To chemo break or not to break? - Need second opinion!

[Esther]

Jay, I was diagnosed with liver and bone mets in Feb 2004. My liver was shutting down, it was completely covered in tumors. After 14 months on Herceptin, Navelbine & Xeloda, I was NED.

I've been on just Herceptin for maintenance for a year now. I don't plan to go back on chemo unless I develop new liver or bone lesions. Here in Southern CA, it's considered to be appropriate treatment protocol, to just stay on Herceptin for maintenance unless something pops up to warrant treatment.

[Lolly]

Jay, My onc is one who believes in the "on/off" theory of chemo, and has said in his experience a successful chemo regimen can be used again although he likes to see a year long break from that chemo. I'm on Navelbine/Herceptin for the third time since 2001, with Herceptin maintenance in between, to keep systemic lymph node mets in check. So far this protocol has been successful in keeping mets contained to the lymph system, no spread to major organs, bone or brain. I don't seem to have developed complete resistance to Navelbine yet, but we have discussed moving on to Xeloda if this round doesn't do the trick as my response has been slower this time. I have several chemo buddies who've had good responses with Xeloda/Herceptin combo, one for Her2+ lung mets and one to keep inflammatory Her2+ contained.

>3 Lolly

<3 Lolly