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Lolly · 09-27-2005, 06:29 PM

Thank you all for your kind and encouraging words, it means so very much to know we can lean on each other! I'll try to answer some of your questions as best I can....

First, we don't think that because I've recurred it means the vaccine isn't working. These nodes just got a little ahead of the vaccine, and in fact Dr. Webster told me at one of my vaccine visits that if I were to recurr and need chemo, their thinking is that chemo may actually HELP the vaccine work better. Apparently, we have these "regulator cells" that serve to dampen immune response so things don't get out of hand, ie. autoimmune diseases, etc. Chemo kills off these regulator cells, and so the vaccine stimulated immune system might have a better chance at the cancer cells. As Brian points out, it continues to work even through chemo! WhooHoo! Don't know much about this actually, but will try to do some research.

I've been in touch with the UW people, and Doreen sent the blood draw kit down last week so my nurses can do the ninth month draw tomorrow, before I start chemo next week. Dr. Webster has mentioned the adaptave T-cell thing as a possibility after chemo is done, so will keep you all posted on that of course.

The biopsy I had was a fine needle aspiration, and my onc has sent it to Seattle for HER2 analysis, just to be sure we're still on the right track. We agreed it would be VERY strange if it's not still HER2 positive, so keeping fingers crossed.

Patty, I really do appreciate your words of experience regarding the Navelbine/Xeloda combo, but at this point I've already had Navelbine twice to treat these same nodes; each course did a pretty good job of shrinking them but since they are back again my onc thinks we need to "get tough" as Steph says, and give them a double whammy in hopes I'll have a better and longer response.

And Lyn, I didn't ask about Abraxane, as I'm hoping to "save" it in case I need it later for liver mets or something. I hope I don't, we "energizer bunnies" need a break once ina while, eh?

Hope, thank you for your sweet words of comfort; I'm sorry to hear you're not doing well, but keep your chin up. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

And Kim, thank you for reminding me that I need to take time to do what makes me the feel good about living! I like to sing in the shower, so I will do so every morning from now on!!!
Love to all,
Lolly

09-27-2005, 06:29 PM	#11
Lolly Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,756	Thank you all for your kind and encouraging words, it means so very much to know we can lean on each other! I'll try to answer some of your questions as best I can.... First, we don't think that because I've recurred it means the vaccine isn't working. These nodes just got a little ahead of the vaccine, and in fact Dr. Webster told me at one of my vaccine visits that if I were to recurr and need chemo, their thinking is that chemo may actually HELP the vaccine work better. Apparently, we have these "regulator cells" that serve to dampen immune response so things don't get out of hand, ie. autoimmune diseases, etc. Chemo kills off these regulator cells, and so the vaccine stimulated immune system might have a better chance at the cancer cells. As Brian points out, it continues to work even through chemo! WhooHoo! Don't know much about this actually, but will try to do some research. I've been in touch with the UW people, and Doreen sent the blood draw kit down last week so my nurses can do the ninth month draw tomorrow, before I start chemo next week. Dr. Webster has mentioned the adaptave T-cell thing as a possibility after chemo is done, so will keep you all posted on that of course. The biopsy I had was a fine needle aspiration, and my onc has sent it to Seattle for HER2 analysis, just to be sure we're still on the right track. We agreed it would be VERY strange if it's not still HER2 positive, so keeping fingers crossed. Patty, I really do appreciate your words of experience regarding the Navelbine/Xeloda combo, but at this point I've already had Navelbine twice to treat these same nodes; each course did a pretty good job of shrinking them but since they are back again my onc thinks we need to "get tough" as Steph says, and give them a double whammy in hopes I'll have a better and longer response. And Lyn, I didn't ask about Abraxane, as I'm hoping to "save" it in case I need it later for liver mets or something. I hope I don't, we "energizer bunnies" need a break once ina while, eh? Hope, thank you for your sweet words of comfort; I'm sorry to hear you're not doing well, but keep your chin up. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. And Kim, thank you for reminding me that I need to take time to do what makes me the feel good about living! I like to sing in the shower, so I will do so every morning from now on!!! Love to all, Lolly Last edited by Lolly; 09-30-2005 at 09:10 PM.. Reason: To thank Kim in California for her positive suggestions!