doxil/avastin regime starts today

[Shell]

I progressed on the xeloda/tykerb trial, and for the mets to the lung/lymph nodes, my onc is starting me on doxil/avastin today. I progressed on taxotere/herceptin previously, and thus having the avastin with a taxane wasn't an option for me.

I got severe H/F on the xeloda, and H/F is also a side-effect of the doxil (ugh), but apparently having ice packs at the wrists and ankles during infusion is supposed to reduce the effects significantly. We shall see!

Regards,
Shell

[Joy]

Shell, I'm so hoping this protocol does the trick and sends thos dumb cells packing. keep us posted. There are some really good posts recently about vaccine trials maybe that is an idea to keep in mind. Keep us updated if you are up to it.

[Shell]

the doxil/avastin did not work for me at all. i got many of the doxil side effects and none of the benefits. i was supposed to get a 4th treatment of it, but asked my onc to skip the treatment and do a ct scan instead - and it showed progression (lungs, lymph nodes). it has been difficult to breathe, and i've had to take pain meds, which i hate doing.

i started on navelbinie/herceptin/avastin on friday - we'll see what happens - avastin generally isn't used a 2d time if the 1st chemo didn't work, but i'm glad my onc figured it was worth another try...i just hate seeing my options being narrowed down so quickly.

am hoping i can still ski with my family over christmas - i know the cross-country is out (i'm the only one who likes that anyway). i just hope it gets easier to breathe and my "non-productive" cough gets easier to deal with...

Shell

[tousled1]

Shell,

I'm sorry to hear that you are having such problems. I'm glad to see that your oncologist is going to give it another shot with the avistan. Perhaps this combo will be the one that does the trick. Here's hoping that you will be on the slopes even if you have to give up the cross-country. Please keep us posted and have fun skiing.

[rinaina]

I am praying that this combo will help get rid of these nasty stubborn cells. Good luck.

[heblaj01]

Shell,

I hope your new treatment will be the one which works for you.
There several other options in trials of few of which are mentioned below, should you need an other recourse:

1. Herceptin+Pertuzumab
Lori S had a good initial response. See her october post at:
http://www.her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=24878

2. Other experimental drugs in trials
http://www.her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=24904 (http://www.her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=24904)