Decisions, decisions...
 

Hi all,

just came home from restaging after 6 rounds of Taxotere / Herceptin / Pertjeta for MBC with 2 bone mets (small one in the spine - T11- and a tiny one in the manubrium sternum).

Good news! Thanks for everyone that crossed their fingers for me! The radiologist says no change in size, and more sclerotic margins "suggestive of healing metastatic lesions"... Now, I know this is a point in time, but still, it just feels good.

My onco says I can either do one or two more THP (#6 was tough, but not horrible, my blood indicates I can take another one or two if it makes sense), or switch to Trastuzumab / Pertuzumab only (which has a lot less side effects, of course).

Has anyone been in this situation? If so, how did you decide, and with which results?

Thanks!

Annette

Re: Decisions, decisions...
 

Wow great news Annette! I'm so happy for you! As far as dropping the docetaxol, that's a tough one. I only made 4 rounds with taxol (it was weekly, so 12 weeks) because the neuropathy was so bad - I could hardly walk. Since I have been off it, it has improved greatly, although my feet and hands have the pins and needles. So, I haven't been in that situation.

Re: Decisions, decisions...
 

Hi DizzyDo,

thanks! And I saw your other post - I'm so happy for you as well!
May we both stay the course we're currently on for a VERY long time!

Re: Decisions, decisions...
 

Good news Annette! I "gave up" after 6 rounds of Docetaxol, as I found the cumulative effects of a low immune system and general weakness too much to bear. However it seemed to have done the trick, as the bone mets were sclerotic and my liver mets shrank to "almost immeasurable and most likely inactive". I have continued stable on Herceptin (and Tamoxifen) for almost 2 years since.
That said, if you feel you can go on for another couple of cycles, the benefit should be compounded.
Best wishes.... Pam

Re: Decisions, decisions...
 

That's good news! Hooray for signs of healing.

A number of people here (including me) are on just Herceptin and Perjeta with no chemo. Chemo has its place, though, and if you can handle another round or two it could help.

On the other hand, if you want to take a break from it now, you can still go back to it later.