Re: Back to Chema
 

Pibikay,

I hope Hema does well on her new treatment, and the tumors shrink.

Joan

Re: Back to Chema
 

I know a woman with inflammatory breast cancer who's been on Taxol and Herceptin for 13 years.

Good point about asking for Abraxane if there's a problem with the Taxol. I developed an allergy to Taxol. Abraxane is much easier to tolerate--no premeds! And it may be more effective.

Re: Back to Chema
 

Just to update.She had a blood test 9 days after the taxol.Her blood counts were down.The Onc ordered three shots of neutina.And also antibiotics for 5 days.Her mouth sores have gone down and her tiredness or fatifue is little less.Hema feels that the lump is dissolving.The next dose of Taxol is on the9th.Hoping for the best

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Is Hema also receiving Herceptin with the Taxol? These 2 together are highly synergistic. Did Hema also get the new lump biopsied? It may have different characteristics and may be hormone positive now. This opens the door for many other less toxic agents.

I am thinking about you and Hema every day.

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I am hoping and praying for the best for Hema and you. Hema is such a tough little lady.Peace my friends,Nancy

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There was no time to get the biopsy done.Taxol was started within a week 0f our appointment when the lump was found.She is not on herceptin but is continuing on Tykerb.Thanks Becky

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Tykerb and Taxol or Abraxane is a good combo. Tykerb gets into more pathways in the body than Herceptin does and works a bit differently, but it is still a good drug.
If Hema's white blood counts are down she can try to eat more fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms. Anything that will help the immune system or has alot of antioxidants will help the white blood count. If her red blood is down various kinds of beans, raisins, apricots, dark leafy vegetables and blackberries are some foods with iron to raise the red blood count.
Antibiotics are good, but they sometimes reduce the good bacteria in the body. Yoghurt helps to get that back.
All the best to Hema. She is a strong lady and she has a nice husband to help her.

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Hema had her second Taxol on the 9th. Thw blood test on 8th was OK. This time along with taxol the Onc has added a injection to boost the blood count. I was not sble to get the name correctly from the nurse.But it is expensive and comes filled up in a syringe.Last few days she has less fatigue.But she has problems with her stomach which is queasy.

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I think the prescription drugs for nausea are Zofran and Compazine. She can ask her doctor for a prescription for the pills to have at home or as an addition to her I. V.
However if she likes ginger she can enjoy that in any form for nausea.
Ginger tea, adding fresh ginger to food when cooking, adding ginger spice to food when cooking, dried or candied ginger, ginger candy, fresh good quality ginger ale beverage are all helpful.
I add fresh ginger to almost all cooked food, including my oatmeal in the morning and I have never been nauseous.
All the best to both of you.