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03-24-2008, 09:18 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Acworth, GA
Posts: 2,104
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Ixempra - Xeloda - Tykerb
I saw my oncologist today and aftr a long disucssison we decided that Ixempra will be added to my Xeloda/Tykerb combo. Ixempra was tested in combination with Xeloda for breast cancer that did not respond to other therapies. I will receive the Ixempra every three weeks via infusion and my first infusion will be this Thursday. Anyone have any experience with Ixempra and what side effects I can expect? Also whether you had any success with the Ixempra.
__________________
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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03-24-2008, 09:29 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 232
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Kate,
I think lopsided has had success with Ixempra, so hopefully she will check in soon.
Praying for great success with this drug for you.
Karen
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03-24-2008, 11:09 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Lincoln, Rhode Island
Posts: 371
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Dear Kate,
I know that Shelia aka (LOPSIDED ) is on it at last she posted she was doing great! I pray this is the combo you need to get back on track my friend. I am always thinking of you.
__________________
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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03-25-2008, 04:47 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: TAMPA, FL
Posts: 568
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Hi Kate
I have had one cycle of Ixempra/Xeloda and will start my 2nd this Friday.
So far no side effects from the Ixempra. The Xeloda seems to be my biggest enemy as far as hand/feet burning/dryness. After the first cycle, my whites did drop some but not major. We will see what happens with the second round.
Why is your onc adding the Ixempra to the combo so quickly? I am just interested since I am constantly checking out my next options. I am always speaking of this board to my onc. and the experiences everyone goes through. He tells me that I find out info before he hears it - haha
Good luck Kate and please let me know how you feel with the (3)
__________________
Irene from Tampa
1996 - INFILT DUCTAL CAR.W/ LYMPH NODE INVOLVEMENT. ADRIA/CYTOXIN/5FU
1999 - RECURR. TO AUXILA AND 2 TUMORS IN LIVER
TREAT: STEM CELL REPLACEMENT/HERCEPTIN.
2002 - RECUR TO LIVER
TREAT: NAVELBINE, THEN GEMZAR, THEN XELODA.
2004 - TUMORS STILL IN LIVER
TREAT: RFA TO LIVER
STABLE UNTIL
2004 - TUMOR PROGRESSION IN LIVER.
TREAT: RESECT HALF OF LIVER.
2005 - RECURR TO LYMPH NODE OUTSIDE OF LIVER.
TREAT: TAXOL/CARPO/HERCEPTIN. FAILED ON
THIS TRIO. STARTED ON ABRAXANE.
2006 - PROGRESS WITH 2ND TUMOR GROWTH.
TREAT: AUG. BEGAN ON TYKERB/XELODA
TRIAL. CONSIDERED STABLE TO DATE.
2007 - TAKEN OFF OF TYKERB/XELODA TRIAL DUE TO
PROGRESS STARTING TYKERB/AVASTIN.
NOV 2007 - SCANS SHOW PROGRESS TUMOR GROWTH
IN ABDOM. AND TWO NEW TUMORS IN NECK AREA.
BEGAN HERCEPTIN/AVASTIN/TAXOTERE
Feb 08 - Ixempra/Xeloda
June 08 - Her/DM1 trial
"I WANT TO BE AN OUTRAGEOUS OLD WOMAN WHO NEVER GETS CALLED AN OLD LADY. I WANT TO GET SHARP EDGED & EARTH COLORED, TILL I FADE AWAY FROM PURE JOY."
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03-25-2008, 08:26 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Acworth, GA
Posts: 2,104
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Irene,
The reason for adding the Ixempra to the mix so early on is that my lung mets seem to be running amuck! The pneumonia has complicated my lungs and my oncologist wants to treat me as aggressively as she can. I'm currently on oxygen which is putting a damper on my life style. I want to hit these mets with everything I can to try and get back to as normal as possible in as quick a time as possible. Also the Ixempra was initially tested in combination with Xeloda and had good results. My oncologist keeps up on a lot of the research that is/was done and I guess I just have complete confidence in her ability. She hasn't let me down yet. I was a bit hesitatant about adding the Ixempra but after talking to her I decided to go along with it. When we're dealing with this dreadful beast there is no telling what will/won't work so I guess I'm willing to take a chance and pray that throwing in the Ixempra will be just the combo I need.
__________________
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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03-25-2008, 09:18 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: CHARLOTTE NC USA
Home town (ECUADOR) South America
Posts: 542
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Kate
my oncologist wants to treat me as aggressively as she can.
