[chrisy]

Pam,
Oh shoot, I just clicked out of the window after typing a long reply. Must not have been very important or the computer powers that be wouldn't have let that happen.

I hate that you got news you didn't want to hear. Even though we know that eventually treatments may fail, we still (at least I do) hope for long long runs and it is always a crushing blow.

You or your doctor should be able to get more detail on the reports if you want. My experience has been that if it doesn't change a treatment recommendation they are reluctant to "send it back" but it can be done. Eventually the lab learns that doctor x wants to see the details.

I only have experience with taxol/carbo/herceptin so I can't comment on abraxane, ixempra or doxil except to suggest that you have had good results with the taxanes, so abraxane might be a good option and can be given with Herceptin.

When I had TCH I thought I tolerated it pretty well, so don't claim horrible side effects from this until/unless you get them. I'd agree tho, you want to stay on some her2 targeted agent.

Re the chiropractor, I have a couple of not too scientific comments. First, I'd be very very cautious about getting "cracked" (I know, they hate it when you call it that!) when dealing with bone mets. Especially if you do not know where they are! Even a gentle adjustment might put you at risk. If you're well away from any "hot spots" it probably wouldn't hurt.

I have not seen research on chiropractic and the immune system, but it partly works on the theory of freeing up the "communication channels" so who knows.

Acupuncture has a lot of research but not really suggesting that it will cure cancer. More in the nature of improving symptoms and overall immune function and "balance of chi". While I was getting TCH I had regular accupressure which is similar but without the needles, and I believe it helped me manage the chemo better as well as help with my blood counts. I definitely put acupuncture in the category of "won't hurt, might help". And really, Pam, we are SO beyond fear of little needles by now! I think they're much smaller than infusion ones...

I know you're tired and discouraged....but time to saddle up again my friend.