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06-29-2007, 04:15 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Morris, IL
Posts: 3,507
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New Herceptin Dosing for me
I have realized after week 3, I do need to get a full size calender for my purse to keep up with appointments at the onc. center...I am on Taxol 3weeks on, 1 off x12, Avastin every other week, and Herceptin every 3 weeks. They would not give me my Herceptin yesterday when I had the Taxol/Avastin, and I return next week on my week off for the Herceptin. They are giving Herceptin every other week now in Chigago for many patients and this is different from the weekly and every 3 weeks...they find it is more synergistic with thte Avastin which is every other week...anyone else have this dosing for the Herceptin.
So far everything is going well, the nodes are now 1/3 their size after treatment 3, which is excellent. My hair was falling out like a bad rainshower...so it was buzzed! I am learning to like scarves...never was a scarf person before. I have learned to make so comfy and cute head wraps out of tshirts...very soft and reasonable, and I can color coordinate any outfit!
I just feel like I lose a day each week due to the Benedryl/Decadron/Pepcid premeds...sleep all day, up all night.
__________________
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
Hugs & Blessings
Sheila
Diagnosed at age 49.99999 2/21/2002 via Mammography (Calcifications)
Core Biopsy 2/22/02
L. Mastectomy 2/25/2002
Stage 1, 0.7cm IDC, Node Neg from 19 nodes Her2+++ ER PR Neg
6/2003 Reconstruction W/ Tissue Expander, Silicone Implant
9/2003 Stage IV with Mets to Supraclavicular nodes
9/2003 Began Herceptin every 3 weeks
3/2006 Xeloda 2500mg/Herceptin for recurrence to neck nodes
3/2007 Added back the Xeloda with Herceptin for continued mets to nodes
5/2007 Taken Off Xeloda, no longer working
6/14/07 Taxol/Herceptin/Avastin
3/26 - 5/28/08 Taxol Holiday Whopeeeeeeeee
5/29 2008 Back on Taxol w Herceptin q 2 weeks
4/2009 Progression on Taxol & Paralyzed L Vocal Cord from Nodes Pressing on Nerve
5/2009 Begin Rx with Navelbine/Herceptin
11/09 Progression on Navelbine
Fought for and started Tykerb/Herceptin...nodes are melting!!!!!
2/2010 Back to Avastin/Herceptin
5/2010 Switched to Metronomic Chemo with Herceptin...Cytoxan and Methotrexate
Pericardial Window Surgery to Drain Pericardial Effusion
7/2010 Back to walking a mile a day...YEAH!!!!
9/2010 Nodes are back with a vengence in neck
Qualified for TDM-1 EAP
10/6/10 Begin my miracle drug, TDM-1
Mixed response, shrinking internal nodes, progression skin mets after 3 treatments
12/6/10 Started Halaven (Eribulen) /Herceptin excellent results in 2 treatments
2/2011 I CELEBRATE my 9 YEAR MARK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
7/5/11 begin Gemzar /Herceptin for node progression
2/8/2012 Gemzar stopped, Continue Herceptin
2/20/2012 Begin Tomo Radiation to Neck Nodes
2/21/2012 I CELEBRATE 10 YEARS
5/12/2012 BeganTaxotere/ Herceptin is my next miracle for new node progression
6/28/12 Stopped Taxotere due to pregression, Started Perjeta/Herceptin
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06-29-2007, 05:55 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Sheboygan, WI
Posts: 2,582
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Only wanted to send a hug. So,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,HUGE HUGS I send you.
Mary Jo
__________________
"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
Dx. 6/24/05 age 45 Right Breast IDC ER/PR. Neg., - Her2+++ RB Mast. - 7/28/05 - 4 cm. tumor Margins clear - 1 microscopic cell 1 sent. node No Vasucular Invasion 4 DD A/C - 4 DD Taxol & Herceptin 1 full year of Herceptin received every 3 weeks 28 rads prophylactic Mast. 3/2/06
17 Years NED
<>< Romans 8:28
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06-29-2007, 05:58 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: South Florida
Posts: 477
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Hi Sheila,
I wanted to say hi and to tell you that I am happy to hear the news about your shrinking nodes! I do not have anything to add about your treatment schedule but thank you for sharing that information.
