Stage IV'ers - your Gemzar/Herceptin regimen?

[jml]

Hi All~
Wondering if you can share w/me your Gemzar/Herceptin protocol?

I've just resumed chemo as a result of a couple of supraclavicular nodes that are firing up.
This time we're going w/Gemzar+Herceptin, 2 weeks ON, 1 week OFF, but on the "OFF" week, I do still have to go in for my qwkly dose of Herceptin.

However, I'm a little...a LOT... confused.
When I met w/my onc & we made the decision to start on this regimen, I understood (assumed?) that "2 weeks ON, 1 week OFF" meant that my "OFF" week meant "OFF"-really "OFF" - not just NO Gemzar, but NO Herceptin-nothing, truly "OFF" off!
But, when I went in for my 1st treatment, I was told that my q3week Herceptin dose was being changed to qweekly, thus my treatment schedule would be "2 weeks ON Gemzar/Herceptin, 1 week Herceptin only".
In addition, I was told that the Gemzar & Herceptin are NOT synergistic.
So, if that's the case, I asked why I wasn't able to stay on my q3week Herceptin dose, just add the 2 weeks of Gemzar & that way I would be able to have the 1 week "OFF", as discussed.

It was a pretty frustrating day-I've been off active chemo - but stayed on Herceptin since my liver resection in 12/05- & I'd forgotten the great frustrations of constantly having to manage your own care!!
My onc was out of town & the pharmacist-a total newbie who almost fell out of her seat when she asked "is this your 1st chemo treatment" & I said "NO, 81st...make that 82nd", & then couldn't articulate the difference in hair loss on Gemzar vs. Taxol, least of all why I couldn't stay on my q3week of Herceptin!
I think she was only prepared to talk to me about "flu symptoms that feel like your getting the flu..." & that I should take Immodium for diarrhea or Senokot for constipation.
Ultimately, I told her that I would do a search here for an appropriate Gemzar/Herceptin protocol, though I felt really strongly that she should have access to it -or someone who does, or at least a computer so she could "google" it on her own-since she works in a very large teaching/research hospital.
After she said "AaahhhHmmm...I don't really do that much onc....I mostly do hemo...." tucked her tail & left.
UGH!

So, for those of you who have had Gemzar + Herceptin, can you help me with some information on the regimen/protocol you followed?

In spite of it all, the very best news is, I really feel like this combo is already doing its job! Only 4 days after my 1st treatment, already one node feels less prominent & that area of my neck is itchy...maybe it's my imagination, but it sure feels real to me!

Thanks so much,
Prayers, Faith & Courage~

jessica

[tousled1]

Jessica,

Sorry I can't help you regarding Gezmar as I'm on Taxol/Carboplatin 3 weeks on 1 week off -- but like you not really a week off. Still get Herceptin that week. Oncologisit has not mentioned going to the every 3 week Herceptin.

[Sheila]

Jessica
I know how confusing this all is...I was on Taxol 3 on 1 off, Avastin every other week and then Herceptin every 3rd week....I finally begged to be switched to every other week for all 3...so far it is working OK..I am more tired but I can handle that. You may need to talk to the pharmacist rather than the Onc., or to the nurses...they sometimes know more about regulating treatments to be the most for your time!
P.S.
These supraclavicular nodes are a pain, thats why I am on all of this!

[Carolyns]

Hi -

I was scheduled to be on Gemzar 2 weeks on and 1 week off with weekly Herceptin. It worked very well for me. I have never been on 3 week Herceptin doses.

Good luck, I hope it really takes care of things for you.

Carolyn