I think that is the better attitude to fight ...(who give the first hard hit is who is winning the fight)
I'm currently on oxygen which is putting a damper on my life style.
yes a little sacrifice ...is worth it , for better or quality life later on
I want to hit these mets with everything I can to try and get back to as normal as
I think you are so so right on this ...real Alexander the great ,I mean "KATE THE GREAT"
the best luck to you and of course you are in my prayers young Lady ......
__________________
Lily Diag April/06 5 months after give birth my son Max stage IV mets on liver (5 tumors) 38 year old, her2+++ and ER+PR+ from32 nodes 4 positives mastectomy right breast chemo before surgery herceptin/carboplatin/taxotere ,clear and surgery have radiation 20, `& then herceptin and tamoxifen NED until Aug/07 body only then 'n June 04-06-07 .1 lesion of 1.6 cm on cerebellum ...novalis ,open sugery 5m.m brain met again novalis, 4mm.In the liver. Waiting 2 months now 3 tumors enroll on T-MCC trial start first infusion Nov 5/07 at Dec 17 scan show one tumor despair the 2nd and 3th diminish Doc said great results until March/08 ct scan show progression 03-05-08 start tykerb & xeloda
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03-25-2008, 11:21 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Thornhill, Ontario
Canada
Posts: 2,320
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Keep up the fight Kate - I hope the Ixempra is the magic bullet for you.
Lily is right - you are KATE THE GREAT!!!
all the best
caya
__________________
ER90%+/PR 50%+/HER 2+
1.7 cm and 1.0 cm.
Stage 1, grade 2, Node Negative (16 nodes tested)
MRM Dec.18/06
3 x FEC, 3 x Taxotere
Herceptin - every 3 weeks for a year, finished May 8/08
Tamoxifen - 2 1/2 years
Femara - Jan. 1, 2010 - July 18, 2012
BRCA1/BRCA2 Negative
Dignosed 10/16/06, age 48 , premenopausal
Mild lymphedema diagnosed June 2009 - breast surgeon and lymph. therapist think it's completely reversible - hope so.
Reclast infusion January 2012
Oopherectomy October 2013
15 Years NED!!
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03-25-2008, 01:53 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: TAMPA, FL
Posts: 568
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Kate
I think that is great and I think the mix is a good one. Good for your onc to be on top of things
I wanted to check because I may have to do the same thing down the road and I like to know the mixes that are being used.
I know these drugs are all good one's and I know you will do well on them
__________________
Irene from Tampa
1996 - INFILT DUCTAL CAR.W/ LYMPH NODE INVOLVEMENT. ADRIA/CYTOXIN/5FU
1999 - RECURR. TO AUXILA AND 2 TUMORS IN LIVER
TREAT: STEM CELL REPLACEMENT/HERCEPTIN.
2002 - RECUR TO LIVER
TREAT: NAVELBINE, THEN GEMZAR, THEN XELODA.
2004 - TUMORS STILL IN LIVER
TREAT: RFA TO LIVER
STABLE UNTIL
2004 - TUMOR PROGRESSION IN LIVER.
TREAT: RESECT HALF OF LIVER.
2005 - RECURR TO LYMPH NODE OUTSIDE OF LIVER.
TREAT: TAXOL/CARPO/HERCEPTIN. FAILED ON
THIS TRIO. STARTED ON ABRAXANE.
2006 - PROGRESS WITH 2ND TUMOR GROWTH.
TREAT: AUG. BEGAN ON TYKERB/XELODA
TRIAL. CONSIDERED STABLE TO DATE.
2007 - TAKEN OFF OF TYKERB/XELODA TRIAL DUE TO
PROGRESS STARTING TYKERB/AVASTIN.
NOV 2007 - SCANS SHOW PROGRESS TUMOR GROWTH
IN ABDOM. AND TWO NEW TUMORS IN NECK AREA.
BEGAN HERCEPTIN/AVASTIN/TAXOTERE
Feb 08 - Ixempra/Xeloda
June 08 - Her/DM1 trial
"I WANT TO BE AN OUTRAGEOUS OLD WOMAN WHO NEVER GETS CALLED AN OLD LADY. I WANT TO GET SHARP EDGED & EARTH COLORED, TILL I FADE AWAY FROM PURE JOY."
