Started Gemzar Today
Hi Gang;
I had a PET/CT earlier this month, and it showed progression to several more nodes in my right axilla. The radiation to that area last fall did serve to shrink the large mass some, but these new nodes that are showing activity are outside the radiation field, so we have to hit them with a new chemo. I stopped Xeloda last week in preparation for starting Gemzar today.
I'm going back to weekly treatment with Herceptin, and Gemzar will be 2 weeks on, 1 week off.
Am feeling somewhat weary tonight, but my hubby is really pampering me by waiting on me hand and foot
Will keep you posted on side effects, so far I don't feel too bad, but that may be the Zofran talkin', ha.
If anyone has any advice on Gemzar side effects, please post.
<3 Lolly
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Sept.'99 - Dx.Stage IIIB, IDC ER/PR-, HER2+++ by IHC, confirmed '04 by FISH. Left MRM, AC x's 4, Taxol x's 4, 33 Rads, finishing Tx May 2000. Jan.'01 - local/regional recurrence, Stage IV. Herceptin/Navelbine weekly till NED August 2001, then maintenance Herceptin. Right Mast. April 2002. Local/Regional recurrence April '04, Herceptin plus/minus chemo until May '07. Gemzar added from Feb.'07-April '07; Tykerb/Abraxane until August '07, back on Herceptin plus Taxotere and Xeloda Sept. '07. Stopped T/X Nov. '07, stopped Herceptin Dec. '07, started Avastin/Taxol/Carboplatin Dec. '07. Progression in chest skin, stopped TAC March '03, started radiation.
Herceptin has served as the "Backbone" of my treatment strategy for over 6 years, giving me great quality of life. In 2005, I was privileged to participate in the University of Washington/Seattle HER2 Vaccine Trial.
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