HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - ~Rich66~Update on Mom If You have A Moment

Rich66 · 09-18-2008, 06:00 PM

Bilirubin recheck still at 1.8..slightly elevated.
Her2 is being rechecked here by IHC..the known to be inferior test. Didn't like it when I pointed this out. I had sent her these links previously:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/562042
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/570997_4
"For these tumors, counting additional cells did not change the HER2 status because all showed equivocal amplification. On repeated FISH, the average number of cells counted was 40 (range, 30-60 cells). It seems from our study that repeated FISH on a larger tumor section is more helpful than counting additional cells on an equivocally amplified sample."

Neither article discusses using IHC to recheck.
Asked to have it sent to Mayo for independent FISH. In other words still in "equivocal" territory regarding 1.8 FISH and the Her2 issue altogether.

Visit emphasis was on Xeloda...maybe combined with AI. I brought up Taxol and she said not good with Xeloda...single agent approach better because lower toxicity. I mentioned Avastin and suddenly she said could do Avastin and Taxol. Maybe because of FDA fast track? I asked if it was more effective than xeloda and she said no one knows..never compared.
But...1!&$!
Chest x-ray shows 2cm mass in lung... Chest CT and bone scan will be done early October.
Trying to determine if she should take "something" before 2nd opinion next Thursday. Only drawback would be trial exclusion..maybe trials would take to long to enter/get approval anyway...right?
Doc here thinks it's probably ok..but it all makes me nervous and a bit crazy. I put a call into Cobleigh's nurse and hopefully the Dr. will call us tomorrow for guidance and/or earlier appointment for 2nd opinion.
Hard to know what's prudent..........

09-18-2008, 06:00 PM	#17
Rich66 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: South East Wisconsin Posts: 3,431	Bilirubin recheck still at 1.8..slightly elevated. Her2 is being rechecked here by IHC..the known to be inferior test. Didn't like it when I pointed this out. I had sent her these links previously: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/562042 http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/570997_4 "For these tumors, counting additional cells did not change the HER2 status because all showed equivocal amplification. On repeated FISH, the average number of cells counted was 40 (range, 30-60 cells). It seems from our study that repeated FISH on a larger tumor section is more helpful than counting additional cells on an equivocally amplified sample." Neither article discusses using IHC to recheck. Asked to have it sent to Mayo for independent FISH. In other words still in "equivocal" territory regarding 1.8 FISH and the Her2 issue altogether. Visit emphasis was on Xeloda...maybe combined with AI. I brought up Taxol and she said not good with Xeloda...single agent approach better because lower toxicity. I mentioned Avastin and suddenly she said could do Avastin and Taxol. Maybe because of FDA fast track? I asked if it was more effective than xeloda and she said no one knows..never compared. But...1!&$! Chest x-ray shows 2cm mass in lung... Chest CT and bone scan will be done early October. Trying to determine if she should take "something" before 2nd opinion next Thursday. Only drawback would be trial exclusion..maybe trials would take to long to enter/get approval anyway...right? Doc here thinks it's probably ok..but it all makes me nervous and a bit crazy. I put a call into Cobleigh's nurse and hopefully the Dr. will call us tomorrow for guidance and/or earlier appointment for 2nd opinion. Hard to know what's prudent.......... __________________ Mom's treatment history (link)