HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Does anyone have neck lympth node involvement?

Lolly · 05-16-2007, 05:49 PM

Hi Nathan

I've been treated for neck, clavicular and axilla nodes since 2001, and this latest recurrence which actually started showing activity in 2005 is finally showing a good response to Tykerb/Abraxane. Previously, Herceptin in combo with Navelbine was very effective against these, when Navelbine lost it's "punch" then Xeloda was tried with some success. Then Gemzar was added and I must say of all the chemo's it was the least effective, but that's most likely because Herceptin had also run it's course for me.
I would hope your wife's oncology team will be offering new options asap. There are many other chemo's, some of the side effects are hard but these neck nodes can be very frightening and it may be necessary to hit them with some pretty big guns to knock them back.
Thinking of you both and hoping for better days soon!

<3 Lolly

05-16-2007, 05:49 PM	#5
Lolly Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,756	Hi Nathan I've been treated for neck, clavicular and axilla nodes since 2001, and this latest recurrence which actually started showing activity in 2005 is finally showing a good response to Tykerb/Abraxane. Previously, Herceptin in combo with Navelbine was very effective against these, when Navelbine lost it's "punch" then Xeloda was tried with some success. Then Gemzar was added and I must say of all the chemo's it was the least effective, but that's most likely because Herceptin had also run it's course for me. I would hope your wife's oncology team will be offering new options asap. There are many other chemo's, some of the side effects are hard but these neck nodes can be very frightening and it may be necessary to hit them with some pretty big guns to knock them back. Thinking of you both and hoping for better days soon! <3 Lolly __________________ Sept.'99 - Dx.Stage IIIB, IDC ER/PR-, HER2+++ by IHC, confirmed '04 by FISH. Left MRM, AC x's 4, Taxol x's 4, 33 Rads, finishing Tx May 2000. Jan.'01 - local/regional recurrence, Stage IV. Herceptin/Navelbine weekly till NED August 2001, then maintenance Herceptin. Right Mast. April 2002. Local/Regional recurrence April '04, Herceptin plus/minus chemo until May '07. Gemzar added from Feb.'07-April '07; Tykerb/Abraxane until August '07, back on Herceptin plus Taxotere and Xeloda Sept. '07. Stopped T/X Nov. '07, stopped Herceptin Dec. '07, started Avastin/Taxol/Carboplatin Dec. '07. Progression in chest skin, stopped TAC March '03, started radiation. Herceptin has served as the "Backbone" of my treatment strategy for over 6 years, giving me great quality of life. In 2005, I was privileged to participate in the University of Washington/Seattle HER2 Vaccine Trial.