Mets to lungs

[tousled1]

Just got the result of my CT scan today and was told I have mets to the lungs. Have an appointment with oncologist next Friday to discuss treatment options. I would appreciate any info as to what treatments are good for lung mets. Thanks.

[Chelee]

Kate, I am sorry about your CT results. I really hate to hear you have to deal with this. My heart goes out to you. But with the very knowledgable women & men on here I know you will get some great advice as how to best attack this. With the boards idea's along with your onc I am sure you will come up with a good trt plan to kick those mets into the twilight zone. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Chelee

[LAURIE]

Hi, Kate I just got home from work and saw your post. Excuse my language but the first thing I said was damn't. I can not give you advice on treatment but from what I remember you like your doc a lot and trust him. Was your scan routine or did you suspect something through blood work? Please keep us posted on your treatment and keep your chin up. It is so great we have each other. I am not sure if I told you that my brother lives by you. He lives in Acworth, if I remember correctly you used to live there.

[Soccermom]

OH CR*P ,Kate! I am so sorry. Wish I had some good information for you,but I know the others with info will chime in. I can kkep you in my thoughts and prayers, which I will will definitely do!
Marcia

[Lolly]

Kate, I'm sorry to hear this, but you sound ready to fight and beat this back, and that's good.
Knowing what I know now, my first inclination if I were in your shoes, would be to request to be put back on Herceptin and ask your onc to recommend a chemo to add for synergy. Navelbine has worked great for me in the past, and I have a friend who had lung mets go into remission on the combo of Navelbine/Herceptin. Other options would be Abraxane, a platinum such as carbo, or Xeloda. If you can, save the Tykerb for such a time as you need it if Herceptin and chemo doesn't keep things in check.
Just my opinion as to what I would do to stretch out options.

Best of luck. I know you're very disapointed right now, but you can beat these mets back into submission. Hang in there and keep us posted.

<3 Lolly

[Belinda]

Kate - I am so sorry to hear of this. It just isn't fair. I have no advice to offer but many warm wishes to send your way. Belinda - oooxxx

[lexigirl]

No Kate, no! Doggone it!! I am sorry to read this news! Gosh it makes me mad! Were you having symptoms that made you have it checked out? I am sorry that you have to endure another tx, but I am positive that there are many options that will bring you back to NED.

Hugs and Prayers,
Lexi

[StephN]

Dear Kate -
You have been SO GREAT in giving support to others - now it is your turn to get some back! Bummer. We are here for you, lady.

But, I recall that Sherryg did very well with Taxotere, Xeloda and herceptin. Maybe she will chime in here or you can send her a message for the details and doses of her treatment. She has been in remission for many months now.

I know you have not been off Herceptin for very long - but it will do its job again.

[Beckie]

Kate,
I was on Taxotere and Herceptin for 6 months for mets to the lungs and liver. They shrunk drastically, and have stayed that way ever since. I know your doctor will have a good plan to beat back the mets, and you'll be in the clear again. It's a good thing you're on top of it! I'll be praying for you.

Beckie

[Grace]

Hi Kate,

I can't sleep thinking about you. But I'm happy to see from all the posts that lungs mets are not a big deal to get rid of, so you should be NED in a short while. Wish I could do more than say sorry. Lots of love and good wishes.

[Mary Anne in TX]

Hi Kate!
Rotten news! Really rotten! Your incredible fighting spirit and the chemo your doctor will add to your herceptin will Just Work! I'll surely be praying for you. You bless everyone so often with your encouragement and advice. Please keep posting what they recommend and each step of your treatment so that we can keep believing with you for powerful, quick response to smashing those new offenders! lots of love, ma

[Sheila]

Kate
It seems so unfair when this disease decides to rear its ugly head...there are so many treatment options right now, it just takes finding the one that works. You are a strong woman, we are all here for you with prayers and love in this new fight....show those mets who the boss is!

[tricia keegan]

Kate I'm really sorry you have to deal with this,and sorry also I don't have any experience or advice to offer you on drugs but I know the one's who do are rallying to your side to help you through this. Keep as positive as you've always been and you'll be rid of these mets before you know it.
((((hugs)))))

[RhondaH]

I am SO sorry and will keep you in my prayers. Take care and God bless.

Rhonda

[Barbara H.]

I am so sorry to hear your news, Kate. I would try Navelbine. It has worked for many with lung mets. I'm sure that your oncologist has good ideas about what may work for you. As you know, there are many of us here with stage 4. It is important that you keep up your hope, as you learn to live with this new development.
Best wishes,
Barbara H.

