Starting new regimen Thursday
 

Tykerb/Abraxane have run their course for me; my skin nodules continue to grow in the right chest wall and so my onc had me stop Tykerb/Abraxane last week. This Thursday I'll start back on weekly Herceptin, along with Taxotere which I've not had, and daily Xeloda which I have had but the dose is being upped to 1,000 mg twice daily.

My axilla nodes shrank on T/A, and I have a scan tomorrow to check those and make sure there's no spread elsewhere. Will let you know how I do.

I haven't been posting as much lately, as I just don't seem to have much energy, and that has me a bit worried, so I hope this new regimen will turn the tide for me.

Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.

<3 Lolly

Hi Lolly, I'm sorry to hear that you are having progession. You have always been a big inspiration to me since the get go. I know you will give it your best and come out strong. Try to remember to keep smiling and stay positive. Taxotere worked great for me three years ago. I also got about 3 years on Herceptin. I recently had my first reoccurence. I had to stop Herceptin and got on Tykerb/ Xeloda. When I see all you have been through in your signature it gives me hope that I still have a long way to go before options run out. Make sure you keep us posted on how you are doing. Good luck with the Taxotere. Sally

Lolly,

I'm so sorry to hear that you are having progression in the skin nodules. I know what you mean about not having any energy as that's my main problem now. I had Taxatore neoadjunctly and it shrank my tumor from over 5cm to almost nothing. I'm hoping that it will do the trick for you. You'll be in my prayers.

Sending hugs to you Lolly and also prayers that your new regimen will do what needs to be done.

Dang this cancer. Why does it have to be so nasty? Why can't it react to treatment the way we want it too? Why does it have to be so sneaky and cause such havoc to our lives? I'm sorry.........I'm "thinking" out loud and needed to say it.

Once again, sending hugs, love and prayers to you Lolly.

Mary Jo

Dang It Is Right..
 

Except I would not mind using a stronger word

just when we start getting "a wee bit comfortable" with where we are...
boom, here we go again. I can certainly relate and I am so sorry but Lolly you will rally once again. You just stay strong my friend

I wish you the best on your next regimen and let us know how your test turn out and how you are doing please.

will keep you in my prayers. may GOD give you strength and courage during this time . with that shining smile of yours i know your days will be filled with sunshine and GOD blessings dorinda

I will keep you in my thoughts Lolly. I hope Taxotere thrashes the cancer totally away and allows you a much deserved chemo break.

Hi Lolly,

Hi Lolly,

I am sorry that those nasty skin nodules aren't going away. I am hopeful that the taxotere added to your new regime will be just what is needed to blast those suckers into orbit. You are in my prayers now for comfort, strength and peace as you begin your new tx combo.

Love and Prayers,
Lexi

I am sos orry you have to go through this, and you are in my thoughts and prayers that this new treatment kick butt!

Oh my, I am sorry...we'll have you in our prayers... hoping the new meds will bring you to NED.

Wish you the best with the new combo. It's good to hear from you.
Hugs,
Anne

Lolly,

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers that Taxotere will do the job.
________
DEMIDA cam

Lolly,

Wishing you renewed strength as you start new treatment. Sending positive, healing toughts and prayers.

Lolly,

Thinking of you and sending extra prayers.

Love, Hope, and Peace,

Carolyn

Lolly,

You are in my thoughts. Sending all the positive energy for the new regimen to wipe out the remaining mets.

Julie

Well, I'll use a stronger word. POO.
Sorry to hear this one didn't completely slap it down - but you know that Taxotere/Herceptin is very synergistic and adding Xeloda to that I hope will get everything back in control quickly.
Take care of yourself, get plenty of rest.

On taxotere, don't forget about the frozen peas for your fingers and toes during the infusion!

Take care, keep us posted.
Much love
Chris

Lolly,

Where are these bad monkeys coming from? I hope the Taxotere works well for you. I know you have a good doctor and that you are a determined survivor. I am just sorry that these nodules (noodles?) have not gone away yet. You will be in my thoughts and prayers on Thursday.

