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cullenhill@earthlink.net
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http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon5.gif What to do now?
Just wondering, when can someone start Tykerb. Is this only taken after there's a reaccurrance. I was dianosed in Aug.2007, age 43, Ivasive Ductial Carcinoma, poorly Differentiated. ER/PR-, HER2+ gene amplification with a HER2:D17Z1 ratio of 12.0, node positive. I had 4 rounds TAC, weekly Herceptin. Bilateral mastectomy Dec. 11,2007. Residual minute foci of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Nodes showed no evidence of malignancy, at surgery. Jan.2008 started Taxol, continued weekly Herceptin, 35 radiation treatments. I should be finished with Herceptin in Jan. 2009. I have asked 2 oncologist, and my nurse if I could take anything else, they all say no. One onc. told me if I had a reaccuuance I needed to come to his cancer center and see their BC oncologist. (Since June 2008 we have not had a regular onc!!!) I have read that Tykerb sometimes is given after one finishes Herceptin. Anyway I am ready to finish with treatments, been weekly since Aug. 2007. But am really scared not to be doing something to keep this at bay. One onc. I saw said there was a 50/50 chance of reaccurrance. HELP! If any one has any advice please let me know.

Cheryl

cullenhill@earthlink.net




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Join Date: Jun 2007


































http://her2support.org/vbulletin/ima...n/post_new.gif Today, 03:55 PM #3 chrisy

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At any rate, it is not standard of care to have any treatment beyond what you have had, although some ladies here who were diagnosed with Stage III and at high risk for recurrence have been able to extend their time on Herceptin and/or get Tykerb. Tykerb is not FDA approved for early stage bc, so this would be a challenge.

02/08 Trastuzumab-MCC-DM1 trial 8/08 - "it's working"

Cheryl,

Thanks for coming to the board and letting us know what's happening with you.

It's usually not common to continue on any chemo or Herceptin after treatment for early stage breast cancer. However, it's important for you to settle in with an oncologist who you feel comfortable with and try to have a follow-up CT scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis at least annually even if you don't have any symptoms. Since you had a positive node you should have those scans done now, unless you've had them already.

You may have a good point with your oncologist about having the scans continuously because you had a positive node, are HER2+ and ER-/PR-. Use that argument if you're told that scans are not given for follow-up of early stage breast cancer.

In general you should be having a regular follow-up every three to six months for at least the first two years. And you should be followed for at least 10 years. You should have regular blood work at each of your visits with the onc. You should also have tumor markers, at least every six months initially. Do you have tumor markers (CA27-29, CA 15-3)? Even if they were not taken before treatment you can still have them done starting now (I didn't have tumor markers initially, but when I switched oncs, my new onc started markers).

Joan

Hey, glad you posted Cheryl. There are things you can do to prevent a relapse beyond drugs. Watch you weight and fat intake, as it is very bad for estrogen and progesterone negatives. Also, look up the her2 diet which should include among others...green tea, olive oil, vitamin D3. See some of my older posts or Rhonda's for more detail on diet and supplements against her2 breast cancer.