Looking for some help/insight from the Stage 4 gals...
 

Quick background: my wife (38 yo) was dx in April of this year as Stage 4... mets to liver. She has been on Herceptin, Taxol and a double-blind clinical trial (everolimus) since May of this year. We are pretty certain that she has been in the placebo arm of the everolimus trial. This week our doctor determined that she has progressed on the 1st-line treatment. So, now it's decision time for the 2nd-line treatment...

One course of action is a clinical trial. And, there's a good chance that she will pursue some clinical trial, but I have some concerns about the "wash-out" period. Do you guys have any thoughts on the danger of waiting 3 or 4 weeks untreated for a clinical trial vs. just starting immediately with standard care (presumably Tykerb, etc.)?? Any insight on this point would be appreciated...

Re: Looking for some help/insight from the Stage 4 gals...
 

I have no insight into your questions. I am sure some of our more experienced members will be along to help you. I just wanted to express my appreciation to you for being such a supportive and proactive husband. I know it must be difficult for you. So I am thaking you for that. You are a blessing.
Keep the faith.

Re: Looking for some help/insight from the Stage 4 gals...
 

Hello -
Sorry to hear about progression and treatment decisions to be made.

In my case I did have a washout during adjuvent treatment between Adriamycin and Taxotere - about 4 weeks. That was over ten years ago, so I am not sure now what is required.

Just thought I would mention it so others can chime in and say whether they had a period of time between different drugs. I took 2 single agents in sequence, not together.

All the best!

Re: Looking for some help/insight from the Stage 4 gals...
 

One consideration would be how extensive are her liver mets. Does she have a few spots, or extensive disease where her lab results (alt/ast etc.) are out of the normal range.

I don't know if she would have a washout period if you didn't do a trial and just went on a new med. 6 years ago I didn't. Once I finished my AC, I went immediately on Taxol/Herceptin.

Good luck , I hope whatever you choose next gets her mets under control.


Laurie

Re: Looking for some help/insight from the Stage 4 gals...
 

Hi,
I have liver mets and have just started my wash out period. It's a pensive time to say the least. However, Herceptin is still at work for a while, which I presume she must've been on if HER2+. This period is required for all new protocols, trial or not, and the time of the wash out period depends on the drug you're going on.
There is likelihood that the CEA numbers will rise during this period, but we all have to deal with the "nakedness" for a while, to clear the body and allow for the new regimen to work effectively.
Hope this helps,
Karen

Re: Looking for some help/insight from the Stage 4 gals...
 

Hi,

Many stage IV sisters have had excellent results from a variety of clinical trials treating liver mets (See the 'Calling all stage IV Sisters' http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=48453 thread.)

I would strongly suggest you to get a second opinion from a reputable oncologist...