remove from Xeloda ... sad
 

About six months ago Xeloda was added to my Tykerb,Herceptin, Zometa, and Faslodex. I found balance quickly and was thrilled however, shortly afterwords I was removed from Xeloda due to it being my second DX w/blood clots. I was told since it was my second DX w/blood clots that I no longer take Xeloda. Im terrified and dont understand. Are there other meds that treat brain mets? Im terrified just being back on (listed above) what scares me thinking am I not recieving enough meds. ANY advice?

Re: remove from Xeloda ... sad
 

Im not able yet to update profile.
been fighting brain mets since Aug 09, taking listed meds above also, 17 days rads, 3 days cyber knife (09).

Re: remove from Xeloda ... sad
 

Hi Hezzy,

There are lot of brave ladies here who have successfully fought Brain mets...why don't you post this in the Her2group discussions...I am sure you will hear about a lot of good options...

Adding my prayers and good wishes for you.

Re: remove from Xeloda ... sad
 

Hezzy,

From what I understand, Tykerb is the drug for brain mets (because of its small size enables it to cross the blood-brain barrier). Some newly approved chemo agents are listed in the abstract below:

Semin Oncol. 2011 Jun;38 Suppl 2:S3-10.
Approved agents for metastatic breast cancer.

Fornier MN.
Source

Breast Cancer Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10021, USA. fornierm@mskcc.org

Abstract

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved three agents for treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer refractory to anthracyclines and taxanes: capecitabine, ixabepilone, and eribulin mesylate. There is no fixed algorithm of therapeutic choices.

xxxxxx

Capecitabine is Xeloda which converts to 5-Fu in the tumor.
Ixabepilone is Ixempra - also used in combination with Xeloda
Perhaps you can try eribulin mesylate (= Halavan)?

Re: remove from Xeloda ... sad
 

Thanks for posting this, Jackie. I am not surprised to see Dr. Fornier's name as the source. I've consulted with her and would recommend her highly.
Best
Karen

Re: remove from Xeloda ... sad
 

Due to one of the brain mets growing. I am back on Xeloda, w/Tykerb. Im so praying it makes a difference.

Re: remove from Xeloda ... sad
 

Glad to hear from you, Hezzy. Let us know how you are doing.

Amelia