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StephN · 12-24-2009, 01:00 PM

Hi -
My actual last treatment with chemos was a while back now, but I ALWAYS had Neupogen support. They would adjust the dose according to how my white cell count was doing.

Last time I used it was when I had WEEKLY Navelbine and Taxol. The 2 drugs together were very effective against my cancer, but I needed the shots 5 days instead of 3.

Neulasta was just on the market then, but not useful in my case.

Not sure on Rich's question about "calling out stem cells." I am sure there is much more research since I had the drug and they know a lot more about what it does in our bodies. My understanding was that I was taking it mainly to be able to stay on my chemo regimen.
Amgen, the maker, was always a partner in my studies so I got it with just a reasonable co-pay. I self-injected.

I asked my oncologist yesterday about the latest articles on breast cancer stem cells. Her comment: "Right now things are as clear as mud."
In other words some mouse model with a particular cell line may look promising with a certain agent, but there is a LONG way to go before anything is certain.

12-24-2009, 01:00 PM	#13
StephN Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Misty woods of WA State Posts: 4,128	Re: Neupogen verses Neulasta? Hi - My actual last treatment with chemos was a while back now, but I ALWAYS had Neupogen support. They would adjust the dose according to how my white cell count was doing. Last time I used it was when I had WEEKLY Navelbine and Taxol. The 2 drugs together were very effective against my cancer, but I needed the shots 5 days instead of 3. Neulasta was just on the market then, but not useful in my case. Not sure on Rich's question about "calling out stem cells." I am sure there is much more research since I had the drug and they know a lot more about what it does in our bodies. My understanding was that I was taking it mainly to be able to stay on my chemo regimen. Amgen, the maker, was always a partner in my studies so I got it with just a reasonable co-pay. I self-injected. I asked my oncologist yesterday about the latest articles on breast cancer stem cells. Her comment: "Right now things are as clear as mud." In other words some mouse model with a particular cell line may look promising with a certain agent, but there is a LONG way to go before anything is certain. __________________ "When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest." H.D. Thoreau Live in the moment. MY STORY SO FAR ~~~~ Found suspicious lump 9/2000 Lumpectomy, then node dissection and port placement Stage IIB, 8 pos nodes of 18, Grade 3, ER & PR - Adriamycin 12 weekly, taxotere 4 rounds 36 rads - very little burning 3 mos after rads liver full of tumors, Stage IV Jan 2002, one spot on sternum Weekly Taxol, Navelbine, Herceptin for 27 rounds to NED! 2003 & 2004 no active disease - 3 weekly Herceptin + Zometa Jan 2005 two mets to brain - Gamma Knife on Jan 18 All clear until treated cerebellum spot showing activity on Jan 2006 brain MRI & brain PET Brain surgery on Feb 9, 2006 - no cancer, 100% radiation necrosis - tumor was still dying Continue as NED while on Herceptin & quarterly Zometa Fall-2006 - off Zometa - watching one small brain spot (scar?) 2007 - spot/scar in brain stable - finished anticoagulation therapy for clot along my port-a-catheter - 3 angioplasties to unblock vena cava 2008 - Brain and body still NED! Port removed and scans in Dec. Dec 2008 - stop Herceptin - Vaccine Trial at U of W begun in Oct. of 2011 STILL NED everywhere in Feb 2014 - on wing & prayer 7/14 - Started twice yearly Zometa for my bones Jan. 2015 checkup still shows NED 2015 Neuropathy in feet - otherwise all OK - still NED. Same news for 2016 and all of 2017. Nov of 2017 - had small skin cancer removed from my face. Will have Zometa end of Jan. 2018.