HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post

Colleen007 · 05-01-2009, 03:45 PM

Hi Shonda,
I have been on Navelbine and Herceptin for more than 2 years (started in October of 2006). My tumor markers started out over 300 when I was first diagnosed and Navelbine has kept them in the 45 - 60 range. When it gets closer to 60, it is usually a sign that I have another sinus infection (and not that my cancer has progressed).
I have learned to live with the 3 week on/1 week off schedule and find this treatment very tolerable. I feel very lucky that this has worked for so long as it gives me time to spend with my family. Best of luck to you as you continue your treatments (and I hope you'll be able to stay on Navelbine).

Steph N. - I was not aware that coffee impacts the markers...I have one cup of ice coffee every day and usually have one on the way to treatment...maybe I'll have to postpone the Dunkin Donuts stop until after I leave treatment!

05-01-2009, 03:45 PM	#7
Colleen007 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Franklin, MA Posts: 131	Hi Shonda, I have been on Navelbine and Herceptin for more than 2 years (started in October of 2006). My tumor markers started out over 300 when I was first diagnosed and Navelbine has kept them in the 45 - 60 range. When it gets closer to 60, it is usually a sign that I have another sinus infection (and not that my cancer has progressed). I have learned to live with the 3 week on/1 week off schedule and find this treatment very tolerable. I feel very lucky that this has worked for so long as it gives me time to spend with my family. Best of luck to you as you continue your treatments (and I hope you'll be able to stay on Navelbine). Steph N. - I was not aware that coffee impacts the markers...I have one cup of ice coffee every day and usually have one on the way to treatment...maybe I'll have to postpone the Dunkin Donuts stop until after I leave treatment! __________________ Diagnosed 10-03-2005 (34 wks pregnant, 38 yrs old) Lumpectomy Nov-2005. 10/18 Lymph Nodes impacted Mets to liver, spine & femurs (thus being stage IV right from the get-go) ER-, PR-, HER2+ Taxol/Herceptin/Zometa started Dec-2005. 11 cycles of Taxol. Sept-2006: PET/CT scan of mets to liver, spine and femurs - Stable. Activity in R breast & mediastinum (not seen in prior scans). Navelbine (3 wks on/1 wk off) as of Oct--2006 & continued Herceptin (every 3 wks) & Zometa (every 6 wks) Jan-2007: PET/CT Scan - Stable. Continued Nav. through March-2007, then Herc./Zom. only after that. June-2007: PET/CT Scan - activity in mediastinum. Back on Navelbine as of July-2007. Scanned Quarterly since Oct-2007 - a few small scares, but otherwise stable due to continuing weekly Navelbine, Herceptin and Quarterly Zometa.