[awjkej]

Hi Julie,

I have tried various combinations of drugs with herceptin which I started the Fall of 2004. I also had my ovaries out (oophorectomy) then too. The combo that really helped my bone mets with herceptin and taxotere. I was on that for about 9 months ending July 2006. Then I made it just about a year with just herceptin before my chest mass started bothering me. I didn't have any side effects to speak of while on herceptin and taxotere As of my last PET/CT 3 months ago, my bone mets were NED. I also take aromasin daily.

The mass in my chest never responded well to any drugs. I measure the status of the cancer with PET/CT scans every 3-4 months. Nothing else is a good indicator. There was only one time when the PET/CT scan showed the mass went down in its SUV.

So I started on tykerb/xeloda b/c I was experiencing symptoms (shortness of breath, wheezing, tightness in my chest), and my SUV increased, hoping that the t/x combo will work on the mass. I am hoping that my bone mets continue to be stable while on this. I am also hoping that the mass in my chest is getting smaller...I haven't had wheezing or tightness in my chest for a while.

My onc told me that the mass is not in my lungs. It is near the bronchial tubes, and irritating them, and that is why I was experiencing the symptoms.

I also take supplements- curcumin, green tea extract, grape seed extract, calcium with vit D - and I drink 2oz of wheat grass from Jamba Juice about 5 times a week.

Brenda - I have been thinking about adding the B6 to my supplements :-). I use Bag Balm on my hands and feet, and also Udderly Smooth Udder cream. Reducing the tykerb from 1000mg to 750mg has not had as big an impact as when I reduced it from 1250 to 1000mg.

I hope this helps. Thanks Ladies!