HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Stage IIIB ER/PR(-) ...what are you guys doing post-treatment?

StephN · 04-29-2008, 06:33 PM

Dear Val -
Wish we had a new "magic" pill or something.

I have to say I am very surprised that your onc does not take any blood for labwork. Seems that if you are on Herceptin that the markers would be a natural to go along with getting the Herceptin.

Maybe you should ask for some blood work to be done just prior to your next quarterly H. Markers are more accurate before the drug. That would give you an idea where your numbers are at least for future reference.

Every 6 weeks I have full labs with two markers - the CA27-29 and CEA.

Good nutrition is really essential for gals like us who can't use a hormone suppressor or other way to shut down the cancer. Read RB's thread on the Greek diet. Even though it is complicated, there are good reasons for balancing the omegas and getting the RIGHT fats.

All the best in going forward.

04-29-2008, 06:33 PM	#8
StephN Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Misty woods of WA State Posts: 4,128	Dear Val - Wish we had a new "magic" pill or something. I have to say I am very surprised that your onc does not take any blood for labwork. Seems that if you are on Herceptin that the markers would be a natural to go along with getting the Herceptin. Maybe you should ask for some blood work to be done just prior to your next quarterly H. Markers are more accurate before the drug. That would give you an idea where your numbers are at least for future reference. Every 6 weeks I have full labs with two markers - the CA27-29 and CEA. Good nutrition is really essential for gals like us who can't use a hormone suppressor or other way to shut down the cancer. Read RB's thread on the Greek diet. Even though it is complicated, there are good reasons for balancing the omegas and getting the RIGHT fats. All the best in going forward. __________________ "When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest." H.D. Thoreau Live in the moment. MY STORY SO FAR ~~~~ Found suspicious lump 9/2000 Lumpectomy, then node dissection and port placement Stage IIB, 8 pos nodes of 18, Grade 3, ER & PR - Adriamycin 12 weekly, taxotere 4 rounds 36 rads - very little burning 3 mos after rads liver full of tumors, Stage IV Jan 2002, one spot on sternum Weekly Taxol, Navelbine, Herceptin for 27 rounds to NED! 2003 & 2004 no active disease - 3 weekly Herceptin + Zometa Jan 2005 two mets to brain - Gamma Knife on Jan 18 All clear until treated cerebellum spot showing activity on Jan 2006 brain MRI & brain PET Brain surgery on Feb 9, 2006 - no cancer, 100% radiation necrosis - tumor was still dying Continue as NED while on Herceptin & quarterly Zometa Fall-2006 - off Zometa - watching one small brain spot (scar?) 2007 - spot/scar in brain stable - finished anticoagulation therapy for clot along my port-a-catheter - 3 angioplasties to unblock vena cava 2008 - Brain and body still NED! Port removed and scans in Dec. Dec 2008 - stop Herceptin - Vaccine Trial at U of W begun in Oct. of 2011 STILL NED everywhere in Feb 2014 - on wing & prayer 7/14 - Started twice yearly Zometa for my bones Jan. 2015 checkup still shows NED 2015 Neuropathy in feet - otherwise all OK - still NED. Same news for 2016 and all of 2017. Nov of 2017 - had small skin cancer removed from my face. Will have Zometa end of Jan. 2018.