Change of course

[loveher]

Hello!
I haven't been posting much lately, i kinda like just reading everyone's posts.

So my mom had a CT scan a couple weeks ago and the doctor got the report and saw progression. She went for her herceptin today and was informed by the doctor that he's adding ixempra which she had one infusion of last summer before he decieded tykerb/herceptin/xeloda would be better. So now she's on 1000 mg of xeloda 10 days on 11 off, herceptin, tykerb, ixempra. I've never heard of anyone being on 4 drugs. Should i question this? I hope she'll be able to tollerate it.

I guess the good part is that there wasn't too much progression and we're not staying on something that doesn't work. My mom is staying very strong and optimistic although i know she's gonna be sad that she'll loose her hair again. I admire my mom's strength and resilliance so much. I wish i could be that head strong although I'm getting better at not going crazy (i think) haha. I really hope the Ixempra will give us some good results. I hope all the little cancer cells get squished!

[freyja]

Nice to hear from you, loveher. You and your family are in my thoughts and heart. I'm glad your mom's so determined. Keep it up!

[Shobha]

Sending prayers for your Mom. May God bless her with good results and win the battle!

I think you are so strong and brave yourself. Sending lots of postive thoughts your way. May God bless your entire family.

[chrisy]

Hi Sue,

Many schools of thought on the is less more vs is more more question. I do know that tykerb and herceptin target the Her2 protein in different ways, and there are studies ongoing looking at the benefit of that combination - and both are fairly well tolerated.

Clearly if there was progression, something is "missing" if there is progression, so adding something different to the mix is necessary. If the side effect profile and mechanism of activity is different with Xeloda and Ixempra, maybe combining those two is a good idea.

I think there's not a lot of data of combining all of those agents; asking her oncologist why he/she is choosing this direction is a valid thing to do. Just to understand the thought process.

[jones7676]

I read something technical that adding that third ingredient was helpful. I can't remember for sure as I was doing a lot of reserach. I am sorry I cannot be of more help. I believe it may have been part of the report from the annual southern meeting notes. But I can't say for sure. I hope you find the info you need and it helps.

[Joan M]

Sue,

I'm happy to hear from you but sorry that your mom's scan shows progression. But it seems that the onc is staying on top of it.

I haven't had a lot of experience with chemo drugs now that my cancer advanced to stage iv because I keep having localized treatments to remove the cancer and then I'm NED, but a lot of women on the board can help out on the issue of combining drugs.

Give your mom my love, and tell her I'm praying for a successful treatment.

Joan

[loveher]

Thanks everyone for all the input.
Unfortunently, my mom's been suffering a lot of side effects from the Ixempra. I just got a call from our oncologist, he's decieded that it would be better to go with carboplatin/abraxane/herceptin instead since she isn't tolerating Ixempra well. Also her tumor markers went up to 500, so clearly the Tykerb/Xeloda combo isn't doing it's job anymore.

We are staying calm and just hoping for good results. I've never heard of carboplatin and abraxane being used together. Anyone know why? I wish I had asked the doctor, I tend to forget my questions when speaking to the doctor.
thanks again for all the support : )

[chrisy]

Hi Sue,

A study on this combination was released last year at ASCO. You've probably not heard of many people taking this combination because Abraxane is a relatively new agent, and some people have difficulty getting it paid for by insurance so they get Taxol instead.

Abraxane is basically the same thing as Taxol, but it is bound with an albumin coating which makes it easier to deliver. It has lower toxicity (because taxol has to be mixed with something else which can cause serious reactions - and requires a lot of premeds) and so they can administer higher doses of the "taxane" part of the drug. I think there have also been studies showing abraxane can be effective even if there has been prior resistance to other taxanes.

All the taxanes are synergystic with carboplatin and herceptin, so it is definitely a valid option.

Here's a link to an article on this combo
http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS123978+02-Jun-2008+BW20080602

[loveher]

Thanks Chrisy! that explains a lot. and thanks for the link.

[SoCalGal]

Just wanted to say Hi Sue:) Nice to hear from you. Sounds like you are asking some very intelligent questions. Sorry about your mom's progression but I would ask her onc some of your questions. No harm in that.
xo Flori

[ElaineM]

I have my fingers and toes crossed for your mom. Tell her to stay strong and keep going.
You are doing a good job helping her too !!

[WomanofSteel]

Sue, hang in there! Your mom is lucky to have you fighting with her and for her. I hope things work out with the new treatment.

[Believe51]

Sue, still sending prayers for Mom. I have been thinking about her after reading this post. Just finding the time now to let you know it did not go unnoticed. Do not fret though, she is right here in my heart!>>Believe51

PS: And as far as you being strong, you got it going on too Sweetheart. Love to you and your family.

[harrie]

Hi Sue! I am sorry I just ran across this thread of yours today. It is good to hear from you. Wishing your mom well with this new combo.
I hope school is going well for you and your brother are both fine.
Maryanne

[schoolteacher]

Sue,

I hope your mom is doing better.

Amelia