Had lung surgery to have my tumors tested for chemo sensitivity

[DeenaH]

I had the surgery last Friday and got my results last night. Interestingly, my cancer showed resistance toward the next drug my doctors wanted me to try (Xeloda with Herceptin). Instead, it was very sensitive to Navelbine with Herceptin. Navelbine was second choice with my doctors. I have to say, this testing did change how I am going to manage my treatment. Only time will tell if the testing proves accurate, but I feel like I am at least making an educated guess. I plan to have another PET/CT 6 weeks after starting the treatment to see what it happening. I will be so interested to see the results of that scan! I had my surgery in Long Beach with Dr. Robert Shuman, and the testing was done by Rational Therapeutics and Dr. Robert Nagourney. They were able to get 3.7 grams of tumor (they typically need 1 gram), so they were able to test everything and the kitchen sink. The tumor tissue was taken across the street and was still attached to my lung tissue when tested, so it was very much still alive. The way Dr. Nagourney describes it is that they test the drugs before the cancer "wakes up and realizes it is outside the body". Also, the Navelbine + Herceptin actually killed the cancer with a very small dosage. I am praying that it works the same way inside my body!

Just thought I'd share my experience. I will be sure to post after my PET/CT to let you know the results.