HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - A potential local study for mom..thoughts?

Lori R · 09-12-2008, 07:29 AM

Rich,
Yet another option to consider.
From the posts on this site, it appears that that Taxotere, Carbo, Herceptin is a frequently used cocktail.

As you know, I WAS (thinking positive) a liver mets gal and my onc used only Taxotere and Herceptin. I asked her as to why no Carbo. She indicated that the Carbo can be very damaging to the immune system and she's had success without the Carbo.

While I am not 100% sure about how I feel about not going for the gusto (other than bc I am a VERY healthy 50), I respect her opinion and also respect the concern about too much Chemo.

I just share this as an option that has worked for me that might be a little easier for your mom to tolerate.

Could you pull together a list of all these options and review the pros/cons with you mom's onc? If you aren't comfortable with the quality of the responses ....time for a new onc.

I realize it is sooooo much to consider and the stakes seem so high. One approach is to review the options, TAKE THE PLUNGE!!! If it isn't working, quickly shift gears. This process holds no guarantees so I don't know that there is a RIGHT decision, just the best one at the time.

Best of luck to you....you are a fantastic son.

09-12-2008, 07:29 AM	#9
Lori R Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Evergreen, Colorado Posts: 454	Rich, Yet another option to consider. From the posts on this site, it appears that that Taxotere, Carbo, Herceptin is a frequently used cocktail. As you know, I WAS (thinking positive) a liver mets gal and my onc used only Taxotere and Herceptin. I asked her as to why no Carbo. She indicated that the Carbo can be very damaging to the immune system and she's had success without the Carbo. While I am not 100% sure about how I feel about not going for the gusto (other than bc I am a VERY healthy 50), I respect her opinion and also respect the concern about too much Chemo. I just share this as an option that has worked for me that might be a little easier for your mom to tolerate. Could you pull together a list of all these options and review the pros/cons with you mom's onc? If you aren't comfortable with the quality of the responses ....time for a new onc. I realize it is sooooo much to consider and the stakes seem so high. One approach is to review the options, TAKE THE PLUNGE!!! If it isn't working, quickly shift gears. This process holds no guarantees so I don't know that there is a RIGHT decision, just the best one at the time. Best of luck to you....you are a fantastic son. __________________ 2007 Oct - Diagnosed - Stage IV 5 c.m. IDC - Left Side er/pr- Her2+++ Node + 2/14 - Single Liver Met Double Mastectomy Nov - Begin T+H 2008 Feb-Complete 6 cycles- T&H- NED March - Continue - Herceptin Only April - Rads for 6 weeks 2009 Continue Herceptin - Continue NED April - Recurrance- 3 cm. Liver Met May - Cryosurgery June - November - Abraxane + Herceptin Aug - PET/CT - CTC = 0 Back to NED 2010 January - Continue NED July - Recurrance - 3 cm Liver Met CTC=1 August - Cryosurgery #2 August - November Navelbine November - Back to NED - End Navelbine 2011 Feb - Recur - 4 cm Liver Met - Same Left Lobe March Surgery it is -Couldn't get a clean margin July - Confirmed continued liver involvement August - Begin Herceptin + Tykerb October - Mixed results from H+T Add Abraxane + H + T - Nov - April 2012 January PET Scan - It's working!! April - Back to NED July - Recurrance August - Begin TDM-1 Trial (Taxol + TDM-1)