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07-30-2007, 01:36 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Lincoln, Rhode Island
Posts: 371
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Another short lived treatment
Well Doxil has stopped working. It seems the last few treatment have lasted only four or five months. I seen the doctor today and he told me that two spots in the liver and the spot on my pancreas have doubled in size the largest being 5.7x4.2cm in the liver. So starting tomorrow I will be on Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin. I just hope and pray that it keeps these pesky buggers at bay longer than four or five months. I have been having fevers for almost two months was in the hospital for two days and they could find no reason for the fevers well this is the cause it was the tumors growing. I just hope I get some relief soon these fevers have knocked me right down. In this nine year rollar coaster ride I have never felt so sick. And this will be the fourth time I will be losing my hair. I have been holding off on dying it good thing I did lol. All I want to do is feel better, thanks for listening to me vent I love you all and this site has kept me going for along time know.
__________________
Love and Hope
Karen
IDC
DX 1998 STAGE I ER+/ PR+
AC CHEMO TILL FEB 1999
Tamxofin till 2001
2001 exstensive liver mets and mets to lungs
Started weekly taxol
Jan 2002 found out I was strongly HER2POS+++ started herceptin continued with taxol and herceptin till June 2002 then from June 2002 till Jan 2005 just herceptin and Arimidex
2005 Navelbine herceptin had RFA Then back on taxol with herceptin
April 2006 progression again went on clinical trial with tykrerb/herceptin progressed on the started Xeloda/ herceptin
Feb 2007 started Doxil
August 2007 Taxotere,Carboplatin and Herceptin exstensive mets to liver and pancreas
October 2007 Had to stop Carboplatin due to sever allergic reaction
Jan 2008
Stopped Taxotere due to progression now on Gemzar and Herceptin
March 2008 Starting Carboplatin, Abraxane, and Herceptin.
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07-30-2007, 02:01 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: RHODE ISLAND
(Ed getting me a latte on 2nd Cancerversary Cruise 2008)
'BELIEVE': To accept as true or real, To have faith in, To presume
ALWAYS BELIEVE
Posts: 2,999
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Keep The Chin Up!!!
Hard to do Lovey, I know. Hubby is in the same spot except our journey is just beginning (9/7/07 is one year!! Whew!). I will continuing to pray for you Darling, it is a matter of finding something that does work for you and my hubby. Right now we are a little afraid but I am sure once we have something that works we will settle down a bit. The anxiety is making me crazy!!!
You will be in our continued prayers and we are sending out positive vibes. You know I love my candles and burn two per day, well today you will have one all of your own!! Keep that fighting spirit and keep the faith!!
Waiting For A Miracle...and commanding one soon>>Believe51
__________________
9/7/06Husband 50yrs=StageIV IBC/HER2+,BoneMets10/06TaxotereX10,'H'1X wk,Zometa,Tamoxifen4/12/07Last Tax5/18/07Pet=Rapid Cell Activity,No Organ Mets,Lytic Lesions,Degeneration,Some Bone Repair5/07ChemoFail6/01/07Pleural Thoracentisis=Effusions,NoMalignantCells6/19/07+7/2/07DFCI
6/25/07BrainMRI=BrainMets,Many<9mm7/10/07WBR/PelvisRad37.5Gx15&Nutritionist8/19/07T/X9/20/07BrainMRI=2<2mm10/6/07Pet=BoneProgression
10/24/07ChemoFail11/9/07A/Cx10,EndTam12/7/07Faslodex12/10/07Muga7512/13/07BlasticLesions1/7/08BrainMRI=Clear4/1/08Pet=BoneImprovement,
NoProgression,Stable4/7/08BrainPerfect5/16/08Last A/C8/26/08BrainMets=10(<9mm)9/10/08Gamma10/30/08Met=5mm12/19/08Gamma5mets5
12/22/08SpinalMets1/14/09SpinalRads2/17/09BrainMRI=NoNewMets4/20/09BoneScan5/14/09Ixempra6/1/09BrainMRI=NumerousMets6/24/09DFCIw/DrBurstein6/26/09Continue
Ixempra/Faslodex/Zometa~TM now lower7/17/09Stop Ixempra By Choice9/21/09HOSPICE10/16/09Earned His Deserved Wings And Halo=37 Month Fight w/Stage 4 IBC, Her2+++,My Hero!!
