length of treatment--Tykerb/Xeloda

[Leatha]

Hi,

I am finishing my fifth round of Xeloda/Tykerb. Have experienced most of the side effects others have (thanks so much for the postings here that helped me get through them!) On the whole I am doing well, but have fatigue that is bothersome. My biggest worry, I guess, is the cumulative effect of all the chemos I have had (Sorry that i have not written up my history yet. I have been in treatment most of the time since 2000, but the three recurrences I have had have all been localized to the supraclivicular area. Weird! A blessing, but . . .)

My question is if anyone has any sense of how long I need to continue on Xeloda/Tykerb. My onc says I am doing so well (complete disappearance of tumor by the end of the third round) that he wants me to take 8 rounds now instead of the 6 that was the original plan. Anyone out there been on this combo for 8 rounds or more? What is the thinking on this? How bad have the side effects been? (Generally, my side effects have stayed the same or improved somewhat as treatment had continued.)

Thanks for any information you can share. This group is great. My number one source of information and support right now.

Leatha