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03-25-2008, 03:31 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Misty woods of WA State
Posts: 4,128
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Kate -
If you are like the other "Kates" I have known either in person or on the silver screen, you will win this fight one way or another.
Going with with a 3-pronged approach should tip the scales against the galloping lung mets and to your favor.
Here is the Ixempra web site:
http://www.ixempra.com/
Let us know how you feel after the infusion. Maybe like going to bed early, but that would not be unusual on a treatment day. Just relax and let the drugs do their work shutting down the cancer cells.
__________________
"When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest." H.D. Thoreau
Live in the moment.
MY STORY SO FAR ~~~~
Found suspicious lump 9/2000
Lumpectomy, then node dissection and port placement
Stage IIB, 8 pos nodes of 18, Grade 3, ER & PR -
Adriamycin 12 weekly, taxotere 4 rounds
36 rads - very little burning
3 mos after rads liver full of tumors, Stage IV Jan 2002, one spot on sternum
Weekly Taxol, Navelbine, Herceptin for 27 rounds to NED!
2003 & 2004 no active disease - 3 weekly Herceptin + Zometa
Jan 2005 two mets to brain - Gamma Knife on Jan 18
All clear until treated cerebellum spot showing activity on Jan 2006 brain MRI & brain PET
Brain surgery on Feb 9, 2006 - no cancer, 100% radiation necrosis - tumor was still dying
Continue as NED while on Herceptin & quarterly Zometa
Fall-2006 - off Zometa - watching one small brain spot (scar?)
2007 - spot/scar in brain stable - finished anticoagulation therapy for clot along my port-a-catheter - 3 angioplasties to unblock vena cava
2008 - Brain and body still NED! Port removed and scans in Dec.
Dec 2008 - stop Herceptin - Vaccine Trial at U of W begun in Oct. of 2011
STILL NED everywhere in Feb 2014 - on wing & prayer
7/14 - Started twice yearly Zometa for my bones
Jan. 2015 checkup still shows NED
2015 Neuropathy in feet - otherwise all OK - still NED.
Same news for 2016 and all of 2017.
Nov of 2017 - had small skin cancer removed from my face. Will have Zometa end of Jan. 2018.
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03-25-2008, 03:50 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 556
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Kate,
You are in my thoughts. Knockdown those mets.
Julie
__________________
Diagnosed in Sept 2004 while pregnant with the second child. Stage 3b, tumor 4.5cm, 4 auxillary and supraclav node positive. Her2+++ FISH 9.4 and er-,pr-.
Had dose dense neoadjuvant AC,Taxol then mastectomy,radiation+xeloda+Herceptin.
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03-25-2008, 03:53 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Ireland
Posts: 3,463
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Kate I don't have any advice for you but wanted to wish you luck and hope this new regime is easy on you and does a great job! Keep fighting as you always do!
__________________
Tricia
Dx July '05 IDC 1.9cm Triple positive 3/9 nodes positive
A/C X 4 ..Taxol/Herceptin x 12 wks then herceptin 1 yr
Rads x 36 ..oophorectomy August '06
Currently taking Arimidex..
June 2011 osteopenia/ zometa x1 yearly- stopped Zometa 2015 as Dexa show normal bone density.
Stopped Arimidex July 2014- Restarted Arimidex 2015 for a further two years on the advice of my Onc.
2014 Normal Dexa scan
2018 Mammo all clear, still NED!
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03-25-2008, 05:09 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 2,077
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"Kate the Great", I like that, too. Katie, I know this drug combo. will work for you. Just make sure you get enough rest. Thoughts and prayers for you, sweetie, love, Bill
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03-25-2008, 05:37 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Stockton, NJ
Posts: 4,179
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I am thinking about you alot. I saw Jean today and we talked about you and said that now that Spring is in the air, there will be fewer germs around. What we need for you is that you can stay on something long enough for it to start to work its magic. I think the warmer weather will do you alot of good. Love and hugs for a one-two punch.
__________________
Kind regards
Becky
Found lump via BSE
Diagnosed 8/04 at age 45
1.9cm tumor, ER+PR-, Her2 3+(rt side)
2 micromets to sentinel node
Stage 2A
left 3mm DCIS - low grade ER+PR+Her2 neg
lumpectomies 9/7/04
4DD AC followed by 4 DD taxol
Used Leukine instead of Neulasta
35 rads on right side only
4/05 started Tamoxifen
Started Herceptin 4 months after last Taxol due to
trial results and 2005 ASCO meeting & recommendations
Oophorectomy 8/05
Started Arimidex 9/05
Finished Herceptin (16 months) 9/06
Arimidex Only
Prolia every 6 months for osteopenia
NED 18 years!
