herceptin and Navelbine and Xeloda

Ceesun · 08-05-2006, 11:46 AM

Hello all, I am new and was wondering if anyone is on this protocol? I have been on herceptin since Sept and have progressed to a lung nodule and will begin this treatment. Should I take a leave from my job as a teacher? I was diagnosed in 2003 her 2 with 2 nodes involved Receive 8 rounds of Adra/ Cytoxan and Taxotere. My onc says even though the cancer has progressed does not mean the herceptin is not working Thanks so much for this site.

Sheila · 08-05-2006, 12:05 PM

CEESUN

I was on Herceptin alone for 2 1/2 years and the lymph nodes in my neck returned and I had progression...so Xeloda was added, 1500mg in a.m and 1000mg at night....I did the 14 days on and 7 off regimen, and continued on Herceptin....within 6 cycles the nodes in my neck were gone so I am back on Herceptin only right now. Herceptin and Xeloda work very well together and many on this board have had great success. It isn't that the Herceptin is totally not working, it just needs a boost. I found the Xeloda very easy to take, with tearing eyes the worse symptom./

Hope this helps

Shell · 08-07-2006, 05:14 AM

I've had herceptin and navelbine together, with very few side effects (low counts is the only one I remember...). Now I am on xeloda and tykerb, with some hand/foot issues and occasional diarrhea, but I was able to continue working (with some very understanding partners) through it. I found the job a wonderful distraction for me, and even with the low counts, didn't give up the things I love such as working with kids as an ass't Brownie leader...

Good luck with it and keep us posted...
Shell

fcrcm · 08-07-2006, 09:26 AM

Ceesun, I too am wondering where to go since I have a new bone mets after 8 mos on Herceptin. So, I am watching this thread closely. Thanks to all who are responding. You are all in my thoughts, all the time, and very helpful to me.
fcrcm

Dx 1991 Stage IV, "gross metastases in lymphs", bone mets to vertebrae
1991 - 1992 CAF, 42 rads to chest and axilla
1992 - progression of bone mets
1992 - 20 rads to vertebrae
1993 - stem cell transplant
2005 - many new bone mets, lots of CA growth in lymphsystem, liver mets
learned my tumor was Her2Nuu++
2005 - surgery to open common bile duct to get my liver functioning again
11/2005 to now - Herceptin, Zomeda, Arimidex
8/2006 - 10 rads to ribs (for pain)

Ceesun · 08-07-2006, 04:51 PM

fcrcm-Good to meet you but of course sorry about our circumstance. You have been through a lot. I am hopeful that things will improve for me, but I will add the new drugs the week I am to return to teaching so I am concerned-hopefully this will be patient friendly-good luck to you. Cathy aka Ceesun