Navelbine failed

[Sue C]

I was first dianosed with BC stage 2B in 6/02 and had mets to Brain in 8/03. During the first diagnosis, i was on AC and then on Taxol for 6 months. In 10/03, I started on Navelbine and Herceptin. In 8/03, my CT scans did not show anything and during last week, my CT scan showed 5.5cm x 3.5 cm tumor in my liver. I know my original tumor in my breat grew quickly but within 7 months, I can't believe liver tumor became that big.
I doctor put me on Xeloda. my drug store did not have Xeloda in stock so I will have to wait couple of days for it to arrive. I am quite scared. I am still on Herceptin but i am not sure whether it is working on me. Did anyone else have this happen to them? my doctor comforts me and tells me that there are gazillion drugs that he can try but i am scared that my tumor has mind of its own. i am quite scared.

[jessica]

Sue-
I'm so sorry you have to go through this again.It's very scary when treatment fails, but keep the faith and know that the right combo for you is out there.I was dx'd stage IV at primary dx w/a single liver lesion.I thought it was very strange that the met was practically the same size as the primary tumor in my breast...I would have thought it would take a long time for a tumor cell to break off from the primary site, settle in my liver and grow...apparently not.
I also tried Navelbine/Herceptin x 8weeks with no response.In that 8 weeks, that single liver met developed into multiple, innumerable mets.
I was on a clinical trial for 27 weeks, but ultimately, Taxol/Herceptin x 12 weeks got me to NED...now I celebrate 6mos since my last chemo tx & just had my first hair cut(well, not really "cut" more like shaped-up)today.
I'm wondering why your doc wants to introduce another chemo when you might try going back to taxol (since you responded to it before)& combining it with herceptin?Also,are you measuring your CA27.29 tumor markers?I know there's much argument about how accurate they are, but at least they give you an idea of how things are going in between scans.I find peace of mind being able to keep tabs on my TM's every 4 weeks.
Hang in there, keep the faith and KNOW THAT YOU CAN AND WILL BEAT THIS!!!
Prayers, faith & courage,
Jessica

[Steph N.]

Sue -
I, too, know the fright of having mets that seem to grow from out of nowhere.
Read my story on this site - go to the Site Map and then click stories. You will see my photo in a big straw hat (no hair underneath!) I am Stephanie.
You will see that mets as large as your fist can grow in a short time. I was off any treatment as I could not get Herceptin at that point. I felt fine and was as surprised as anyone at what had happened inside my body. Did not quite know HOW to feel about it at the time. Was not even sure any treatment would work and that I would be sitting here talking to you tonight!
I am NED for getting close to TWO years after this experience. There will be some combofor you!
Hope this gives YOU some hope. chin up and eyes ahead.

[wiesia]

Hello !

I read your story. Very inspiring.

If I could ask, how much Celebrex per day do you take ? My Mother has bc. It is now 2 years and 3 months from dx and she is so far NED but she is high risk (17/19 positive nodes). I would like her to try Celebrex.

Thank you,

wiesia

[Steph N.]

Glad your Mom is doing well for so long.
I put my story in to let people know that it IS possible to battle through a very bad outlook with their cancer.
The Celebrex is doing me good for my joints as well!
I take 1 pill morning and 1 or 2 at night. This is less than they want us to take on a prophylactic basis (400 mg/day), but I did not tolerate it as well at the start. Maybe the amount I take is enough to be effective for me as I have not had any more mets come along (can't forget the Herceptin!).

[Chandi]

Hi Sue C !

I was dx to have liver in July 2003, after almost 9 years of the 1st dx (BC)in 1994 and confirmed in Dec 2003, with a another liver lession. I was on Tamoxifen till December. Then My oncologist advised me to stop tamoxifen and put me on Xeloda.
After the 5th cycle (14days on 7days pause 2000mg a day, 1000 at Breakfast and 1000 at dinner) I took a scan and the results were no change in the liver lessions, means stable. I also started Femera a week ago. The scan also has showen "pleural lessions" which I did not have in December but a cough. I am still struggling to find whether I am HER2 + ve. According to some posts Navelbine is the next answer for my lungs. At this point I am also confused about the Navelbine & Xeloda. Please post of your progress.
Hang in there we will try to find the best.
Hugs.
Chandi