I was dx sage 4 in Aug 2003. I'm 39, with young kids, age 8, , and 9 months I started taxol and herceptin in Sept -- good response. A mass in my abdomen lymph node and my breast and axilliary lymph cleared up.

however, in january CT svan mulitple small nodes showed up in my lungs. Too small to biopsy. Didn't show up on the PET.

I did another CT yesterday, small nodes in lungs still present.

my oncologist wants to switch me to taxoere/herecptin weekly.

Questions:
1. Has anyone had experiences with taxotere? Side effects? My doc says I won't need the benadryl pre-meds with taxotere.

2. I need help thinking postively -- dont' know what to think about these smll lung nides -- if the are, in fact mets - has anyone had success with treating them with taxotere.

3. My nails are already a mess from taxol -- will taxotere continue this trend.

Thanks in advance or your answs and prayers - I enjoy reading the board.

tanya in mn

have your doc consider the taxotere/carboplatin/herceptin combo. powerful stuff, but has a good response rate. also, lots of women on this board have reported great results with the navelbine/herceptin combo.
el

May the Lord bless and keep you during this time. Focus on the the good results of your PET scan! As for taxotere vs. taxol, I have done both. The taxotere was much easier in my opinion. The taxol tore up my nails! Both gave me aches and pains, but nothing too bad. Don't be nervous about the switch. Stay strong for your babies.

Tanya- I am in Mn too- in the cities. I was dx with lung mets a year ago- had 7 taxotere treatments without too much trouble - a little nausua the first day or two after- fatigue- metalic taste buds (common) I also had herceptin but this Aug got mets to my brain so had to have WBR- I am still fighting those but my lung mets cleared up very very well so know that you will do well. You are in my prayers. Feel free to email me anytime. God Bless- Patty D

Tanya,
I had lung mets dx. one year ago--have remained stable with Herceptin and Arimidex. No longer visible with scans.