mom\'s ct results- confusing...

[karyn]

My mom had another ct exam to see if everything was working on killing her liver mets. She had been on Taxotere and Herceptin. We got the results today and I am not sure that they are good. Apparently the old tumours have shrunk, but it looks like there have been new tumours formed. The person who had read the scan said that they were not sure if it was cancer, but the oncologist thought it was. He kept calling it a mixed picture. I am confused as I am not sure how existing tumours can shrink while new tumours grow while on chemo. He is taking her off the taxotere and just keeping her on the herceptin and we will see what happens. She will get another scan in 6 weeks. We are all really scared. Has anyone heard of anything like this happening before?

Thanks

Karyn

[karyn]

just another add on- the onc also said he had never seen this before- that doesn't sound encouraging. I also wanted to ask another question about being on herceptin alone- has anyone cleared up their mets on just herceptin? I guess I thought that you needed chemo as well to eliminate the mets, and that herceptin alone was good once you were clear. Just looking for some hope.

Karyn

[Lolly]

Karyn, that's my understanding as well, that Herceptin in combo works more effectively against active mets, and Herceptin monotherapy is for maintenance after becoming stable or NED. Maybe someone with more knowledge will post, but just wanted to say I'm sending prayers and well wishes your way.
Love, Lolly

[Jerri]

Karyn,

I think it is time for a second opinion, as soon as possible. It really doesn't make sense. And I don't know that stopping chemo and waiting 6 weeks sounds like the best option. Hang in there. I will keep your mom and family in my prayers.

Jerri

[Christine]

First of all you shouldn't be left by the Onc. Confused. It would be better to ask the Onc if he can try another drug w/ herceptin. There are many, such as, Navalbine, Gemzar, Xeloda, Carboplatin. If he seems to be un resposive, SEEK ANOTHER OPINION.Leaving your mom on Herceptin alone can be fine for now, Her2 cancer works better in combinations. Maybe the Onc is unsure of himself, and needs a 2nd opinion.
Hugs to you and your mom,Christine