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First of all to clarify what Lyn said IBC is Inflammatory Breast Cancer and IDC is invasive ductal cancer. Both very different. I have been on only a few chemo combos for IBC. My oncologist and I were talking about this just a few weeks ago. I was diagnosed in March of 2001. Her2 pos. ER/PR neg. stage 111b (as all IBC is stage 111b or stage 4 if it has spread to organ or bone) This is what I have had for chemos. First was Adm/Taxatere, surgery, only 5 rads (because of skin mets) then Herceptin and Taxol has been the miracle drug for me. We tried Navelbine and then Xeloda neither one worked for me. Also added carboplatin to the Taxol for a couple of times then back to just Herceptin and taxol. This has all been for the skin mets that keep popping up. I stay on the chemo just long enough to clear up the skin mets and then we stop. My oncologist is very protective of my quality of life and does not believe on continuous chemo unless that is the only option. We treat this as a chronic illness and so far it has worked well for me. My oncologist says no two people are the same or react the same to chemo. There are two of us in my area with the same disease and skin mets to the chest wall I have done well and she has exhausted nearly all the chemo combos even Herceptin. I think there is a combo that will work but its finding the right one and we are all so different that the doctors have a hard time treating us. He tells me that I don't follow any pattern, book or directions. I wish you well and if I can help please e-mail me. This is a tough disease but there are survivors out there. You can go to the IBC board and see some postings. hugs, Sandy
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