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Kavy · 07-04-2007, 05:28 AM

Eric,
I am so sorry Tykerb/Xeloda did not work for your wife, but there are many treatment options that she hasn't tried yet. I do not have experience with Tykerb/Xeloda, but her history is similar to mine. I am 45 y. old, diagnosed in April 2005 with Stage 3C, her2+, er/pr-, IBC. Had EC with Taxotere, then double mastectomy, radiation, then spots were found in my lungs and liver, PET scan only showed in lungs, but CT scan showed also in liver. I had Taxotere/Herceptin for 6 months, then changed to Nalvabine/Herceptin, and I have been on it for a year now. Since October 2006 the several small liver lesions are gone, and now the small lungs mets are most gone, I just have 1 nodule (less than 1 cm) for a while now that is almost gone, and 1 lymph node that is stable. And the side effects of Nalvabine are minimal. My hair grew back while on it, no premedication, no nausea, just some neuropathy in hands and feet.
I think Nalvabine/ Herceptin is a very good combo, and it might help your wife. And I do not think that herceptin stopped working for her, Gemzar did. Since Tykerb/ Xeloda is not working, I think she could try Herceptin + other chemo (Nalvabine, Abraxane) or a clinical trial with Avastin. BTW, a second opinion will be very helpful.
I agree with Jojo that Caryn is very fortunate to have a supportive husband like you.
I hope and pray that she will find the right chemo soon. God bless both of you.
KarlaV.
........................................Please Read.............................................. ...................

TO ALL WONDERFUL WOMEN AND MEN OF THIS FANTASTIC SITE

I would like to take this opportunity to say hi and to thank all of you who, even without knowing, have been helping me a lot through my journey during the past 2 years. Above is my history for the first time. I do not post often, but I read your posts every day, and they are a great source of information, inspiration and hope for me. I do not know what I would have done without your help. I learned so much through all of you. You are all my hero, my support group, my family. Thanks a lot. You are all in my prayers.
I will try to post more often from now on.
Also, special thanks to Cristine and Joe for this wonderful and so helpful site.
God bless all of you.

Karla V.

07-04-2007, 05:28 AM	#4
Kavy Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 157	Answer to Eric, and "Hi, everybody!" Eric, I am so sorry Tykerb/Xeloda did not work for your wife, but there are many treatment options that she hasn't tried yet. I do not have experience with Tykerb/Xeloda, but her history is similar to mine. I am 45 y. old, diagnosed in April 2005 with Stage 3C, her2+, er/pr-, IBC. Had EC with Taxotere, then double mastectomy, radiation, then spots were found in my lungs and liver, PET scan only showed in lungs, but CT scan showed also in liver. I had Taxotere/Herceptin for 6 months, then changed to Nalvabine/Herceptin, and I have been on it for a year now. Since October 2006 the several small liver lesions are gone, and now the small lungs mets are most gone, I just have 1 nodule (less than 1 cm) for a while now that is almost gone, and 1 lymph node that is stable. And the side effects of Nalvabine are minimal. My hair grew back while on it, no premedication, no nausea, just some neuropathy in hands and feet. I think Nalvabine/ Herceptin is a very good combo, and it might help your wife. And I do not think that herceptin stopped working for her, Gemzar did. Since Tykerb/ Xeloda is not working, I think she could try Herceptin + other chemo (Nalvabine, Abraxane) or a clinical trial with Avastin. BTW, a second opinion will be very helpful. I agree with Jojo that Caryn is very fortunate to have a supportive husband like you. I hope and pray that she will find the right chemo soon. God bless both of you. KarlaV. ........................................Please Read.............................................. ................... TO ALL WONDERFUL WOMEN AND MEN OF THIS FANTASTIC SITE I would like to take this opportunity to say hi and to thank all of you who, even without knowing, have been helping me a lot through my journey during the past 2 years. Above is my history for the first time. I do not post often, but I read your posts every day, and they are a great source of information, inspiration and hope for me. I do not know what I would have done without your help. I learned so much through all of you. You are all my hero, my support group, my family. Thanks a lot. You are all in my prayers. I will try to post more often from now on. Also, special thanks to Cristine and Joe for this wonderful and so helpful site. God bless all of you. Karla V.