[Mandamoo]

Hi Coolbreeze.
I too am starting a 'novel' combination having had herceptin and carboplatin yesterday I will add perjeta (compassionate) use next cycle. The have been no studies on this but my understanding is the belief that a dual blockade is more effective than a single agent - adding a chemo is the bonus. I've had no platinum exposure which is the reason for going with this rather than Abraxane.

I just came off trial for tdm1 which was ineffective for me - well it slowed the cancer down but didn't stop it. If I wasn't on trial the onc said he would like to add something to it - perjeta or avastin or tykerb.

My private onc was initially a little apprehensive about the carbo preferring the Abraxane but on thinking said the platinum therapy was worth a try for me despite the luck of study into this combination. I feel we are somewhat limited by the studies as they need large groups that will give them their best results - so of course they are going to try first line and with a taxane - but that doesn't mean those of us who have been heavily pretreated will not have a response too in a different combination. They just have to get the drugs over the line with the FDA. The study just hasn't been done yet and who know may now not be - it will be up to those practicing to be guided as to what will be best for the individual patient. Here in Australia once you had tried herceptin then given tykerb a go, you have only recently been allowed back on herceptin - because there was no study saying it would help. You still have to jump through hoops to get it without a taxane.
I'm glad you are giving it a go. I have a goal to see my son finish school too - the catch for me is he doesn't start prep for a couple of weeks - lofty ambition hey? Who knows - maybe something will work a little better for a bit longer and then something better again. I may be living in the clouds but currently I'd rather that.
I hope the treatment is gentle with you. A xx