family birthdays) this month are past I'm getting back to my healthier routine. I just wouldn't have had nearly as much fun if I hadn't gotten to enjoy all those tasty holiday treats! Besides, chocolate is good for me!!!

Sending positive smart bomb vibes your way, Kim

chrisy.. congrats on the treatment... so far as i know, at least 3 women on this board are currently enrolled in the trastuzumab-dm1 trials. lily, marsha, and barb.. all are doing fabulous.. barb and marsha are doing once a week treatments and lily is every 3 weeks..

do you know which u will be. i have heard that genentech may start a second
phase 2 trial of the once a week dosing now that they have a good idea that they are able to infuse more drug into the body on the weekly regimen vs the every 3 week treatment. the every 3 week therapy dose is 3.6mg/kg. where as the weekly regimen is likely 2 - 2.4mg ..

keep us updated..

FLORI! Fo'Shizzle????????
 

I was worried about being "treatment neked" for 2-3 weeks (required for the trial) and wondering what I was going to do to keep those nasties under control until the smart bomb gits 'em.

Now I know, I will just read your post every day and laugh and laugh and laugh until I cry, releasing buckets and buckets of endorphins and other healing good things into my bloodstream!

I think maybe I'll get a t-shirt made with that on it and wear it to my treatment!

Flori, you rock! Thank you so much for always brightening my day!!!!!!!

Flori - you are most definitely still you. I'll be breathing only in between holding my breath for good test results for YOU.

Much love
Chris

Runtolive
 

I will be on the 3 week schedule - although it looks like I will be having weekly labs done!

please keep us all posted ... genentech is enrolling 100 patients in the every 3 week trial. i have heard they are past the half mark.. have u heard anything to that effect. this trial is so important for all of us.. if this trial completes its enrollment soon, genentech would be able to start a pivotal phase 3 trial by hopefully the end of the year.. and maybe be approved by late 2009 or 2010

run to live

i would not worry about that. the TDM1 will kick that cancer out of you but good..
i just know u can fight it...

run to live

I remember reading somewhere that 'visualization' is good for us fighters. I vividly recall the pictures drawn by a survivor who happened to be an artist of comic
books. They were printed in the "Cure" magazine last year. I think we need to do the exercise every day - visualizing how cancer cells got destroyed by the cocktails. Medical research has concluded that the stimulation of endorphin will boost our immune system. So, yes, let's "blast the crap out of those nasty cancer cells!"

runtolive
 

I was told that there were 19 people already enrolled - but that does seem low to me! The total will be 100, 5 to be at UCSF (finally opening on the West coast!)

Hi Chrisy,
I would wait for liver ablation. I have a positive feeling that this drug will bring you to NED. It has been a miracle drug for me.
Good luck,
Barbara H.

chrisy, glad to hear about an exciting new treatment. I am still on The Tykerb/avastin trial...so far so good.I know that can change at any time so good to hear about this new trial!

chrisy... trastuzumab-dm1 trial
 

chrisy. what the verdict.. are u starting the tras-dm1 trial.. hope so..

runtolive.

Great news Chrisy
 

that you are able to participate in the DMI trial. I am desperate to get on it since my oncs office is offering it but since I have taken more then 3 chemos I am excluded. They are actually having trouble recruting because most of the women seem to be in the same boat as I am.

Hopefully they will push it through quickly.

Good luck and I am sure you will do great. Keep us posted please.

As of the moment, the screening tests (yes, MORE PET/CT, X-ray and ECHO's) are scheduled for next week in hopes that I can start in the trial the following week. They are still waiting for the final contracts to be approved opening the trial at UCSF - this is supposed to happen by next week. Sure hope so as I'm eager (putting it mildly) to get this going I hate being untreated. Guess I'm just high maintenance.

Irene - yes I saw the Phase II trial only allows 3 prior chemos...the Phase I had responders who had up to 7. Hoping that somehow a door will open for you on this - I think this is going to be a great drug.

So glad you are able to participate in this smart bomb trial. I wish you the best and will continue to think about you and pray for you daily. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

Please keep us posted on how the smart bomb is working for you. I hope you are NED very soon!

irene the phase 1 trial does not have those limitations.. contact one of the phase 1 sites asap..
nashville, boston,tx, ucsf, and one more. escapes me..

Chris,

Wishing you the VERY best. You and Flori always brighten my day in your posts. Sending POWER vibes to you... Smart bombs away!

Terri

Smart Bomb
 

Chrissy,
Now that you have shipped Tiptoe and Tex on, I think it is time to start our own dictionary. You could be Mrs. Webster. Start with words like scanxiety and smartbomb. I hope the beauty of Santa Cruz and the spirit of adventure keep you on the track to good health. The army is behind you.

Hugs, Catherine

Awesome trail to take part in! Sending prayers that it will work for you.