Hang in there, save your energy and keep the faith. You are an inspiration to all of us and we are behind you 100%.

All the best, Catherine
(oregon girls united against the bad monkeys)

Hi Lolly,

I am sorry to hear that you are struggling with those nodules and the T/A stopped working. You are a survivor and will beat this beast (or bad monkeys :-)) away. Hang in there and hopefully your energy will return with this new combo. Good luck with your treatment Thursday. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs,
Patricia

Dear Lolly,

You are in my thoughts and I wish the best for you my dear.

big hug,

I am praying your new regimen will provide a very positive response for you. Best to you.

Lovely steroids
 

Gosh -
I hate to hear that you have to take Taxotere, since you will have the 3-day (and up at weird hours) Decadron routine to go along with that. But I see you have already had Taxol (which was noticeably easier for me to take - since I was on it long term - and had only 4 cycles with Taxotere).

Just curious, since the Abraxane is also a taxane, why go with another taxane right now?

I am sure you have done a lot of homework on this, so I ask the question.

TRY to get some L-glutomine to take with the Taxotere for neuropathy. I feel that helped me a lot. Even though I got so stove up my knees would hardly let me use the stairs. It passed, but took time. I also took Folic Acid and B-6 on the advice of my med onc.

Sending positive "out,out damn spots" vibes your way.

Hello Sweet Lolly
 

I will continue to hold you close to heart as you start your new regime with prayers and positive thoughts. When hubby was on the Taxotere it did an incredible job, his markers went down to almost normal (he is a marker-sensitive person) and he was feeling on the top of his game. Personally, I think he could have used just 1 or 2 more treatments but we had reasons to stop.

I am hoping that this will happen for you dear friend, but we are all different and we all are in search of that magic combination. You WILL find your combo and I am praying this is it. Keep that warrior attitude going strong. Beat those terrible cells down and don't forget to look for "little bugs with X's for their eyes" LOL!!

I love you Lolly, I shall pray and keep you close to heart where you have remained since I met you!! We shall meet in NED Dear, the first one there will save a seat and keep it warm!! Until then Lovey retain the laughter in that life of yours, keep the spirit and please remember I LOVE YOU!!>>Believe51

just more thoughts for you
 

Darnit, darnit, darnit! I'm sorry that the course has been run. But Taxotere, as others have said, can really kick the crap out of these cells. I am curious about the point Steph raised-taxanes? doesn't mean it won't work, I'm going to think that it will work beautifully-just curious is all.

And I will add that L-glutamine capsules made a HUGE difference for me and was suggested by an onc. I also declined the decadron-not advice, but I did fine.

Please come to us for anything AND both Tykerb and Abraxane cause fatigue and I'm sure that is why you don't feel energetic. I know it is hard to weed out what is causing that when you have cancer and we worry and the more lethargic we get, more worry. You are a go-getter, Lolly and your energy will come back, maybe just going off tykerb will help. I actually get a laugh from the fact that tykerb and xeloda (I'm on both) cause insomnia and fatigue. But we work through it all don't we?

so much love to you and your hubby!

Dear Lolly - It is always good to see your picture, but I am sorry about the progression. I will pray to St. Padre Pio for you. He is the Patron Saint of incurable diseases. He has always been there for me. I am Greek Orthodox and did not grow up in a religious household, but St. Pio found me. I've known an elderly man in passing through friends. One day we had a long conversation that somehow came to how the man had actually picked up St. Pio and given him a ride. St. Pio placed his hand on my friend and told him it would be alright. Never meeting this guy and not having told him about his cancer, Tony thought this very odd. He dropped him off and then he was gone. When Tony came home, his daughter gave him a prayer card with a picture of the man on it. He freaked out. His tumor shrank to nothing just prior to scheduled surgery that he no longer needed! True story - his family and doctor swear to this. When I got sick again, a little box came in the mail. I opened it to find a beautiful statue of St. Pio. He has traveled to Buffalo with me and sits next to my bed now. I have felt his presence and find comfort knowing I have my own personal saint looking out for me. I hope he does for you what he has done for me, and I hope the new treatment works wonders!!!! We all love you Lolly!!!

