another question about skin mets

[Lindaw]

Dear All

I recently had my 3 re-excision for cells on the scar line . Just last week I noticed a little round white soft dot above the scar at the end previously re-excised. I had progression after 4months taxol/herceptin and started navelbine 3 weeks ago. I remember someon telling me it was a
slow working drug and that results can be seen ( if working) after a while. So i guess I will wait and watch and talk to my onc.
This is right about the slow working isn't it?
My onc said there was a trial available but It needed measurable tumour. I would like to give the navelbine a go - I guess it is like treating the internal tumour - you ahve to wait a while - only you can see it. unnerves me a little I keep looking at it with a mirror to see if it has changed.

Thanks
love
linda

[Velva]

When I took Navelbine & Herceptin (1st time) it worked fast, 3 wks of treatment and tumor marker came down 50%, visible decrease in skin mets (flat part of skin that was inflamed), small bumps/lumps on left side of neck gradually got smaller, but after 6 mos. of N&H, had them radiated. Unfortunately, had to be off Hercptin for 3 mos. fall of 2003 & skin mets returned same area, flat inflamed no raised bumps, tried Navelbine & Herceptin for 3 wks, with progression so onc stopped Navelbine, put me on Xeloda w/Herceptin and in 6 wks skin & tumor marker both show improvement. So, in my case the bumps are harder/slower to get rid of & tumor marker is helpful. Hope this helps. Velva

[Sandy]

Tumor markers do not work for me so we have to go by visual and biopsies. It is my understanding that with skin mets its in the lymphathics therefore, its impossible to keep them away. I was told by a specialist we can never get rid of them!! I like to think there is someone out there that can prove them wrong but so far I have not been one of those. Radiation for me was a disaster and was also told that it doesn't work for them. These little bugs are so resistant to everything. Its interesting how one can burn and kill everything around them and they keep popping up. The good thing I was told that they are not life threatening but how long will it stay that way? Need to enjoy a day at a time. Hugs to all of you. Sandy

[Velva]

Sandy,
Good question! Mine seems to come back in the most recently radiated area! Well I plan /hope no more radiation.
I'm not sure what my onc plans after skin mets go away? stay on a low dose of xeloda & wkly Herceptin? We'll see.