Statistics from Peru for DFS and OS in Her2+ & ER+/- BC

1rarebird · 05-23-2010, 07:09 PM

http://abstract.asco.org/AbstView_74_53592.html

NanaJoni · 05-23-2010, 08:10 PM

More bad news for us er-/pr- people. I'm starting chemo on Tuesday and after 6 rounds will have 25 radiation treatments. This study and the others with similar stats almost make it seem useless to try.

1rarebird · 05-24-2010, 05:00 AM

Joni--One way of looking at statistics in these reports is to realize that even with the groups that may be reported as not doing as well as the others, they still showed benefit. What's to say if you fall within the less favorable group, you still won't be one of those who benefits? The take away message I got from this particular abstract is that the overall survival rates between the ER- and ER+ groups was the same which means one must give the treatments a chance to help even if you are HR-.

Good luck with your chemo tomorrow. Be sure to take the nausea premeds you nurse and doctor have recommended. They will help. Been there done that--bird

vlcarr · 05-24-2010, 09:10 AM

Hey Joni,
There is nothing useless about trying. Believe me, I've been tried to death this past year. But, if I had not tried, I would have no hope. I do have bad days and wonder why I had to get this "kind".

Don't give up hope. I will be on this adventure with you and we will beat this damn disease!

NanaJoni · 05-24-2010, 12:59 PM

Thanks, folks, for helping me so much with your postive notes. I think I'm just in the "day before chemo/taking steroids/whiney" place. Thank goodness it's Monday - on Mondays all our kids and grandkids come here for dinner (which may alter some during chemo so maybe another reason I'm so cranky)......but I continue to remind myself it's only for such a few months. But it's all happened so fast my normally optimistic self is still reeling and sometimes angry (which is also normal). I'm hoping that getting started tomorrow, in spite of what might be a few rough days, will make me feel more like I'm moving forward and not just waiting. I reread this abstract a couple of times and it's not so scarey after all. Helping others is so important on these forums so I'd better get myself in that mode - and I also have some Xanax the surgeon gave me so I may try that to get through today and tomorrow a little easier.
Vicky - we have such similar situations and you are doing almost an identical treatment plan as I am. How did the TCH go for you? Hoping the radiation is going well.

vlcarr · 05-25-2010, 10:28 PM

Hi Joni,

I see you've had your first treatment already. I haven't been on for a couple of days so sorry I'm a little late in getting back with you.

I did the Tykerb/Herceptin trial for newly diagnosed Her2+ patients so I was on 4 Tykerb's a day and weekly Herceptin for 3 months. The trial worked wonderfully for me as they could not even find my tumors on ultrasound.

I wanted to mention that because I had a hard time with TCH but many, many folks on the board did not. The one thing I've learned is that we all respond differently. I didn't have the usual side effects with Tykerb that some people report so you just never know.

My stomach was very sensitive to the chemo so that was a constant battle. However, when I had my 4th treatment I asked my onc if she was sure I got chemo because I didn't have any issues after that one.

I ran a low grade fever and just didn't bounce back in 2 or 3 days. I really didn't start to feel much better until about 2 or 3 days before my next one rolled around.

It's not easy but you can do it. And, you may not have the same problems I did. I will be sending warm fuzzies your way and hoping you are still feeling well. It feels good to get that first one behind you.

I'm through with radiation--YEAH!!!--and will get my last herceptin on 06/24.

If you do a search on the board for TCH you can find many posts with much information and suggestions to help.

Wishing you an uneventful chemo!!

Best Wishes,
Vicky

NanaJoni · 05-26-2010, 08:11 AM

Hi Vicky - So far, so good on my first "day after". As of now, I'm feeling okay -just having some shakiness and very mild stomach cramps. Eating normally with no other gastric problems. Kind of feeling like waiting for the ax to fall. I go at 4 pm today for the Neulasta shot and have been told to expect some "flu-like" symptoms and achiness from that. Taking things easy and happy to have a big "X" on the calendar marked "Chemo #1". I must have just misunderstood my onc. doc., though, on the regimen because I was surprised yesterday when we met and he said I'd be coming every week for the Herceptin and the chemo every 21 days with Herceptin then, too. I didn't remember (and neither did my husband) that the herceptin would be weekly. Wondered if it was changed due to my echo (had a LVEF of 55)....or if we just didn't get the info clear on the first visit which is more likely. Either way - it's just wonderful to be moving forward. Thanks again for checking in.