I think about you often and wish you well.
Love, Hope, and Peace,
Carolyn
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06-29-2007, 06:00 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Poland Ohio just a little south of Youngstown.
Posts: 473
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Hi Sheila
So glad to hear that the nodes are shrinking. Sorry about your hair though. I sure could have used your help in the head wrap department. I'm terrible with scarves. Right now, I'm still sticking with my ball caps. Hair is growing somewhat I guess, just not fast enough and I'm not brave enough yet to go hatless!
Just wanted to give you a hug and let you know how much I appreciate your upbeat posts and your great attitude.
Continue to do well, I'm praying for you.
Hugs
__________________
Susan
Age: 61
dx: 5/25/06
2 cm/ 0 nodes
Lumpectomy rt breast on 7/26/06
ER/PR- / Her2+++
A/C x 4
finished taxotere 2/07
finished 33 rads
Herceptin finished 12/07/07 Yippee!
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06-29-2007, 06:54 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Rowlett, TX
Posts: 138
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Hi Sheila, I loved scarves too. I also had a black knit/small brim hat. I'd use different scarves as 'hat bands' by wrapping around them and tying or using a pretty pin (or hair clip). My wig is lonely -- I've only worn it twice.. although I'll wear it twice more: for a funeral this weekend and a wedding next weekend. Scarves are so much more comfortable.
__________________
Janet in Rowlett Texas
Dx July 2006 IDC 1.8cm, ER-/PR- HER2+ (FISH 7), KI67 High (60%) grade 3, TOPO II neg
Aug2006: lumpectomy, SNB (4 nodes neg), Stage 1
Jan 2007: Finished 6 cycles of TCH (Taxotere, Carboplatin, Her ceptin). Then Herceptin every 3 weeks.
Feb 2007: Completed Radiation
May 2007: Stopped Herceptin due to low LVEF (49%)
July 2007: LVEF now 44% -- starting Coreg
May 2008: Heart NORMAL! Yippee.
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06-29-2007, 05:21 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Louisville KY
Naples FL
Posts: 665
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Hi Sheila
I am wishing you the best and say a prayer every night for my sisters who
wage the fight against breast cancer. So glad for good news.
patb
__________________
patb
Diagnosed June, 06, Stage I, Grade3, ER+PR- Her2positive, No Nodes. A/C X 4. Radiation 33 with boost, Herceptin every two weeks until Nov.
07, Arimedex for 5 years. Mugas and Echo and chest xRay. Bone scan of whole Body, and Back of Brain and spine MRI.
CT scan of Lungs every six months
due to two small places. December
2009, bone scan due to bone pain.
Follow up test in 2010.
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06-29-2007, 06:06 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Newton, MA
Posts: 951
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Hi Sheila,
I hope you get a response with this combo. It's not easy to be constantly taking chemo. I hope this works and you will be able to have a break. Thinking of you.
Barbara H.
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06-29-2007, 07:25 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 624
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I am so grateful to hear that your nodes are shrinking. I am sending more prayers and positive thoughts your way.
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06-29-2007, 09:07 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 3,154
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Shiela,
What a wonderful update! Glad those nodes are shrinking.....
The decadron is a tough go...keeps you wired and then you fall.
I found on the days that I took the decadron I would need a mild
sleeping pill which I had my dr. write a script for. It helped and I
was not up all night.
Your fighting back hard Shiela, so proud of you!
God Bless,
Jean
__________________
Stage 1, Grade 1, 3/30/05
Lumpectomy 4/15/05 - 6MM IDC
Node Neg. (Sentinel node)
ER+ 90% / PR-, Her2+++ by FISH
Ki-67 40%
Arimidex 5/05
Radiation 32 trt, 5/30/05
Oncotype DX test 4/17/06, 31% high risk
TOPO 11 neg. 4/06
Stopped Arimidex 5/06
TCH 5/06, 6 treatments
Herceptin 5/06 - for 1 yr.