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07-30-2007, 03:03 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Acworth, GA
Posts: 2,104
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Karen,
I'm so sorry to hear that the Doxil stopped working. TCH is a good combo and I'm praying that this new regime will knock the mets out once and for all.
__________________
Kate
Stage IIIC Diagnosed Oct 25, 2005 (age 58)
ER/PR-, HER2+++, grade 3, Ploidy/DNA index: Aneuploid/1.61, S-phase: 24.2%
Neoadjunct chemo: 4 A/C; 4 Taxatore
Bilateral mastectomy June 8, 2006
14 of 26 nodes positive
Herceptin June 22, 2006 - April 20, 2007
Radiation (X35) July 24-September 11, 2006
BRCA1/BRCA2 negative
Stage IV lung mets July 13, 2007 - TCH
Single brain met - August 6, 2007 -CyberKnife
Oct 2007 - clear brain MRI and lung mets shrinking.
March 2008 lung met progression, brain still clear - begin Tykerb/Xeloda/Ixempra
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07-30-2007, 05:08 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 78
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So many others on the website are more knowledgeable and experienced with what you are now going through than I am so I don't have any personal comments to offer. But I sure hope and pray the new combo of chemo drugs is tolerable for you and eliminates every last nasty cell once and for all.
I'm sending you positive thoughts and prayers all the way across the country from Lincoln, CA.
__________________
G. Ann
DX 2/04, mastectomy, 2.5 cm tumor, grade 3
Her 2 positive, 60%, 3+/strong, ER/PR-
Stage 2, 0/18 nodes
TX 4 AC (no taxanes, no radiation)
Hysterectomy 10/04
Began Herceptin 1/06, finished 1/07
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07-30-2007, 05:17 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Central Coast, CA
Posts: 3,207
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Karen, I bet you feel pretty discouraged about all this. I don't know what you 've had before chemo-wise, but I had T/C/H and it really blasted my extensive liver mets. I hope this will be true for you and that it will keep them at bay for a long time.
Have you tried Tykerb/Xeloda? lots of ladies are having very good success with that.
Hang in there my dear.
Real quick, you could dye your hair purple just for fun? Of course with my luck, if I did that my hair wouldn't fall out after all!
__________________
Chris in Scotts Valley
June 2002 extensive hi grade DCIS (pre-cancer-stage 0, clean sentinal node) Mastectomy/implant - no chemo, rads. "cured?"
9/2004 Diag: Stage IV extensive liver mets (!) ER/PR- Her2+++
10/04-3/05 Weekly Taxol/Carboplatin/Herceptin , complete response!
04/05 - 4/07 Herception every 3 wks, Continue NED
04/07 - recurrence to liver - 2 spots, starting tykerb/avastin trial
06/07 8/07 10/07 Scans show stable, continue on Tykerb/Avastin
01/08 Progression in liver
02/08 Begin (TDM1) trial
08/08 NED! It's Working! Continue on TDM1
02/09 Continue NED
02/10 Continue NED. 5/10 9/10 Scans NED 10/10 Scans NED
12/10 Scans not clear....4/11 Scans suggest progression 6/11 progression confirmed in liver
07/11 - 11/11 Herceptin/Xeloda -not working:(
12/11 Begin MM302 Phase I trial - bust:(
03/12 3rd times the charm? AKT trial
5/12 Scan shows reduction! 7/12 More reduction!!!!
8/12 Whoops...progression...trying for Perjeta/Herceptin (plus some more nasty chemo!)
9/12 Start Perjeta/Herceptin, chemo on hold due to infection/wound in leg, added on cycle 2 &3
11/12 Poops! progression in liver, Stop Perjeta/Taxo/Herc
11/12 Navelbine/Herce[ptin - try for a 3 cycles, no go.
2/13 Gemzar/Carbo/Herceptin - no go.
3/13 TACE procedure
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07-30-2007, 06:54 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Sheboygan, WI
Posts: 2,582
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Hi Karen,
Just wanting to say that I'm sorry you are feeling poorly and that the treatment you were doing is no longer working. I do pray that the new "cocktail" will do the trick.
I'm sorry Karen. I wish I had more to offer as far as words go, but know that I truly care and would do anything if I could take this all from you.
