My friend needs help

[Michele U]

I have a friend that is HEr2 pos. Her cancer came back after 5 months of adjuvant therapy. She has had Herceptin,Gemzar,Taxotere,Femera,and Xometa.Her cancer now has spread to bones,liver and now to her pancreas and was pinching her bile duct, so she is jaundice and eyes yellow. Dr. basically told her there is nothing else to try. I told her to press him!! Now he is trying to get her Abraxane off label. She has never tried Navelbine yet either. I wonder if any of you have been on Abraxane on its own, or with maybe Navelbine with it. I'm really worried about her. We graduated from highschool together. I would love the info.Thanks

[Kristen]

Dear Michelle U,
I am so sorry to hear about your friend. Have you tried contacting Caner Treatment Centers of America? or MD Anderson? I always believe something can be done whenever someone says you can't. I read a book that was great during my rx, called there is no place like hope by vicki giardi. She went to CTCA when she was given a nothing we can do prognosis and is here to write a book. (she didn't have pancreatic cancer).My heart goes out to you and your friend. I deeply hope something can be done. take care k

[Ruth]

Dear Michelle,

I, too, am so sorry to hear of your friend's state. It sure sounds if her cancer is resisting chemotherapy. I would definitely talk to her about going in for another opinion and especially a clinical trial.

Sometimes it may take a different way of going about things. Maybe she should also try holistic methods in conjunction with more chemotherapy? Radically changing her diet? I have read of miraculous healings from alternative treatments but of course I personally don't know them (only read about it). She has nothing to lose. I personally would try anything. I lost my best friend almost 7 years ago (she was 32) to a very rare cancer - Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma. I wanted her to try everything under the sun but she was too frightened to. You can guide her and counsel her but ultimitely she has to decide on what she wants to do.
I am so very sorry.
Peace, Ruth

[Sandy H.]

I would suggest trying some natural therapies such as diet, and supplements along with chemo. A good consultant and she is free is Barbara Johnson R.N. at 410-628-6877. She specializes in supplements and which ones can be taken with the different chemos. I have spent hours on the phone with her at no charge. Worth a call I would say. Hugs, Sandy H.

[lu ann]

I went to CTCA for a second opinion and stayed for 6 weeks to get rad. tx. I met many patients that were told by their onc. at home that there was no hope. These people were survivors and got hope and the treatment they needed from CTCA. Its worth a try for your friend. Blessings, Lu ann.

[Your friend Beth]

Hi Michelle,

Hope you are doing well. What about Taxol/Herceptin? Knocked my liver mets
out in 10 weeks. I think my Onc told me
its first line treatment for metastatic
breast cancer. I know Taxotere is a taxine,
but Taxol/Herceptin and maybe include Carbo.
My friend Kitty who posts on this board
knocked her liver mets out big time on that combo. Good Luck to your friend.

Beth

[Steph N]

Don't know where you or your friend live, but for the clinical trial I was on to kick out my liver mets, Abraxane has been substituted for the taxol I took. The trial consisted of weekly taxol, navelbine and Herceptin (in my case as HER 2 pos). This combo worked for me and I have been NED for 2 yrs and 3 months.
I hope they can get her on something that will show some improvement. Keep is posted as best you can.