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Becky · 03-16-2007, 07:45 AM

Eric

Contact Patty Finkle or Dr. Salazar at UWA. If Caryn responded to the vaccine, then she produced antibodies. I believe that they have banked some of Caryn's plasma that contains those antibodies. Kim from CT (aka Mamacze) was also in the vaccine trial. She and I have spent some time together at ASCO last summer (and met Dr. Webster and Dr. Salazar). Dr. Salazar told Kim that if she should have a recurrence, Kim's antibodies are frozen there and they can be infused. This could be the case for Caryn too. If so, then all you have to figure out is when is the best time to infuse them (probably after chemo is completed I would think so that chemo does not somehow destory the antibodies). Call!!!

Also, it does not mean the Herceptin is not working. It just means that it needs some help. There are lots of weapons out there too (including Avastin which I think might work better for liver mets than any other met because the liver has so much blood. And of course, Tykerb). Also, if there is and has only been one spot - maybe getting that area removed surgically and then chemo afterwards (then the antibody infusion) plus Herceptin etc may put this to rest for good. Don't give up hope as there is no place like hope. There are alot of good options to get back to NED for good.

Big hug for you and Caryn

03-16-2007, 07:45 AM	#2
Becky Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Stockton, NJ Posts: 4,179	Eric Contact Patty Finkle or Dr. Salazar at UWA. If Caryn responded to the vaccine, then she produced antibodies. I believe that they have banked some of Caryn's plasma that contains those antibodies. Kim from CT (aka Mamacze) was also in the vaccine trial. She and I have spent some time together at ASCO last summer (and met Dr. Webster and Dr. Salazar). Dr. Salazar told Kim that if she should have a recurrence, Kim's antibodies are frozen there and they can be infused. This could be the case for Caryn too. If so, then all you have to figure out is when is the best time to infuse them (probably after chemo is completed I would think so that chemo does not somehow destory the antibodies). Call!!! Also, it does not mean the Herceptin is not working. It just means that it needs some help. There are lots of weapons out there too (including Avastin which I think might work better for liver mets than any other met because the liver has so much blood. And of course, Tykerb). Also, if there is and has only been one spot - maybe getting that area removed surgically and then chemo afterwards (then the antibody infusion) plus Herceptin etc may put this to rest for good. Don't give up hope as there is no place like hope. There are alot of good options to get back to NED for good. Big hug for you and Caryn __________________ Kind regards Becky Found lump via BSE Diagnosed 8/04 at age 45 1.9cm tumor, ER+PR-, Her2 3+(rt side) 2 micromets to sentinel node Stage 2A left 3mm DCIS - low grade ER+PR+Her2 neg lumpectomies 9/7/04 4DD AC followed by 4 DD taxol Used Leukine instead of Neulasta 35 rads on right side only 4/05 started Tamoxifen Started Herceptin 4 months after last Taxol due to trial results and 2005 ASCO meeting & recommendations Oophorectomy 8/05 Started Arimidex 9/05 Finished Herceptin (16 months) 9/06 Arimidex Only Prolia every 6 months for osteopenia NED 18 years! Said Christopher Robin to Pooh: "You must remember this: You're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think"