May God's Peace surround you,
Mary Jo
__________________
"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
Dx. 6/24/05 age 45 Right Breast IDC ER/PR. Neg., - Her2+++ RB Mast. - 7/28/05 - 4 cm. tumor Margins clear - 1 microscopic cell 1 sent. node No Vasucular Invasion 4 DD A/C - 4 DD Taxol & Herceptin 1 full year of Herceptin received every 3 weeks 28 rads prophylactic Mast. 3/2/06
17 Years NED
<>< Romans 8:28
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07-30-2007, 08:54 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 138
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I am praying for you Karen. As mentioned above, the combo you are going to be on is a good one. That's all it takes, is one good one!
Stay strong.
Hugs and prayers,
Karen
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07-30-2007, 09:05 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 624
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I hope this drug combo works well for you and you are feeling better soon. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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07-30-2007, 09:20 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Bradenton,FL
Posts: 977
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Dear Karen..
I too am hoping that the new treatment will do the job and cause you to feel better. In my thoughts and prayers,
Marcia
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07-30-2007, 09:32 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Oregon
Posts: 1,756
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Karen, you have lots of hugs and prayers coming your way, and I'll be thinking of you tomorrow as you start this new combo which I know is a good one. Let us know how it goes when you feel up to posting again, and stay strong.
<3 Lolly
__________________
Sept.'99 - Dx.Stage IIIB, IDC ER/PR-, HER2+++ by IHC, confirmed '04 by FISH. Left MRM, AC x's 4, Taxol x's 4, 33 Rads, finishing Tx May 2000. Jan.'01 - local/regional recurrence, Stage IV. Herceptin/Navelbine weekly till NED August 2001, then maintenance Herceptin. Right Mast. April 2002. Local/Regional recurrence April '04, Herceptin plus/minus chemo until May '07. Gemzar added from Feb.'07-April '07; Tykerb/Abraxane until August '07, back on Herceptin plus Taxotere and Xeloda Sept. '07. Stopped T/X Nov. '07, stopped Herceptin Dec. '07, started Avastin/Taxol/Carboplatin Dec. '07. Progression in chest skin, stopped TAC March '03, started radiation.
Herceptin has served as the "Backbone" of my treatment strategy for over 6 years, giving me great quality of life. In 2005, I was privileged to participate in the University of Washington/Seattle HER2 Vaccine Trial.
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07-31-2007, 04:29 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Lincoln, Rhode Island
Posts: 371
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Hello everyone,
Thank you so much for all the well wishes it means the world to me. I sailed through the treatment today and now we just have to wait and see what happens. I have to go back tomorrow the Onc wants me to have a Neulasta shot this is my first time having anything like this. So if anyone has any info on side efffects on this if any I would truly appriciate it. I love you all and I pray for us all everyday. I will keep updating as soon as I get some results
__________________
Love and Hope
Karen
IDC
DX 1998 STAGE I ER+/ PR+
AC CHEMO TILL FEB 1999
Tamxofin till 2001
2001 exstensive liver mets and mets to lungs
Started weekly taxol
Jan 2002 found out I was strongly HER2POS+++ started herceptin continued with taxol and herceptin till June 2002 then from June 2002 till Jan 2005 just herceptin and Arimidex
2005 Navelbine herceptin had RFA Then back on taxol with herceptin
April 2006 progression again went on clinical trial with tykrerb/herceptin progressed on the started Xeloda/ herceptin
Feb 2007 started Doxil
August 2007 Taxotere,Carboplatin and Herceptin exstensive mets to liver and pancreas
October 2007 Had to stop Carboplatin due to sever allergic reaction
Jan 2008
Stopped Taxotere due to progression now on Gemzar and Herceptin
March 2008 Starting Carboplatin, Abraxane, and Herceptin.
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07-31-2007, 04:41 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Sheboygan, WI
Posts: 2,582
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Hi Karen,
I'm so happy today is done and you "sailed through it." Yahoo!!!!
As for Neulasta, I had that shot the day after chemo also. The Neulasta shot (I think) kept my blood counts "awesome" throughout my 8 cycles of dose dense A/C & Taxol along with herceptin. Never once did I have low blood counts. I'm assuming that was because of Neulasta (and of course God's hand). Neulasta does (or at least caused me) shoulder pain and quite a bit of that. My onc. nurse told me though to be thankful for that as it meant I had good marrow. So everytime I was achin' I would thank God - (man that was tough - hahahahaha)
So, good luck. Keep us posted please.