9/06 Completed chemo
Started Femara Sept. 2006
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07-01-2007, 11:20 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Marengo, IL
Posts: 518
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Sheila,
Great news about the nodes getting smaller. I am so proud of you and the buzz. You embrace each new challenge with courage and optimism. What a wonderful example you are to so many, like me. I am sure you look beautiful in scaves.
Check that full size calendar. Will you be downtown on July 13? I will be there that entire day, first mamogram since being diagnosed, Herceptin and then seeing the surgeon and onc. Would be nice if we could do lunch or something.
We are in MN on a Habitat Build, then to SD to see our son. Great to be on the road again.
You are on my prayer list dear friend.
Donna
__________________
Donna
Crystal Lake, IL
Diagnosed 8/4/06 at age 54
Lumpectomy 8/30/06
Stage llA, grade 3, ER/PR-, Her2++
1.7 cm tumor, 1+ lymph node out of 9
Completed 4 A/C, & 4 Taxol with Herceptin
36 rads completed 5/16/07
Mammograms, 7/07 clear
fractured ribs in radiated area 10/07
Finished Herceptin 12/27/07
Mammogram,CT,tumor markers 1/08 - small lung nodules in radiated area, repeated tests 3/08 stable
Mammogram,CT ,tumor markers 6/08 stable
NED 2 years!!
3 years !!!
4years!!!!
4 years, 10 months and 8 day NED, calling it 5 years!!!
Official 5 years 8/30/2011
8/31/ 2012 - 6 years!!!!!!
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07-01-2007, 12:10 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Alaska/arizona
Posts: 26
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Yeah, shelia! I'm have fun with scarves, ball caps too! I just got my 4th TCH, 2 more to go! The Herc. for rest of yr. every 3 wks. The only hair growing on my head sinced I buzzed it is gray & coarse! I look like one of those hairless chuiahilua!. I'm also getting more comfortable w/o hair. So much so I walked into the store the other day & it took me a minute to figure out why every one was looking at me wierd then I realized I forgot my scarve! OOPs! LOL
Yahoo! shrinking nodes! My one palpable node is down and my tumor has shrunk about 1.5cm!
Totally relate to the down day, I just make that my "I'm gonna be a bum and spoil myself" day.
hugs
Vicki
__________________
 Vicki
dia 4/07 stage 3 grade2
4.3cm w/enlarge lymph nodes;
er/pr-,HER2+++;Ki67 55%
TCH X3 every 3wks till 8/7/07,
Herceptin till 4/4/08
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07-01-2007, 03:56 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Mountains of Virginia
Posts: 2,267
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Sheila,
I've been keeping up with your posts, and am so glad that you are having good results. Your are a rock to many of us.
Praying that all continues to go well!
________
Mature live
Last edited by sassy; 08-22-2011 at 09:21 AM..
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07-02-2007, 01:30 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Sydney Australia
Posts: 105
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Hi Sheila,
I have just finished Taxol today. I am glad that it is working so well for you. Apparently Taxol is one of the most efficient combos with Herceptin as it gives it a real BOOST!! I only had 6 cycles, (I think, I lose track....I started it on 12th March and final 2nd July) and I was fine until the end, when for the past ten days I have begun to have a sore mouth, not too much, but noticable. Look after yourself, thinking of you.
Roz
__________________
diagnosed June 03. Rt sided Inflammatory BC in rt lower quadrant. 7cm tumour. Also 3 DCIS. 3 rounds of EC, mastectomy with axillary clearance (12 nodes+ of 19). 1 more EC. 5 weeks of rads, with weekly booster to attack skin lymph involvement. 4 cycles of Taxol. Tamoxifen.Recurrence December 04, Herceptin started early Jan05,+ Arimidex.