[Becky]

Dear Kate

I am so sorry about the results of your CT scan. You should see what your onc has to say and question the pros and cons of Navelbine versus a taxane drug (both in combo with Herceptin). If your doctor is a partner, you should be able to come to a decision based on joint logic on which way to go.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Love,

[tousled1]

I want to thank everyone for their support. This is such a bummer! I have now joined the Stage IV club -- a little sooner than I anticipated though.

I have a great oncologist and have complete trust and confidencein her. I was the one who requested the CT scan. The reason I requested it was that was HER2 serum went from 7.1 up to 9.5 -- still well below the "normal" of 15. Also my tumor marker went up from 15.3 to 30.1 -- again below the 'Normal of 35. I'm just glad that my onc ordered the scan because we caught the mets early.

I don't know all the details on the mets -- how large or how many but will have that info on Friday. I'm also asked her to send me for a brain MRI since I haven't had one since last July.

You women have been such a great support to me for the last eyar and a half and I'm happy that I have you guys to depend on while I go through my next regime. I will keep you posted.

[tousled1]

I know you will fight this mommy! we'll kick this to the curb! love you...

jennifer

[Joy]

I second the damn't! I was really surprised to see this post, Kate and I'm just so sad and frustrated for you. Ugh, this stupid disease! HOWEVER you have gotten great advice here and yes we are here and you CAN depend on us. I will be anxious to hear what your onc recommends and remember this will be a 'first-line metastatic treatment' that is good as the right combo can really kick thos stupid spots. Search the forums for lung mets and treatments and if you are up for it-you are a great researcher, but if you want others to do it, just ask-google first line treatments for bc lung mets and see what happens, or look at some late phase trials, but there are good treatments for this.

I'm looking forward to hearing what you decide and how you are doing and I'm sending you great success vibes!

Love to you and yours!

[rinaina]

Oh Kate, I just hated hearing your latest news. This disease is definitely unpredictable at any given time. Darn it. Keep up your positive spirit and continue to fight this with every ounce of strength you have. I wish you success in finding the right treatment and in fighting these lung mets. You and your onc were so on top of things and so wise to get that ct scan. Good lesson for all of us to make sure we keep our oncs and ourselves on our toes.

[Karen Weixel]

Kate,

I am sending you and your family strength, hugs and prayers. I know you will beat this.

Stay strong.

Karen

[KellyA]

Kate,

I am so sorry that you are having to deal with this. I do feel the same way that you do- you've caught them early and you have many many options. You are a very strong person and I have no doubt that you will knock this down and be back to NED in no time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Love, Kelly

[tousled1]

Just thought I'd let everyone know that my baseline HER2 serum test was 10.1. So, when it went up to 9.5 something in my head told me something was wrong even though it was still within "normal"

I now am a firm believer in the usefullness of the HER2 serum test to monitor progression.

[Val Pfeiffer]

hi Kate--
I'm really sorry to hear about this. Your situation isn't that different than mine was. PLEASE keep us posted.

I have a question--one of the things that I've never looked into is the serum tests--I don't have a baseline. Can you or anyone else tell me exactly what test your docs are running? Is the Bayer serum test that Walt Carney worked on? I really should check into that.

Hang in there, Kate...my thoughts are definitely with you :-)

Val

[Val Pfeiffer]

I found some discussion about the serum tests on another thread just now, so no replies needed :-)

And Joe just loaded my new photo--the previous one was from 2005 when I was getting radiation--my hair is much longer now!

[Mary Jo]

Oh Kate...........just came on to check the boards and was shocked to read your post. I don't know how I missed it earlier. Oh Kate, I'm so sorry for what you have just heard. It had to be a crushing blow to you. Even though we all know this "beast" can show it's face anytime and we try to prepare for that day (although praying it never comes) the shock and saddness hits with a force only you can understand.

I'm so thankful the mets were caught early and am praying that treatment will knock them on their A _ _ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (I'm SURE you can fill in the blanks).

All I can send you is my prayers, my love and a HUGE cyber hug.

Love,

Mary Jo

[DonnaD]

Kate,
I am so sorry to hear your news. But am glad you caught things early and have a good onc who will figure this all out.

We are like a special family when one hurts we all hurt.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Donna

[TSund]

Kate,

You have been very kind to many here. Thank-you for that. Know that you are appreciated and know that so many carry you in their spirit as you continue your journey.

