HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Stage IV gals- anyone have stable tumor markers?

Barbara H. · 05-31-2012, 03:46 PM

I went on the TDM-1 trial in Sept. 2007. After about two months my tumor markers were normal. Unfortunately, I had to go off the trial about two years later due to lung inflammation, a very rare side effect of this drug. After that, I started Tykerb/Herceptin and have continued to be NED with normal tumor markers. Tykerb/Herceptin is not currently approved and my insurance gave me a difficult time approving it for me. Fortunately, I was able to get it approved. I only take 4 tablets of Tykerb vs. 5 and that works for me. I can just about eat anything I want, but I have to be careful since I am a teacher. It is not always easy to get to a bathroom in my job. My most annoying problem are my nails that are thin. It is also very difficult for me to keep my too large toenails from becoming infected. I could use some advice for my nail issues. In addition, I have to use cream on my fingers, that seem to develop paper like cuts from time to time.
Best,
Barbara H.

05-31-2012, 03:46 PM	#3
Barbara H. Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Newton, MA Posts: 951	Re: Stage IV gals- anyone have stable tumor markers? I went on the TDM-1 trial in Sept. 2007. After about two months my tumor markers were normal. Unfortunately, I had to go off the trial about two years later due to lung inflammation, a very rare side effect of this drug. After that, I started Tykerb/Herceptin and have continued to be NED with normal tumor markers. Tykerb/Herceptin is not currently approved and my insurance gave me a difficult time approving it for me. Fortunately, I was able to get it approved. I only take 4 tablets of Tykerb vs. 5 and that works for me. I can just about eat anything I want, but I have to be careful since I am a teacher. It is not always easy to get to a bathroom in my job. My most annoying problem are my nails that are thin. It is also very difficult for me to keep my too large toenails from becoming infected. I could use some advice for my nail issues. In addition, I have to use cream on my fingers, that seem to develop paper like cuts from time to time. Best, Barbara H.