Hi Carolyn;
I've been fighting stubborn nodes in neck, collarbone and axilla areas since 2001. The good news is that Herceptin can still be effective in keeping these nodes under control even after progression. In my case, even after progression my onc has kept me on Herceptin, added a chemo for up to 6 months, then reverted to Herceptin maintenance again and so far no progression to major organs or bone.
Navelbine was a great chemo for me, although hard on stomach and blood counts these side effects were manageable.
Will try to include some links to data. Best wishes and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers this Wednesday as that is also my treatment day!
Efficacy in Advanced (Metastatic) Breast Cancer
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http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=59291
Patient information: Chemotherapy and Herceptin (trastuzumab) for metastatic breast cancer
http://patients.uptodate.com/topic.asp?file=cancer/8347
HER-2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer: Optimizing Trastuzumab-Based Therapy http://theoncologist.alphamedpress.o.../11/suppl_1/34
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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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