Said Christopher Robin to Pooh: "You must remember this: You're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think"
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03-25-2008, 05:39 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Oregon
Posts: 1,756
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Kate, best wishes for this TRIPLE THREAT to do the job! I have heard good things about Ixempra from Lopsided and also reading online, so I'll be keeping positive thoughts for you!
<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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03-26-2008, 07:22 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,851
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Kate, Here's to knocking out those mets. Best, Joan
__________________
Diagnosed stage 2b in July 2003 (2.3 cm, HER2+, ER-/PR-, 7+ nodes). Treated with mastectomy (with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction), AC + T/Herceptin (off label). Cancer advanced to lung in Jan. 2007 (1 cm nodule). Started Herceptin every 3 weeks. Lung wedge resection April 2007. Cancer recurred in lung April 2008. RFA of lung in August 2008. 2nd annual brain MRI in Oct. 2008 discovered 2.6 cm cystic tumor in left frontal lobe. Craniotomy Oct. 2008 (ER-/PR-/HER2-) followed by targeted radiation (IMRT). Coughing up blood Feb. 2009. Thoractomy July 2009 to cut out fungal ball of common soil fungus (aspergillus) that grew in the RFA cavity (most likely inhaled while gardening). No cancer, only fungus. Removal of tiny melanoma from upper left arm, plus sentinel lymph node biopsy in Feb. 2016. Guardant Health liquid biopsy in Feb. 2016 showed mutations in 4 subtypes of TP53. Repeat of Guardant Health biopsy in Jana. 2021 showed 3 TP53 mutations, BRCA1 mutation and CHEK2 mutation. Invitae genetic testing showed negative for all of these. Living with MBC since 2007. Stopped Herceptin Hylecta (injection) treatment in March 2020. Recent 2021 annual CT of chest, abdomen and pelvis and annual brain MRI showed NED. Praying for NED forever!!
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03-28-2008, 02:18 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 309
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Hey Kate! Hope this new combo is working wonders for you sis.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Blessings
Hermiracles
__________________
2003 L/DCIS –> LWE: High G./Comedo - 6 nodes clear 6 wks Rx
04/07 2 miracles born ~ very grateful
06/07 Susp areas L/b
09/07 Stage 2 bilat. mastectomy R/ b. clear extens DCIS/IDC Paget’s 8 nodes clear ER(<5%) HER2+++ CT clear
11/07 Portacath - FEC
15/11/07 Stage 4 Emerg op - hip replacemt #NOF bone mets H/Taxotere
12/07 Rx to 'spots' on spine/R/hip/femur 3wkly H
2008 H+T mets to rib/sternum? Aredia CT clear! Cont. H + Aredia 07/08 1 wk Palliative Care - mets to lungs + ?1 to brain
09/08 Stop H complete Epirubicin 1wk PC new brain mets
10/08 2wks WBR 1wk PC 22/10/08 Tykerb/Xeloda 12/08 6 CEREBRAL METS COMPLETELY GONE! Rib mets down to <1cm.
01/09 Tumour markers normal! Rx to L/arm
03/09 LUNGS CLEAR (ALL NODULES GONE!), brain clear, liver clear. Bones stable! ~ THANK YOU GOD
07/09 Repeat CT Scan ~ ALL organs clear apart from bones which remain stable. I walk in gratitude.
***************
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03-28-2008, 03:51 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Acworth, GA
Posts: 2,104
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Had my first IXempra infusion yesterday and all went well. Feling pretty good today but a little tired (what else is new). We have now completed one complete Xeloda/Tykerb cycle and am starting cycle 2 today. I really think this treatment plan will work.
__________________
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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03-28-2008, 08:34 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 2,077
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We all know it will work, Kate the Great! You just keep on rollin'! Thanks for keeping us posted. Love ya, Bill
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03-30-2008, 09:28 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 624
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I am hoping and praying that your new drug combination works. Best wishes!!!!!!
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05-01-2008, 09:54 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 2,077
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Bringing this back up to the top of the charts. This our Number One Warrior Queen, Kate the Great! Everyone, right now, needs to pray that she regains her strength so that she can resume her treatments. I give my prayers and strength to Kate!
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