NED 26 mths. Recurrence early Mar07. Taxol added to Herceptin. NED. Will have total of 6 cycles, then Aromisan and Herceptin. Early Oct 07, recurrence to the pesky right upper lobe, with some pleural thickening upper rt hemithorax. T/X now the treatment. May 2008, Taxatere and Herceptin for lung recurrence
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07-02-2007, 04:56 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Morris, IL
Posts: 3,507
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Roz
I have had a sore mouth since treatment 1....I am using a mouthwash for chemo pts. after each time I eat....between that and the nosebleeds, which I have never had in my life. I am wondering how much of the nosebleeds has to do with the benedryl drying everything out. I am also very careful what I eat so my mouth doesn't get sore...no citrus, no carbonation, no spicy foods....
__________________
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
Hugs & Blessings
Sheila
Diagnosed at age 49.99999 2/21/2002 via Mammography (Calcifications)
Core Biopsy 2/22/02
L. Mastectomy 2/25/2002
Stage 1, 0.7cm IDC, Node Neg from 19 nodes Her2+++ ER PR Neg
6/2003 Reconstruction W/ Tissue Expander, Silicone Implant
9/2003 Stage IV with Mets to Supraclavicular nodes
9/2003 Began Herceptin every 3 weeks
3/2006 Xeloda 2500mg/Herceptin for recurrence to neck nodes
3/2007 Added back the Xeloda with Herceptin for continued mets to nodes
5/2007 Taken Off Xeloda, no longer working
6/14/07 Taxol/Herceptin/Avastin
3/26 - 5/28/08 Taxol Holiday Whopeeeeeeeee
5/29 2008 Back on Taxol w Herceptin q 2 weeks
4/2009 Progression on Taxol & Paralyzed L Vocal Cord from Nodes Pressing on Nerve
5/2009 Begin Rx with Navelbine/Herceptin
11/09 Progression on Navelbine
Fought for and started Tykerb/Herceptin...nodes are melting!!!!!
2/2010 Back to Avastin/Herceptin
5/2010 Switched to Metronomic Chemo with Herceptin...Cytoxan and Methotrexate
Pericardial Window Surgery to Drain Pericardial Effusion
7/2010 Back to walking a mile a day...YEAH!!!!
9/2010 Nodes are back with a vengence in neck
Qualified for TDM-1 EAP
10/6/10 Begin my miracle drug, TDM-1
Mixed response, shrinking internal nodes, progression skin mets after 3 treatments
12/6/10 Started Halaven (Eribulen) /Herceptin excellent results in 2 treatments
2/2011 I CELEBRATE my 9 YEAR MARK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
7/5/11 begin Gemzar /Herceptin for node progression
2/8/2012 Gemzar stopped, Continue Herceptin
2/20/2012 Begin Tomo Radiation to Neck Nodes
2/21/2012 I CELEBRATE 10 YEARS
5/12/2012 BeganTaxotere/ Herceptin is my next miracle for new node progression
6/28/12 Stopped Taxotere due to pregression, Started Perjeta/Herceptin
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07-02-2007, 06:23 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Acworth, GA
Posts: 2,104
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I was plagued with mouth sores when I was on Taxatore. My oncologist prescribed "magic mouth wash" which contained bendryl but that did not work for me. It made my lips and tongue feel swollen. She then presribed a different mouthwash that worked wonderfully, unfortunately I can't recall the name of it. I remember eataing a lot of jello! The taxanes are very hard on the system but they do work.
__________________
Kate
Stage IIIC Diagnosed Oct 25, 2005 (age 58)
ER/PR-, HER2+++, grade 3, Ploidy/DNA index: Aneuploid/1.61, S-phase: 24.2%
Neoadjunct chemo: 4 A/C; 4 Taxatore
Bilateral mastectomy June 8, 2006
14 of 26 nodes positive
Herceptin June 22, 2006 - April 20, 2007
Radiation (X35) July 24-September 11, 2006
BRCA1/BRCA2 negative
Stage IV lung mets July 13, 2007 - TCH
Single brain met - August 6, 2007 -CyberKnife
Oct 2007 - clear brain MRI and lung mets shrinking.
