[Becky]

I think many, many women have difficulty getting Tykerb especially with only the Herceptin (and Zometa of course). One thing you should keep in the back of your mind is that Herceptin works for you and you should always have it as part of your cocktail regardless.

If you can't get Tykerb with Herceptin, perhaps later on you can get it with Xeloda and keep the Herceptin going.

Since you have to make a decision and Tykerb is probably out of the question, you have tried Taxotere (even though it was with Carboplatin) and you got a long run with NED with it. However, it is harder than Navelbine and you lose your hair. Andddd, perhaps it was the Herceptin in the TCH that gave you your long run too. You never really know what's working for you when you take a mix.

Anyway, I am running on here. Navelbine is no steroids too if I remember so you won't have that to deal with and no hair loss either. Navelbine works very well for many people and you may be one of those people.

Both Navelbine and any taxane are synergistic with Herceptin too so no problem there. The choice is yours.

Many oncs try less toxic regimes first. Even Herceptin and Faslodex (with Zometa for your bones) and see if you get a good run on that. I think that is why Dr. Slamon says Herceptin, Tykerb and Zometa because theorectically, none are true chemo but immunotherapies and a bone hardener/repairer.

Ask you onc if you can use Faslodex now that you are Stage 4 and you are also hormone positive. Herceptin works well with that too. You should be able to get Herceptin, Zometa and Faslodex and then only decide on a chemo drug if you truly can't add the Tykerb.

I am hugging you hard from afar.

Love, Becky