Love & God's Peace I pray you,
Mary Jo
__________________
"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
Dx. 6/24/05 age 45 Right Breast IDC ER/PR. Neg., - Her2+++ RB Mast. - 7/28/05 - 4 cm. tumor Margins clear - 1 microscopic cell 1 sent. node No Vasucular Invasion 4 DD A/C - 4 DD Taxol & Herceptin 1 full year of Herceptin received every 3 weeks 28 rads prophylactic Mast. 3/2/06
17 Years NED
<>< Romans 8:28
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07-31-2007, 09:34 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Oregon
Posts: 715
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Karen,
Glad to hear from the other gals that the TCH is such a good combo. I will hope and pray it works longer than the 4-5 months you mentioned. You have obviously been brave through all these treatments. Keep up the good work. Why does it have to be so hard.? We are all behind you.
Hugs and Hope, Catherine
__________________
Catherine
Found my own lump in the shower
April 2006 at the age of 58
Stage IIB, ER- PR- HER2+++ multi focal tumors, largest 2.3cm
Chemo first: AC/Taxol over 16 weeks
Bilateral mastectomy Sep 06
33 rads after the surgery
1 year of Herceptin completed Dec 07
15 years and no recurrence as of April 2021
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08-01-2007, 07:56 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Southern California
Posts: 900
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Karen,
Neulasta can cause bone pain but I never experienced any. I do have a tip for cutting down on the sting of the injection. The drug is refridgerated until use but if the nurse rubs it between his/her hands for a few minutes prior to administering it it makes a world of difference. Once I knew that I was sure to remind my nurse to start rubbing before injecting!
Best of luck to you with your treatment.
__________________
Gerri
Dx: 11/23/05, Lumpectomy 12/12/05
Tumor 2.2 cm, Stage II, Grade 3, Sentinel Node biopsy negative
ER+ (30%) /PR+ (50%), HER2+++
AC X 4 dose dense, Taxol X 4 dose dense
Herceptin started with 2nd Taxol, given weekly until chemo done
then given every 3 weeks for one year ending on March 16, 2007
Radiation 30 treatments
Tamoxifen - 2 yrs (pre-menopausal)
May 2008 - Feb 2012 Femara
Aug 2008 - Feb 2012 Zometa every 6 months
March 2012 - Stop Femara, now Evista for bone strengthening
********** Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. - Robert Brault
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08-01-2007, 08:54 AM
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#15
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Deceased
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Chadds Ford, Pa
Posts: 206
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Hi Karen,
Gerri is right about the shot, getting it to room temperature does make it hurt less. Also, ask them to push it slowly.
For the bone pain, just take some Tylenol, it did help.
TCH totally wiped out my liver mets last year, hopefully it will do the same for you.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep us posted on your progress.
Donna
__________________
Donna
Diagnosed 2/04 - Invasive ductal - no clean margins
node negative - er+pr+, her2++
Mastectomy 4/04 - 4 rounds AC
9/05 - mets to liver treated with carbo/ixabipelone/herceptin
3/06 - complete remission
9/06 - new liver mets, starting Taxotere/Herceptin
1/07 -Liver mets stable, staying on Herceptin
5/07 - Liver, lung progression - starting T/X
12/07 - Liver, lung progression - starting weekly Navilbene/Herceptin
4/08 - Liver progression - started Abraxane, Carbo, Tykerb and Herceptin
7/08 - Liver Progression - started Gemzar, Avastin and Tykerb
10/08 - Liver progression - starting Doxil
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08-01-2007, 02:21 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 301
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Doxil did not work for me either - I hope the next course brings you comfort...
Regards,
__________________
Shell
init diag 3/17/03-stage IIIC
ER-/PR-/HER2+++
CET x4 neo-adjuvant
lump & SNB 8/03
CET x2
radiation and herceptin/navelbine 11-03-1/04
1st reoccur to lymph nodes 8/04
complete axillary dissection 12/04
herceptin/taxotere til progression (lungs) 3/05
xeloda w/out lapatinib trial 6/05
lapatinib/tykerb added 4/06
ended trial 8/06 due to progression
doxil / avastin 11/06-12/06 - wasn't working
navelbine/herceptin/avastin 12/06/3/07 - progression
gemzar/carboplatin/tykerb 4/07
mri shows extensive mets to bone in pelvic area 6/07
switched to abraxane (3 on/1 off) + tykerb 6/07
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08-04-2007, 11:42 AM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 624
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I forgot to mention above that TCH also knocked out my extensive liver mets. They are nowhere to be seen at this time. I do get the results of my petscan on Monday, hopefully it will be clear. Best wishes to you. I am glad that you tolerated your first round of TCH well. The major side effects I had were naseau, fatigue and sore lining inside the mouth. It was definately doable.