Dear Lolly (said with big hug in mind),

I've recently read of wonderful responses to this particular combo, (when others have failed) that you're about to start. May you, too, be able to report such good results within a short time.

with hope, love and hugs,
pattyz

New treatment
 

Lolly, I hope you get some of that energy back soon to help you out with new treatment. Have you met anyone where you are who is HER2?

Wishing you the best,

AlaskaAngel

Lolly,

I'm sending prayers that the Taxotere will work as good for you as it did for me. It was pretty tolerable for me right up until the last month or so (I was on it for over 8 months). Had I known about the supplements to help ward off the neuropathy, I'm sure I would have faired even better. My energy level on this combo (minus Xeloda) was not too bad, so hopefully you will feel better on this than the Tykerb/Abraxane.

Sending you big hugs and instructions to go kick some butt (Cancer's that is!)

Love Kim

Wow, I'm awed by all the good thoughts and advice. You are all the best, and have given me a much needed boost!

Here's to zapping those BAD MONKEYS!


I actually HAVEN'T done much research this time (I do trust my awsome onc, and not having a lot of energy zapped my normally curious mind), but did come across several articles that indicate, as PattyZ says, that this combo is effective when others have failed. I'm banking on it!

I've got two friends here who are HER2+; one has Inflammatory BC and has had Taxotere/Herceptin in the past with a good response. Another has lung mets and hasn't had Taxotere yet, only Navelbine with Herceptin, and is currently almost NED and stable on just Herceptin. I know of several others in our smallish town (population 50K+) who are HER2+ and had Herceptin as adjuvant therapy and as far as I know haven't recurred. I've printed out leaflets that I downloaded from this site and left them at our treatment center with all the other cancer-related brochures, so for all I know some of these women may be aware of this group, sure hope so!

Thanks again all, I really appreciate it. Off to my CT scan.

<3 Lolly

Lolly
As always, you are in my prayers and thoughts....you are truly my node warrior....we both know how pesky they can be....sending lots of healing thoughts, warm hugs and love.

Hi, just wanted you all to know my first Taxotere/Herceptin went fine. I was admitted to the hospital for the day as this is standard protocol with a first infusion of Taxotere, "just in case", but had no problems with reaction. My onc didn't prescribe any pre-med, ie steroid, as the side effects with the weekly dose are generally less severe.

I asked for and got bags of ice for my fingers and toes, and so far no problems there, thanks for the tip girls!

So far I've been feeling pretty well, had some muscle aches and pains by the third day which were easily controlled with pain meds, so all in all I'm pleased. However, still waiting for the Xeloda preauthorization to come through, aaaargggg!

<3 Lolly

HI Lolly,

So happy to hear all went well for you. Hope the darn authorization comes through pronto.

Hugs,

Mary Jo

Thanks Mary Jo!

Also, I JUST heard from my onc's nurse that the CT showed NO NEW AREAS OF CONCERN, just dealing with the right axilla and chest wall still; what a relief!

<3 Lolly

I wish you the best Lolly
 

Glad to hear that your first treatment went well for you.

I surely pray that this will blast those stubborn monkeys. You are a true warrior and I know that you will do well.

I see that you will be doing the 3-day. Is this the Susan G. Komen 3-day Is this in your area? Will you be walking it? I am preparing as we speak for ours here in Tampa which will be held on Oct 19,20 and 21st.
Last year was my first year an I came away a truly inspired and humbled person. It was awesome. You will have to let me know how it was for you.

Take care Lolly

I am hoping and praying that this new combo works wonders for you. I also hope that you get some energy back. I am struggling with low energy right now. Best wishes.

