[chrisy]

Oh Lily, I am so sorry, and so surprised - it seemed like your doctor has so far been very creative and willing to try the "new and different". I think it sounds like HE may be out of ideas - but someone else may see different options. Maybe as he has seen several treatments fail or work only a short while, he believes something completely different will be a better shot.

You have gotten good input so far - another opinion, take someone along. I'd add, write down all your questions and try to get more adequate explanations. Specifically, WHY you cannot try Herceptin with another agent - my doctor specifically still considers Herceptin and Tykerb as options to pair with future chemos, even though both have "failed" to hold the cancer without chemo. You may still get some synergy adding Herceptin.

And WHY no taxanes, especially if taxotere worked for you in the past. There is no "lifetime max" on those as with Adriamycin, and it actually is very common to try another taxane (taxol or abraxane) in your situation.



On the other hand, remember that Navelbine is strong medicine, even as a single agent. Glad you are at least getting that - and that you found out quickly that the Tykerb/Xeloda was not doing the trick.

I do not have much knowledge on the estrogen stuff...but would be interested in you seeing "the good data" that it interferes with chemo.

Lily, I think of you constantly. You are a strong fighter and advocate for yourself. I know you are frustrated (with good reason) but do not give up. There are still options that can work for you and get that #$*($&^cancer back in control.

Much love
Chris