Terri

[kacey]

Kate. So sorry for your news, but good going for caching it early. Keep us posted and use those big guns. Know you'll beat back those little beasties in no time. Will keep you in prayers and sending you cyber hugs.<<<<<<HUGS>>>>>

Kacey

[tricia keegan]

Kate can I ask you, if you had'nt had the her2 serum test would you have known to ask for other tests? Did you have other symptoms? I only ask because I live in Ireland and my onc does'nt do her2 serum tests. I'm also a smoker and obviously worry about lung mets.

[tousled1]

Tricia,

No I really didn't have any symptoms other than a little shortness of breath on exertion. I'm just glad my onc does the HER2 serum test otherwise I wouldn't have had a scan until I developed symptoms.

[Liz J.]

Dear Kate,

I am so sorry to hear this news. But, as many of the group have stated, you have a very strong fortitude and you will keep pushing forward. I just know it. Sending prayers and all good wishes for a speedy NED to you.

Sincerely,

Liz J.

[Gerri]

Kate,

So sorry to hear your news. Going with your gut instinct certainly paid off. It sounds like you caught it early and are up to the challenge. You are a fighter and can beat this once you find the right combo.

Stay strong. We are all pulling for you.

[kareneg]

Dear Kate,
I am so sorry too how I hate this beast! But they have alot of treatments and you will do fine. Please know your are in my prayers. Keep the faith my friend.

[Jen]

Kate I am glad to hear that you trusted your instincts even in spite of the normal levels. I am also glad that you caught this early because early detection really is the key here.

[Yorkiegirl]

Kate I am so very sorry to read this news about you.

I will ceratinly keep you in my prayers and thoughts.

[Jean]

Kate,
Please know you are in my prayers. You are a sweet and strong fighter.
Once treatments begin you will stomp on those mets and be NED....

Love and Hugs,
jean

[Patricia]

Hi Kate,

I am so sorry to hear your latest news. I am sure it must have been quite a blow for you (how could it not! - this disease sucks!), but it sounds like you are keeping your focus on treatment and the path back to NED. You know yourself well and you trusted your instincts. You are a model for all of us to bug our doctors when you 'know' something is not right. How lucky you are to have a dr that was willing to go ahead and get the scan done so that you can fight the mets as small ones.

We are all here for you when you need, please let us know if there is anything you need (research, encouragement, prayers, just friendship and smiles). Meanwhile, you will be in my thoughts and prayers, and I will look out for your posts to see how you are coming along.

Hugs,
Patricia

[Catherine]

Dear Kate,

I am sitting here going ...., ...., double-damn. like some of the others. I am bummed and mad about this, but ready to put on my green shoes and army boots to join the rest of our army to support and help you in your next treatment plan. Thank goodness for all the knowledgeable friends who have already posted their advice.

Thank goodness you asked for the CT scan and the MRI. I will be on vacation when you go next week for your appointment. You will be in my prayers. I know you are a well-informed fighter. So you go girl, and we will be standing right there with you.

Love to you, Catherine

[Linda]

Dear Kate:
I'm so sorry to hear this, but glad you caught things early and know that treatment will go well. Please let us know what happens. Thinking of you
Linda

[TheresaM]

ummm, i was shocked at someone's post that lung mets seem easy to get rid of? huh? i think some of us cancer patients live in different worlds than others! like those that say breast cancer is a"chronic disease" - chronic for a small handful of very unique and lucky stage IVs. of course for all who never have to deal with mets, life is an entirely diferent world anyway.

I wanted to say Kate that a respected oncologist/researcher i know who specializes in bc mets told me xeloda seems to be a good chemo for lungs. indeed tykerb/xeloda was the only thing that ever worked for me, but I'm extremely recalcitrant and it only worked for 7 weeks. but i know others who've gotten at least a year out of the combo. personally i found it very easy to tolerate, and i'd had many many chemo combos before that.

just another suggestion for you, you have many many options, hang in there, one day at a time!

Theresa

[Kavy]

Kate,
I am deeply sorry for your news. I can imagine what you are feeling right now, because I have been there. Just hang in there, and try not to think too much of what is happenig to you right now, I know itt is hard, but try to keep busy doing whatever you like most, it helps a lot.
I was also diagnosed with Stage IIIC, and in less than a year I became Stage IV with lung and liver mets. And I felt what you are feeling right now, but I can assure you that things do get better. In fact, today I had a big party to celebrate my son's 6th birthday, everything organized by me,a nd I did not even remembered for one single moment I have Stage IV breast cancer.
I am er/pr-, hers2+, and I have been on nalvabine/herceptin for a year now, and my small liver mets are all gone, and all my small lung mets (both lungs) are almost gone, 1 just have a less than 1 cm met that they could hardly see on this scan, and a stable lymph node. So herceptin/nalvabine has been very good for me. And Nalvabine is a very easy drug, no premedications, no hair loss, no nausea, just a little bit the day of treatment, and some neuropathy. It is very doable.
I hope and pray that you find the right treatment for you very fast. When you do, things will go back to "almost" normal again. If you have any questions, PM me, I would like to help you through these terrifying moments. Hang in there.
Hugs, and prayers,
KarlaV.