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08-04-2007, 01:31 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Greendale, WI
just outside Milwaukee
Posts: 211
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Joe, It seems that my profile picture ended up on Karen Weixel's profile. I sure hope Karen Weixel is not too offended. Is there anyway for you to move it, or does Karen W.need to delete it and I added it to my Stillhere handle. Thanks for any help.
__________________
04/05 Onset 49, DCIS, solid, Hist 2/3, Nucl 2/3, 7cm R Brst
04/05 E & P + HER2+++
05/05 Mediport
05/05 Cytoxan & Adriamycin every 3wk x4
08/05 Taxol every 2wk x 4, Herceptin every wk x1yr
10/05 Bilat Mast - my Choice
10/05 3/19 lymph nodes Pos, Stage IIIa
11/05 Rad x 37 Rx, R Brst & Axcilla
02/06 Herceptin stopped (L vent HF 40)
03/06 Started & Stoped Arimidex after 2 mos.-QOL side effects
05/06 Started Tamoxafin
06/06 Bilat Free Flap Reconstruction
12/06 Cardiomyopathy reversed-HF normal
01/07 Bilat Saline Implants
07/07 CA 27-29 steadily rising from 28 in 12/06 to 46 in 7/07
07/07 PET Scan NED, but inflamation at prev surg site.
09/07 Started Femara
10/07 CA 27-29 down to 39
06/08 CA 27-29 down to 32
09/08 Lg joint pain & QOL side effects from Femara, will live w/ to keep CA markers within normal range.
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08-04-2007, 01:36 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Greendale, WI
just outside Milwaukee
Posts: 211
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Karen, Good luck on TCH. Have my fingers and toes crossed for you. Peace Karen Schneck
__________________
04/05 Onset 49, DCIS, solid, Hist 2/3, Nucl 2/3, 7cm R Brst
04/05 E & P + HER2+++
05/05 Mediport
05/05 Cytoxan & Adriamycin every 3wk x4
08/05 Taxol every 2wk x 4, Herceptin every wk x1yr
10/05 Bilat Mast - my Choice
10/05 3/19 lymph nodes Pos, Stage IIIa
11/05 Rad x 37 Rx, R Brst & Axcilla
02/06 Herceptin stopped (L vent HF 40)
03/06 Started & Stoped Arimidex after 2 mos.-QOL side effects
05/06 Started Tamoxafin
06/06 Bilat Free Flap Reconstruction
12/06 Cardiomyopathy reversed-HF normal
01/07 Bilat Saline Implants
07/07 CA 27-29 steadily rising from 28 in 12/06 to 46 in 7/07
07/07 PET Scan NED, but inflamation at prev surg site.
09/07 Started Femara
10/07 CA 27-29 down to 39
06/08 CA 27-29 down to 32
09/08 Lg joint pain & QOL side effects from Femara, will live w/ to keep CA markers within normal range.
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08-04-2007, 02:50 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 2,357
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Hi Karen!
I took a Neulasta shot at the end of each of my Taxol, Carboplatin, Herceptin treatments. Had no problems with it and it kept my blood counts great!!!! Best of luck with your treatment. I'm praying that it is exactly what is needed. Keep up the good fight. This just might be THE answer for you. ma
__________________
MA in TX.
Grateful for each and every day....
Diag. 12/05 at age 60
Stage II, Grade 3, 4.5 cm primary tumor
ER/PR- Her2 +3 strongly positive
Her2 by FISH 7.7 amplified
vascular invasion
Ki67 20% borderline
Jan - March '06 Taxotere/Adriamycin X 3 to try to shrink tumor - it grew
April '06 Rt Modified Radical Mas, 7 of 9 nodes positive
April - Aug. '06 Herceptin/Taxol/Carboplatin X 8 (dose dense)
Sept - Dec. '06 Navelbine/Herceptin x 8 (dose dense)
Radiation & Herceptin Jan. 22 - March 1, 2007
Finished Herceptin Dec. 10 '08! One extra year.
Port removed August, 2012.
8 1/2 years since diagnosis! 5 1/2 Years NED!
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