PET/CT results good! next step?

[Pam P]

Good news - the pet/ct shows no new spots in bones some decreased in SUV values so overall 'mild improvement'. Good news despite the high tumor marker scores. So this means I am not eligible for he tdm1 open access since scan didn't show progression.

My onc. was suggesting either tdm1 or abraxane & herceptin. So he'll probably recommend the abraxane when I see him on Thurs. this week.

My bad reactions from the xeloda/tykerb/herceptin/aromosin are still a problem. Mouth sores gone, fingers some better, but the severe swelling, itchiness, and rash not better yet. Now my non lymphedema arm is swollen and hard too. I can't open my right eye all the way due to swelling.

I've been off all meds now since Aug. 16. I don't feel recovered enough yet to start back on a chemo this Thurs. I will ask the doctor to start me on herceptin again but give me a couple more weeks before adding a chemo.

Since I didn't progress on the x/t/h/a treatment I'm going to assume it was working. Which drug/s caused the severe reaction? I don't know but suspect xeloda to be the most likely by the list of side effects. Or it could have been the combo of xeloda/tykerb. I was on herceptin/tykerb for a couple of months last spring but the other meds were added due to rising tm's. I'd like to go back on hercpetin & tykerb again & see if I could maintain on it for awhile. But I have no way of knowing if the tykerb is the culprit in this reaction. It seems that if I could handle it, it would be better than zapping me with another heavy duty taxane again right now.

Here's my question: What would be the wisdom in trying tykerb again? If I was over the swelling and other reactions and started up would I have a greater risk of bad reactions? I took 1000 mg/day before (4 pills)- would dropping to 750 mg be an effective dose?

Thoughts/advice?
Thanks. Pam