[doh2pa]

Hi Kate,

I'm am so sorry that you get to be a member of the stage IV club, but I know you know that lots of women on this sight live full lives with this, as I like to think of it, chronic disease state. Anyway, I've been stage IV for almost two years, with liver mets first and lung mets added to the mix in May. My quality of life has been very good. I work, travel and have fun with my family and friends. I hug my kids a lot (and they're teenage boys and hate that!) and love and appreciate my husband every day. I will not let this disease take my living from me!

On the battle front, after only 6 weeks on Xeloda/Tykerb my lung mets are GONE and my small liver mets are GONE and my larger liver mets are all much smaller. There is hope out there! Please keep us posted on what you and your onc decide.

You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Donna

[michka]

Hi Kate, I saw your post yesterday and wanted to write but couldn't I was so mad. Why does this happen to such a nice person who has been supporting everybody on this forum?!!??! Your onc. seems to do right so see what he recommends. Fight all the way up the hill once more! I know it is easier to say than to do, but please give us news. You will be in my mind and heart every single day.
Michka.

[Shell]

Kate-

I am so sorry to hear of your progression. My mets was first to lungs, and my onc chose xeloda, and I chose the clinial trial if xeloda with tykerb, and that kicked things back quite a bit for some time.

But everyone is differerent, and the navalbine and taxanes are also an option. Like Lolly mentioned, I would definitely keep the herceptin...

Please keep us posted, and you are in our thoughts and prayers...

Kind regards,

[Ceesun]

Kate, Hello sorry to hear of this development. I was diagnosed with 1 lung met, probably a 2nd one,too,though we did not know for sure. that was about 13 months ago from a ct scan. I was on herceptin, late edition, 20 months done with chemo. Anyway, I am now in a clinical trial with herceptin and navelbine and xeloda and am in remission. Hang in there, friend, I do understand your disappointment. Ceesun

[Adriana Mangus]

Marcia:

Why did you get retested? I just got the results in May 2007. I'm BRCA1,2 Neg. Why the need to get retested again..???Thanks for your response..P.S. I do not want to believe there could be a mistake with this test?

[Adriana Mangus]

Dear Kate:

Ever since my recurrence in 2003 -mets to rt lung - everything seems under control with the above combo..I had a ct chest scan back in Feb.07 which showed the tumor was growing back,- less than 1cm- and went back to the same combination. Amazingly is working all over again...

No side effects for me, this drug is called vasicante? though, which can cause to some people extreme burns on the skin for it tends to go outside the vein, hence the burns on the skin. Maybe a port will do it.??

Ask your onc. I heard this is an effective combo for most patients with similar dx as yours and mine. With just two treatments the marker went down from 67.4 to 36...

Sending you positive vibes and a BIG BEAR HUG. Please keep us posted.

[Sherryg683]

Hi Kate, I emailed you personally but just to reply here in case others need the info. I was on Taxotere, Xeloda and Herceptin for 4 months for two small lung mets. I have been NED for 15 months now. I remain on Herceptin weekly and will do so indefinately. You are in my prayers and if you need anything else, please email me..sherryg

[anne2]

Hi Kate,
I just read your post. I am sorry to hear about your progression. I remember meeting you last year and thought you were wonderful. I am sending courage and prayers for good health. I am sure you will find a combo to get you to NED again.
Hugs,
Anne

[chrisy]

Oh Kate, My first reaction was WTF. I hate this!

But, I'm so impressed by your take no prisoners attitude. You are amazing! Your diligence will pay off and you will knock this back, I know it.

Kim in CT responded well with lung mets on Nabelbine/Herceptin..

[MJo]

Want to add my best wishes and hope that you will be NED within a few months. This disease s--ks. God bless and EnJOY!!!

[Val Pfeiffer]

Kate--
I agree--ask for the Herceptin this week (along with whatever other chemo drugs they will be combining it with--for example, I had Carboplatin and Taxol with my Herceptin). I was one of those people who never had a port--I'm still glad I didn't.

