My CT Scan Results

Helen · 05-30-2006, 12:14 PM

Hello everyone! I am feeling scared because of the result of my CT scan from last week. It was noted that there was an increased soft tissue fullness in the superior mediatinum prevascular space area. This was never mentioned in my previous scans. My liver mets is still stable. I am waiting for a PET scan appointment. My onc told me he does not like to see this type of results.
What am I doing wrong? I have changed my diet completely and it looks like I am having progression even with Herceptin weekly. I haven't seen much of the mediastinum area mentioned on this board. Is this the same as lung mets? Will this respond to chemo? My onc mentioned navelbine and gemzar but he said he will check my films with the radiologist further. Does anyone have an advice to offer? I will meet with my onc tomorrow.
My last chemo was between 7/2005 - 12/2005 with Taxotere/ Carboplatin once every 3 weeks and weekly Herceptin.
Thanks.

Helen

Cathya · 05-30-2006, 01:26 PM

Helen;

What about a lapatinib clinical trial? Perhaps you need the double punch of herceptin and lapatinib to knock out the her2 and her1. I do not think you are doing anything wrong. This is about finding the right treatment at this point. I am sure someone has heard of this.....I am sorry that I have not.

Cathy

Cathya · 05-30-2006, 01:31 PM

Helen;

AlaskaAngel posted this trial which also might be of interest.

Clinical Trial for PTEN-deficient Mets progressing on trastuzumab-based therapy
Phase I-II Study of Trastuzumab in Combination With RAD001 in Patients With HER-2 Overexpressing, PTEN-Deficient Metastatic Breast Cancer Progressing on Trastuzumab-Based Therapy
This study is currently recruiting patients.
Verified by M.D. Anderson Cancer Center May 2006

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gu...317720?order=13

Sheila · 05-31-2006, 09:07 PM

Helen
I am wondering if they might be visualizing mediastinal nodes, which like the ones in the neck and axilla seem to flare up on some from the breast cancer....if so, still very treatable when found early...I hope it is nothing for your sake...this disease is so unpredictable....sending prayers and good thoughts your way.

Helen · 06-01-2006, 09:44 AM

Thank you Cathya and Sheila. It looks like mediastinal nodes is not very common. I have also heard from Patty Z. I just hope and pray that my PET scan tomorrow is going to be okay. I will keep you all posted.

Cathya,
I did inquire about the Lapatinib trails on phase 3 at UCSF. I am waiting for a response.

Thanks.
Helen

Helen · 06-08-2006, 11:13 AM

I got my PET scan result yesterday and I am very disappointed and scared. The mediastinal area lit up as well as the old stable lesion on the liver (1.8 mm). What surprised me was another area that lit up on my liver that was not detected on the CT scan. My onc suggested that I go back to chemo and he will give me Navelbine weekly along with Herceptin. He said he will look into the EAP for Tykerb for me. Why would an area on my liver lit up and yet it's not on the CT scan? I also have a cold when I had my PET scan. Will the cold give false positives? I don't have any symptoms on the mediastinal area.
I have read so many post on navelbine side effects but I would appreciate any advice and feedback at this time. I am so glad I have this site to turn to. You all give me hope, strength and courage just by reading everyone's post.
Thank you.

Helen