Lolly, I appologize for not posting sooner. Every time I read this thread I get too emotional to write. I love your picture and wish that you were well enough to come on the retreat with us. Of course, who knows with this damn disease which one of us will be in treatment in January. Please make sure you get enough rest so you have the energy to keep us posted on your progress. I don't know where the monkey thing came from, but I am fighting a mosquito right now that looks as big as the flying monkies in "The Wizzard of Oz". So far the flying vampire is winning, but I am determined to get em before bedtime. I so wish you did not have to go through yet another treatment, but if this is what it takes to stomp those monkies - so be it! I don't really pray, but I am sending all the positive energy I can muster your way ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hope you can feel it through cyber space. Healing Peace to you. Karen
PS: The dormant Catholic in me needs to google St. Pio now. Go Figure !?!

Lolly, that's such good news to hear that things went fine during treatment! I too am believing that the "monkeys" will be zapped and you'll be back on course for good health again! ma

congratulations for the good CT. and hope the remaining thing will be wiped out with taxotere. Have you tested your Her2 serum recently? Is there corelation?

Thanks,
Julie

Keeping those prayers going Lolly!
________
DEFIANTASS

St. Pio Biography
 

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Padre Pio

http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintp27.jpg
<DL><XAKA><DT title="other names and titles by which Padre Pio is known">Also known as <DD>Francesco Forgione; Padre Pio of Pietrelcina; Pio of Pietrelcina </XAKA><XDATE><DT>Memorial <DD>23 September </XDATE><XPROFILE><DT title="brief biography of Padre Pio">Profile <DD>Born to a southern Italian farm family, the son of Grazio, a shepherd. At age 15 he entered the novitiate of the Capuchin friars in Morcone, and joined the order at age 19. Suffered several health problems, and at one point his family thought he had tuberculosis. Ordained at age 22 on 10 August 1910.

While praying before a cross, he received the stigmata on 20 September 1918, the first priest ever to be so blessed. As word spread, especially after American soldiers brought home stories of Padre Pio following WWII, the priest himself became a point of pilgrimage for both the pious and the curious. He would hear confessions by the hour, reportedly able to read the consciences of those who held back. Reportedly able to bilocate, levitate, and heal by touch. Founded the House for the Relief of Suffering in 1956, a hospital that serves 60,000 a year. In the 1920's he started a series of prayer groups that continue today with over 400,000 members worldwide.

His canonization miracle involved the cure of Matteo Pio Colella, age 7, the son of a doctor who works in the House for Relief of Suffering, the hospital in San Giovanni Rotondo founded by Padre Pio. On the night of 20 June 2000, Matteo was admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital with meningitis. By morning doctors had lost hope for him as nine of the boy´s internal organs had ceased to give signs of life. That night, during a prayer vigil attended by Matteo´s mother and some Capuchin friars of Padre Pio´s monastery, the child's condition improved suddenly. When he awoke from the coma, Matteo said that he had seen an elderly man with a white beard and a long, brown habit, who said to him: "Don´t worry, you will soon be cured." The miracle was approved by the Congregation and Pope John Paul II on 20 December 2001. </XPROFILE><XBORN><DT title="birth information for Padre Pio">Born <DD>25 May 1887 at Pietrelcina, Benevento, Italy as Francesco Forgione </XBORN><XDIED><DT title="death information for Padre Pio">Died <DD>23 September 1968 of natural causes </XDIED><XVENERATED><DT title="information on the declaration of Padre Pio as Venerable">Venerable <DD>18 December 1997 by Pope John Paul II </XVENERATED><XBEATIFIED><DT title="beatification information for Padre Pio">Beatified <DD>2 May 1999 by Pope John Paul II </XBEATIFIED><XCANONIZED><DT title="canonization information for Padre Pio">Canonized <DD>16 June 2002 by Pope John Paul II at Rome, Italy </XCANONIZED><XPRAYERS><DT title="prayers to, by or about Padre Pio">Prayers <DD>Chaplet of Padre Pio </XPRAYERS><XIMAGES><DT title="gallery of images of Padre Pio">Images <DD>Gallery of images of Padre Pio <SMALL>[32 images, 404 kb]</SMALL> </XIMAGES><XSTORE><DT title="commercial links related to ">Storefront <DD>Commercial Links related to Padre Pio </XSTORE><XADDITIONAL><DT title="links to sites devoted to or with information about Padre Pio">Additional Information <DD>Google Directory
Goodyburk's personal page
Pacebene's personal page
Chaplet of Padre Pio
Saint Pio and the Existence of God, by Father Pio Mandato (audio)
A Padre Pio Celebration
National Center for Padre Pio
Padre Pio Foundation of America
Padre Pio.Net
Padre Pio UK Information Centre
Padre Pio Shrine
Padre Pio's Kids
SaintCast podcast episode #11
TeleRadio Padre Pio
L'Osservatore Romano <SMALL>[english]</SMALL>
Pope John Paul II: Canonization Homily </XADDITIONAL><XPRINT><DT title="simplified version of this page for printing">Hard Copy <DD>printer friendly version </XPRINT><XTRANSLATE><DT title="translate this page into other languages">Translate <DD><SCRIPT language=JavaScript><!--function translate(outlanguage){top.location.href='http://translate.google.com/translate?u=' + self.location.href + '&langpair=en%7C' + outlanguage;}//--></SCRIPT>español | français | deutsch | italiano | português </XTRANSLATE><XREADINGS><DT title="brief quotes by or about Padre Pio">Readings <DD>Look what fame he had, what a worldwide following gathered around him! But why? Perhaps because he was a philosopher? Because he was wise? Because he had resources at his disposal? Because he said Mass humbly, heard confessions from dawn to dusk and was-it is not easy to say it-one who bore the wounds of our Lord. He was a man of prayer and suffering.