March 2008 lung met progression, brain still clear - begin Tykerb/Xeloda/Ixempra
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07-02-2007, 07:39 AM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 27
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So happy to hear your good news. I wish I was clever with scarves. I tend to stick mainly with ballcaps. I've said, after this, I may never wear another one again. Thinking about you and sending up a prayer.
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07-02-2007, 10:37 AM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 2,357
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Hi Sheila!
I had the nose bleeds with the Taxol also. I had kleenex in the pocket of everything I owned! But they stopped with the end of Taxol. I tried to be good about the no spicy foods, but after treatment, the first 3 days, I had to have spicy to taste anything. Otherwise it was like eating cardboard!
I'm so very glad that it is all working for you. You are such a wonderful giver and example to us all. God bless your battle! ma
__________________
MA in TX.
Grateful for each and every day....
Diag. 12/05 at age 60
Stage II, Grade 3, 4.5 cm primary tumor
ER/PR- Her2 +3 strongly positive
Her2 by FISH 7.7 amplified
vascular invasion
Ki67 20% borderline
Jan - March '06 Taxotere/Adriamycin X 3 to try to shrink tumor - it grew
April '06 Rt Modified Radical Mas, 7 of 9 nodes positive
April - Aug. '06 Herceptin/Taxol/Carboplatin X 8 (dose dense)
Sept - Dec. '06 Navelbine/Herceptin x 8 (dose dense)
Radiation & Herceptin Jan. 22 - March 1, 2007
Finished Herceptin Dec. 10 '08! One extra year.
Port removed August, 2012.
8 1/2 years since diagnosis! 5 1/2 Years NED!
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07-02-2007, 03:28 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2006
Location: California
Posts: 668
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Doses
I'm receiving Herceptin every other week now that am back on navelbine. I know it's a lot of calendaring we need to do, but oh well....
Sending you positive vibes...
__________________
1994 - rt brst, .lump, underarm node dissection,chemo+rad 1.2 cms, Grade 3.
28 nodes neg
Er,Pr, Positive HER2 status unknown
2003- Recur to rt lung.July 16 ( B-Day!)
Her2+++ Er,Pr, Negative
2003 - Aug04--Navelbine + Herceptin
2004- 2007--NED - Herceptin, only
2007 Feb-April Xeloda added to hereceptin
2007-May Back on Navelbine+Herceptin
2008-Feb-Mar 15 Ses Rad to Rt. Lung
2008- Oc 17 Add Tykerb to Herceptin
2009- June-- Discont Tykerb
2009 July 7--Current Taxol + Herceptin
2009 Dec--Discontinued treatment due to progression. Looking into cyberknife.
2010-Aug Accepted to TDM1, no SE, except liver count went up.
2010-2011 September got kicked out of the trial, due to a small spot found on lung.
2011- 2012 September thru early 2013 on Herceptin
2013- March Bone density shows small spot on 5th rib.
2013 - April 4th appt with onc. will post after discussing course of treatment.
2013-March-April Cyber knife to brain and radiation to rib. Chest --base line before chemo-CT-Scan stable for lung issue. CA2729 Normal.
2013 April Herceptin- TDMI
2013 Sept Herceptin + Perjeta . CA2729 within normal range. Brain and Pet scans October 31st. will post results.
2013 October Brain MRI- mixed response. Will see Onc/rad on Halloween.
2013 October/November Brain-MRI nothing new. Repeat MRI next year in May.
2013 December Continue Herceptin and Perjeta. Stable at the moment.
2014 February Brain MRI -clear!
2014 January Added Taxotere to Perjeta+Herceptin.
2014 March Stopped chemo-chest ct-scan next.
2014- March Scans shows tumor's larger, CA2729 higher. Discontinue Herceptin.
2014 April Perjeta+ Halaven
2014 April CA2729 went down 60 points after one cycle. Cough does not want to go away.
2014 June Continue on Perjeta + Halaven-- no more cough. Stable
2014 June Back on Herceptin + abraxane
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