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