~Herceptin & Tykerb Combinations~Care To Comment If You Are On This

Believe51 · 11-06-2008, 08:45 AM

For those on this combination I would appreciate your thoughts and comments about this combo.

Recapping all this information on a seperate thread. Thanks in advance.>>Believe51

Carolyns · 11-06-2008, 03:04 PM

Hi,

I am not on it any longer. It lasted for me about 4 months (I think). My markers went down for a while and I found that truly amazing. Then after a while they started rising again. The treatment was like a vacation for me. I didn't have much trouble at all.

Carolyn

hutchibk · 11-06-2008, 06:35 PM

Marie - I am currently on this combo. It is great, but I have been struggling with intestinal and bowel distress and diarrhea. I had no problems with Tykerb/Xeloda, so we were surprised that Herceptin in place of Xeloda caused me this issue. We put my Tykerb on hold a week ago to give my bowels a chance to heal, and to make sure that it is not an underlying problem. I am definitely feeling better and normalizing. In a few days I will add the Tykerb back in at the 1000mg dose (4 pills instead of 5).

I know it is not the Tykerb OR the Herceptin causing it for me, but the combo of the two.

I have only had 2 Herceptin treatments so I don't know yet what response I am having to it...

But I do recommend it and I have high hopes for it.

Carolyns · 11-07-2008, 07:32 AM

Hi Again,

Based on Brenda's comments, I will add that I was on 4 pills per day the entire time I was on Tykerb. Perhaps that is why the side effects were less for me.

Carolyn

Believe51 · 11-07-2008, 08:11 AM

We will know more next week but we have been considering this combo for Ed, I am unsure if OncoMan will put him on another chemo drug or not. Looking to gather information for the next fight. I thank you for being there for us as always.>>Believe51

schoolteacher · 11-07-2008, 09:33 AM

Marie,

I am praying for Ed and you. I know God will help with the right combination for the Mighty Oak.

Amelia

Believe51 · 11-11-2008, 08:49 AM

Just another bump up in case someone missed it. Thanks>>Believe51

11-11-2008, 11:46 AM

Hi Marie,

You might also check with the folks on the bcmets.org board. I believe that there are some that have tried this combination. You can also try searching their archives for this information.

Good luck!

Jill

Believe51 · 11-12-2008, 11:02 AM

Thanks for the guidance, I did check out the site and found the information rather helpful. Today is the day we visit OncoMan to discuss what is happening. Right now there appears to be some hefty issues that we will have to deal with. Thanks again to all>>Believe51

Bill · 11-12-2008, 05:43 PM

Hi Marie! Nicola was on Herceptin/Tykerb/Taxol in early trials. She did great, and it was a highly effective treatment for her for about 15 months, but she did have nearly uncontrollable diadamarhea. The 'experts' tried to blame it on the taxol, but it was the Lapatinib/Tykerb. As we all know, Hucklebuck is the Authority for dealing with the side effects of the Tykerb dilemna. Good luck, warm thoughts, sweet prayers, and a hot-tub full of hope for you and Ed, Marie. Love ya, Bill

hutchibk · 11-12-2008, 05:53 PM

I was the expert on Tykerb/Xeloda, but my bowels on Tykerb/Herceptin has been too challenging for me to manage. Went off of the Tykerb (1250 mg, 5 pills) for 2 weeks to give my guts a break. I had Herceptin today, and start my Tykerb again tonight @ 1000 mg, 4 pills. Will let ya'll know if our adjustment helps. Am also starting pro-biotics and Citrucel everyday to help manage.

Joan M · 11-12-2008, 07:27 PM

Marie,

I'm thinking about adding Tykerb to the Herceptin I take now.

I've never had side effects from Herceptin (except the drop in my left ventricle ejection fraction last year when I went off of the drug for 3 months).

It seems that Tykerb can cause intestinal problems.

Joan

I'm on Herceptin now without any problems and thinking of adding Tykerb, so it's good to know about some of these side effects.

Joan

Julie2 · 11-12-2008, 07:54 PM

I have been on Herceptin + Tykerb since 6 weeks and the only side effects I have are very dry skin and chopped finger tips.

Julie

webmum · 11-14-2008, 03:21 AM

Hi,

just thought I'd add my experience, I was on tykerb+herceptin for 24 weeks as well as taxol for the first 12 followed by FEC for another 12.
I was on 4 tablets and it gave me very bad diarrhea and a horrible skin rash to the face. Had to take a break after a week and occasionally I had breaks throughout, and was eventually put ona reduced dose of 3 tablets. It was definitely tykern causing the diarrhea as it would clear up every time I had a break.
Hope this info helps.

kk1 · 11-15-2008, 07:23 PM

Hi Marie;

I've been on Tykerb,xeloda, and herceptin for almost 6 months. There seems to be a ying and yang effect with the tykerb and xeloda. As long as I am on Xeloda my bowels are very happy, but the week when I am off xeloda and only on herceptin and tykerb I have to stick around the house and close to the bathroom that week. I think there is about a 10 microseconds warning. That said it has been really tolerable and it kicked my cancer in the butt.