Pope Paul VI, 21 Febuary 1971, commenting on the life of Padre Pio <HR SIZE=1>And you, Blessed Padre Pio, look down from heaven upon us assembled in this square and upon all gathered in prayer before the Basilica of Saint John Lateran and in San Giovanni Rotondo. Intercede for all those who, in every part of the world, are spiritually united with this event and raise their prayers to you. Come to the help of everyone; give peace and consolation to every heart. Amen!

from the homily of Pope John Paul II at the beatification of Padre Pio <HR SIZE=1>Stay with me, Lord, for it is necessary to have You present so that I do not forget You. You know how easily I abandon You.

Stay with me, Lord, because I am weak and I need Your strength, that I may not fall so often.

Stay with me, Lord, for You are my life and without You I am without fervor.

Stay with me, Lord, for You are my light and without You I am in darkness.

Stay with me, Lord, to show me Your will.

Stay with me, Lord, so that I hear Your voice and follow You.

Stay with me, Lord, for I desire to love You very much and alway be in Your company.

Stay with me, Lord, if You wish me to be faithful to You.

Stay with me, Lord, as poor as my soul is I want it to be a place of consolation for You, a nest of Love.

Stay with me, Jesus, for it is getting late and the day is coming to a close and life passes, death, judgment and eternity approaches. It is necessary to renew my strength, so that I will not stop along the way and for that, I need You. It is getting late and death approaches, I fear the darkness, the temptations, the dryness, the cross, the sorrows. O how I need You, my Jesus, in this night of exile!

Stay with me tonight, Jesus, in life with all its dangers, I need You.

Let me recognize You as Your disciples did at the breaking of the bread, so that the Eucharistic Communion be the Light which disperses the darkness, the force which sustains me, the unique joy of my heart.

Stay with me, Lord, because at the hour of my death, I want to remain united to You, if not by Communion, at least by grace and love.

Stay with me, Lord, for it is You alone I look for, Your Love, Your Grace, Your Will, Your Heart, Your Spirit, because I love You and ask no other reward but to love You more and more.

With a firm love, I will love You with all my heart while on earth and continue to love You perfectly during all eternity. Amen.

Padre Pio's Prayer After Holy Communion </XREADINGS></DD></DL><XFOOTER><HR SIZE=1></XFOOTER><SCRIPT src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type=text/javascript></SCRIPT><SCRIPT type=text/javascript>_uacct = "UA-1617974-1";urchinTracker();</SCRIPT>