I think that since your sreum test showed your levels to be up that there isn't much question about your lung mets being Her2+ -- and we all know that the sooner that we can get the Herceptin in there, the sooner we can get rid of those mets :-)

Good luck!!!!!!!!

Val

[Bev]

So sorry Kate. These things always nake me angry too. I'm keeping the faith you'll find something that works. Keep us posted, Bev

[caya]

So sorry to hear about this Kate. But you are a fighter, and will kick this to the curb. Keep us posted.

All the best,
Caya

[Believe51]

I am so sorry again to hear that you have joined the stage IV club, it is a place that I never wanted to see you. I know you will continue to fight like the 'Warrior' you are!! Since I joined the board originally in March of 2007, you have given us all the kind words we needed, the prayers we had to have and insight for the journey ahead. You supplied the inspiration and fearlessness determination we yearned for to go forward with our own fights!!

As you enter down a different path on your journey, I must let you know you shall not walk alone. My husband and I will be aside you in mind...always. Please always beckon on us when you need to vent, cry, scream, or laugh. It would be our pleasure to be able to give back to the gracious Angel that you are to us!! We could never come close to helping you the way you have helped us through, but we are willing to give it a shot!!

I wish I could go down to see you because I would hold you and let you know we shall be here indebited to you for a lifetime. I would hug you and whisper that you will always be secure in our hearts. We cannot treat your illness, but we can surely treat your heart and soul. Until we talk again I send those giant hugs anyway, laced with prayers and positive thoughts for your return to NED!! Hopefully Lovey, we can meet you there!!! Lets Race>>>BRING IT!!!

We Love You A Lifetime and then some!!

I still do and always will still BELIEVE!!!!!!!!

Waiting For A Miracle...and expecting one soon (..and for you too!!!) >>Believe51

PS: I KNOW WE TALKED BUT I WANTED TO KEEP THIS POST ALIVE SO YOU COULD GET MORE FEEDBACK!!!!

[saleboat]

Kate,

I'm just so sorry. This disease can be so cruel. I'm wishing you strength and courage in this next leg of your journey. And also a quick resolution to the question 'what do I do next?'

My best,
Jen

[Heart Sutra]

Kate,
I just got home from work and Sue told me about your post. That sucks. Of course we're thinking about you and know that if information is of any help in all of this (and it certainly is) than you are one of the best equipped.
What can be said? You were of such great help to us when we first came here, and you continue to be.
We' re thinking of you.
-Kevin

[tousled1]

I want to thank everyone for their wonderful support at this time. You have provided me with a good bit of information that I can use in my discussion with my oncologist on Friday. That is when we will come up with a treatment plan. Thank you again and I will keep you posted.

[jones7676]

I was diagnosed with lung mets in Dec. 05. I was retreated with chemo and there was a small amount of residual activity until Dec. 06 when my bc became very active again. Currently being treated with Xeloda and Tykerb and it seems to be working wonders on my lung as well as my bone mets (per pet/bone scan after 4 treatments). Hang in there! I hope whatever they come up with knocks them out.

[IRENE FROM TAMPA]

Kate -

I was so sorry to read this morning of your recurrence and your induction into the STAGE IV CLUB. It sucks, I know, but I am testimony that you can have many, many years of good quality of life, unfortunatley even with recurrences. I am now 11 1/2 years out from my original cancer diagnosis and am still going strong, as YOU WILL ALSO.

Keep the faith my friend and stay strong.

My prayers are with you always.

[suzan w]

Add me to the crowd stomping my angry feet at your news...I saw a T-shirt at our Relay For LIfe on Saturday that said "CANCER SUCKS" and it sure does. I do not have any advice but only prayers and good wishes for you!!!

[sassy]

Kate,

I have been on vacation and checking posts only sporadically so missed this one until tonight. I am shocked and running the gamut of emotions for you.

You are such a strong and caring person--I'm sure you will fight this back in short order. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
________
Volcano Vaporizers (http://volcanovaporizer.net/)

[Vanessa]

I too am so sorry to hear of your progression. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Sounds like you got lots of good advice tonight and I am grateful for that. I am also sending hugs your way. Keep up the fight.

[Mary Anne in TX]

Hey Kate, you giant ray of sunshine!
I just wanted you to know I was thinking about you today!
Lots of love,
ma

[Kimberly Lewis]

Hi Kate - hoping you had a good meet with the Onc and have a can do guy on board with you there. sending prayers up for you!