Navelbine and Herceptin

[Unregistered]

My wife has been on Herceptin/Taxotere combo since June this year. The stage iv disease was intially arrested but has now started to worsen in the lungs, which is where the most serious problem is. After finally deciding to keep on with chemo she has been placed on Herceptin plus Navelbine. The first dose was Thursday, today Friday she has a lot of pain in her lungs....is this possibly a good sign?

Is it OK to take antioxidants when being treated with these two drugs?

John

[TriciaK]

I don't know the answerr to your antioxident question, though I would suspect antioxidents are okay. However, the navelbine-herceptin combo worked for my lung mets. I am NED now! Had very little side effects, but I have heard others mention aches. Hugs, Tricia

[kk1]

It is a really bad idea to take anti-oxidants while on chemo. Antioxidants slow or prevent cell death. The idea of chemo paticulary taxotere is to try an kill fast growing cells that are mostly like cancer cells. By taking anti-oxidants you work against the chemo.

[Becky]

I would just take a good, all purpose multi and maybe some Co Q10 plus a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil a day.


I think the pain is good - I have read that its a sign that the Herceptin is working (ie: pain in the area where the tumors are). Obviously if it is very bad, you should call her onco but I think the pain (hopefully it is only discomfort for her benefit) may actually be a very good thing. Gotta go get my Herceptin now.

Best regards

Becky

[Lolly]

I have to concurr with the last two posts about anti-oxidants while on chemo. I just started Navelbine/Herceptin again for third recurrence, and as usual my onc doesn't want me on anti-oxidant supplements; I take quite a few when on just Herceptin. He ok'd a good multi, 1000mg Vit C, B complex, my calcium with Vit D supplement and my tiny dose (81 mg) of aspirin to help keep my port clear. He feels a diet rich in fresh veggies and fruit, whole grains and good quality protein is best.

Pain at the site of the cancer when you first start Navelbine is not unusual; I was talking to my infusion nurse just the other day about this because I did have significant pain back in 2001 at my very first infusion of Navelbine, in the area where we knew I had recurred. She said that's happened to other patients also. So, I think it may be a good sign, but if it's severe of course call and get some meds for it. Best wishes for a GOOD RESPONSE for your wife from this combo, it's worked wonders for a lot of us!

<3,
Lolly

[mamacze]

Dear John,
This is a scary time for the two of you, dealing with the resurgance of disease; but you seem to be sitting back and taking stock. Don't be frightened of the pain; I had constant (but not debilitating) lung pain for at last 6 - 8 months while on herceptin and navelbine for significant lung mets, and even now; while on just herceptin,I often feel twinges. I visualize the herceptin smashing my cancer cells and it warms my heart.
Tell you wife she is due for a good response now and we are all hanging in there for you both.
Love,
Kim from CT

[al from Canada]

Herceptin and navelbine is an excellent cpmbo but stay away from those anti-oxidants. The only one I would consider is CO-Q10, for cardio. I agree with Becky except I'd use a multi with caution....if you are eating healthy then you shouldn't need it.

Good luck,
Al