[chrisy]

Hi Pam,
I did get a good run from the TCH - but remember I was "chemo naive" at the time!

Not having other hard chemos to compare it to, I had side effects including hat head (I had to wear a hat because I had no hair!), increasing fatigue as the months wore on, and mild neuropathy. As I mentioned, I had "energy work" throughout and really believe this helped keep my counts up - I never had to get any boosters of any kind. But then again, this is Santa Cruz...

I managed the neuropathy with a large menu of supplements recommended by my oncologist. I had good premeds, and never once had any nausea or digestive problems. I was also able to get reduced decadron dose which helped - but would be unnecessary if you were getting abraxane.

I worked throughout, but admittedly was pretty much useless in terms of brain work by the end. But at the time I thought I was doing great and was lucky enough to have employers and peers who didn't mind me sitting in meetings with a stupid look on my face!

Next time you are out here, please do let me know - I work in the Seabright area which is not far from where your cousin lives...believe it or not, I've been to Minneapolis several times in the past year on business. I have foodie stories about that, too - have you had the dessert trio at The Local?! OMG!

BTW, I also asked at UCSF if they had any DM! trials opening and they do not there, but I know there are new ones opening and hopefully Genentech may begin to offer some sort of early access program for those who havent' been able to qualify for trials.

Hope you and your doctor are able to come up with some great options.
Chris