Navelbine question

[michka]

I started Herceptin/Navelbine last week. The onc is giving me a 3 week dose of Herceptin with a weekly dose of Navelbine and then the 2 weeks after only Navelbine of course. I was surprised.
My question: is it better to do it that way or to do weekly doses of Herceptin with the weekly doses of Navelbine instead?
Michka

[Mary Anne in TX]

Michka, I think that I did the Navelbine and Herceptin together every other week for eight times. It was easy compared to all the other stuff for me. But that was several years ago and maybe they have found a better way to give it. It really brought my tumor marker down while taking it. ma

[Jackie07]

Found a thread on Navelbine/Herceptin in another board:

http://www.inspire.com/groups/advanced-breast-cancer/discussion/navelbine-and-herceptin/

[michka]

Thank you. What I understand is that there is no rule. Michka

[Sheila]

Michka
I had Herceptin every 3 weeks and Navelbine weekly....it was an easy combo for me....hope you are getting stronger each day!

[JeanBeanie]

I also started Navelbine last tuesday - my is 3 weeks on 1 week off - and I get Herceptin weekly. Back in 2006 I had bc - and my doctor gave me herceptin weekly for one whole year also. I think each person is different. I would ask you doctor if you could go weekly oh herceptin - navelbine I am not sure about.

[Colleen007]

I have been on Navelbine and Herceptin for 4 years now. My oncologist schedules my Herceptin so that when I have my Navelbine for 3 weeks on and 1 week off, my week off of Navelbine is also an off week for Herceptin. For example, Week 1, I get Navelbine + 1 week dose of Herceptin, Week 2, I get Navelbine + 3 week dose of Herceptin, Week 3, I get Navelbine only (since the 3 week dose of Herceptin I got the prior week will carry me for 3 weeks) and week 4 is Off (with the 3 week dose of Herceptin still carrying me through).

Hope this helps. As someone posted, there are many ways to administer these drugs...just find what works best for you and your schedule. Best of luck to you.

[michka]

Colleen thank you for detailing how your treatment is administered. It might be a good option for me. I hope you are doing ok. How do you feel with this treatment after 4 years? Do you have SEs and do you feel more tired certain weeks? Michka

[Colleen007]

Hi Michka,

My main side effect is low white blood count. So, I get Neupogen and Neulasta injections after each treatment (self-injected). I get Neupogen for 3 days following week 1 and week 2 and Neulasta the day after week 3 (which then takes me through my off week). Other than that, the side effects for me are minimal (food doesn't taste quite right - but, I eat it anyway). Good luck!

[chrisy]

Colleen, you have a great oncologist. I love it when they "get" that you need to have a life and that includes a real week off! Good for you!