HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - when tykerb/xeloda don't work, what next?

Becky · 11-25-2007, 01:23 PM

Herceptin and Avastin cause differing possible problems. Avastin can cause high blood pressure (this is probably why your friend had high bp and now it is low (since she is off Avastin)). Avastin can also cause nose bleeds. Herceptin, as most of us know, can decrease the ejection factor and cause congestive heart failure. Getting both of these at one time can cause an enlarged heart so I can see her onc's reluctance since she got the high blood pressure.

Could he give Herceptin with Tykerb perhaps? Did she have carboplatin (perhaps with a different taxane and Herceptin)?

Gemzar with Herceptin? I am just thinking out loud for you.

11-25-2007, 01:23 PM	#11
Becky Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Stockton, NJ Posts: 4,179	Herceptin and Avastin cause differing possible problems. Avastin can cause high blood pressure (this is probably why your friend had high bp and now it is low (since she is off Avastin)). Avastin can also cause nose bleeds. Herceptin, as most of us know, can decrease the ejection factor and cause congestive heart failure. Getting both of these at one time can cause an enlarged heart so I can see her onc's reluctance since she got the high blood pressure. Could he give Herceptin with Tykerb perhaps? Did she have carboplatin (perhaps with a different taxane and Herceptin)? Gemzar with Herceptin? I am just thinking out loud for you. __________________ Kind regards Becky Found lump via BSE Diagnosed 8/04 at age 45 1.9cm tumor, ER+PR-, Her2 3+(rt side) 2 micromets to sentinel node Stage 2A left 3mm DCIS - low grade ER+PR+Her2 neg lumpectomies 9/7/04 4DD AC followed by 4 DD taxol Used Leukine instead of Neulasta 35 rads on right side only 4/05 started Tamoxifen Started Herceptin 4 months after last Taxol due to trial results and 2005 ASCO meeting & recommendations Oophorectomy 8/05 Started Arimidex 9/05 Finished Herceptin (16 months) 9/06 Arimidex Only Prolia every 6 months for osteopenia NED 18 years! Said Christopher Robin to Pooh: "You must remember this: You're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think"