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Old 08-16-2011, 10:50 AM   #1
Deb33
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Follow Up Chemo

Ok folks, I need some words of encouragement and know this is just the place to get them.

Got the results back from my remaining diseased breast tissue and am scheduled for 4 treatments of Adriamycin every 2 weeks and Xeloda, 7 days on/7 days off along with my remaining 10 Herceptin treatments.

I have heard HORRIBLE things about Adriamycin and am completely freaked out about starting the protocol - primarily because of the permanent heart damage it can cause.

For those of you who have or are currently on this protocol, can you give me an idea of what to expect? I have already completed 6 rounds of TCH and managed those side affects.
__________________
11/19/10 Identified swollen lymph node
1/24/11 Mammogram showed microcalcifications - no mass
2/4/11 Diagnosed ER/PR- HER2+++
2/23/11 Began TCH protocol every 21 days 6x
5/23/11 Ultrasound of originally diseased lymph node shows normal
7/25/11 Lymph node dissection - 8 of 14 show disease
7/29/11 Double mastectomy with reconstruction (expanders)
8/29/11 Begin follow up chemo - Adriamycin 4 treatments every 2 weeks and Xeloda. Self inject Nupogen shots
1/6/12 6 weeks of Radiation finished
2/13/12 Last Herceptin/remove port
3/27/12 PET/Brain Scan NED :)
8/15/12 Final reconstruction - hello nipples, good bye expanders
9/14/12 Rejected implant/infection. Implant removed
5/6/13 Latissumis Dorsi surgery left side with expander

PS - my photo was taken 5 days after my double mastectomy surgery and 6 weeks after my TCH was completed
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Old 08-16-2011, 11:20 AM   #2
snolan
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Re: Follow Up Chemo

Deb
Sorry to hear about the need for additional meds. I know that it can be frustrating and scary. I'm sure you will come through with flying colors. The fact that you are young and in good shape your less likely to have the effects on your heart, but I'm sure someone will chime in on that too. Wishing you good thoughts and prayers for the treatments to go fast and easy.
Suzanne
__________________
dx: DCIS 6/8/10, HER 2+ 7/26/10; Stage I Age 41
Double mast w reconstruction
6 TCH w 1yr herceptin
Tamox.
25 radiation tx
Removal of expander on L due to infection. Tried to save it had 3 bouts of antibiotics and went to see plastic surgeon 2-3x wk to get drained. Saving it was my idea not his. But lost it anyway.
Reconstruction set for December 21st,2011
Finished chemo 12/2010
Finished Herceptin 8/26/11
Reconstruction 12/21/11
Expanders exchanged for silicon 3/19/12
Nipple reconstruction 5/18/12
Nipple tatooing- 7/9/12- All done yay!
11/22/12-Went back to get scar tissue stretched to even the outside of breast, didn't work due to it being radiated skin.
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Old 08-16-2011, 11:54 AM   #3
kathyG
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Wink Re: Follow Up Chemo

Dear Deb33,
You are not alone in your fear of starting new protocols. I also am starting a new protocol and have no idea what it will entail. I will keep you in prayer, especially that there will be no heart damage for you.
Please pray that I will have no further neuropathy with mine. Good luck and God Bless. kathyG/Queazy
__________________
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Stage 1, grade 3, her+++
er 90%, pr 70%, KI-67 25%
1st Chemo 6/29/11
1st chemo taxotere and carboplatin (no good.)
2nd Chemo - Adriamycin and Cytoxan Hardly any side effects, Thank God.
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Old 08-16-2011, 11:58 AM   #4
Gerri
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Re: Follow Up Chemo

Hi Deb,

I went through treatment in '06 and Adriamycin was pretty standard back then. I hope (assume) you have a port; I didn't and my veins were blasted! I got my port in time for Taxol, but the damage had been done. I did very well on it with pre-meds and (unfortunately) steroids for 3 days with each treatment. I didn't start Herceptin until I was done with Adria - I believe the concern was that both drugs can affect your heart function so they weren't given at the same time. You are probably already being monitored closely but you may want to ask if that is still a concern.

Best of luck to you!
__________________
Gerri
Dx: 11/23/05, Lumpectomy 12/12/05
Tumor 2.2 cm, Stage II, Grade 3, Sentinel Node biopsy negative
ER+ (30%) /PR+ (50%), HER2+++
AC X 4 dose dense, Taxol X 4 dose dense
Herceptin started with 2nd Taxol, given weekly until chemo done
then given every 3 weeks for one year ending on March 16, 2007
Radiation 30 treatments
Tamoxifen - 2 yrs (pre-menopausal)
May 2008 - Feb 2012 Femara
Aug 2008 - Feb 2012 Zometa every 6 months
March 2012 - Stop Femara, now Evista for bone strengthening
**********
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Old 08-16-2011, 01:46 PM   #5
Deb33
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Re: Follow Up Chemo

I wasn't given a port but it is on my list of questions for my doc. I survived 6 TCH and an additional 3 Herceptin only via vein but have been told the Adriamycin is especially tough. I have been told that I won't be on the 3 days of steroids like I was with the TCH but will be taking Emend for the nausea. I worked during the last batch - did you work, or feel well enough to work during yours?

Thanks for your feedback.
__________________
11/19/10 Identified swollen lymph node
1/24/11 Mammogram showed microcalcifications - no mass
2/4/11 Diagnosed ER/PR- HER2+++
2/23/11 Began TCH protocol every 21 days 6x
5/23/11 Ultrasound of originally diseased lymph node shows normal
7/25/11 Lymph node dissection - 8 of 14 show disease
7/29/11 Double mastectomy with reconstruction (expanders)
8/29/11 Begin follow up chemo - Adriamycin 4 treatments every 2 weeks and Xeloda. Self inject Nupogen shots
1/6/12 6 weeks of Radiation finished
2/13/12 Last Herceptin/remove port
3/27/12 PET/Brain Scan NED :)
8/15/12 Final reconstruction - hello nipples, good bye expanders
9/14/12 Rejected implant/infection. Implant removed
5/6/13 Latissumis Dorsi surgery left side with expander

PS - my photo was taken 5 days after my double mastectomy surgery and 6 weeks after my TCH was completed
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Old 08-16-2011, 02:41 PM   #6
Gerri
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Re: Follow Up Chemo

Without a port the Adriamycin had to be done as an IV push - very slowly. Maybe I didn't have very good veins because after 3 treatments it was very difficult for the chemo nurse to find one - drawing blood was a challenge too. I insisted on a port for the rest of my treatment and it made things so much easier! I know some of the other members of the board had this same regimen and did okay without a port, everyone is different.

I worked full time the entire time I was on chemo. I took off every other Friday for treatment and was back to work on Monday. Fortunately I had a job where I could sit most of the day. I never did get sick - a little nausea, but I controlled that with Sprite and soda crackers. I was very lucky with how well I did.

It sounds like you have handled treatment so far very well and I am sure you will continue to do so.

Wishing you the best as you go forward. You will do great!
__________________
Gerri
Dx: 11/23/05, Lumpectomy 12/12/05
Tumor 2.2 cm, Stage II, Grade 3, Sentinel Node biopsy negative
ER+ (30%) /PR+ (50%), HER2+++
AC X 4 dose dense, Taxol X 4 dose dense
Herceptin started with 2nd Taxol, given weekly until chemo done
then given every 3 weeks for one year ending on March 16, 2007
Radiation 30 treatments
Tamoxifen - 2 yrs (pre-menopausal)
May 2008 - Feb 2012 Femara
Aug 2008 - Feb 2012 Zometa every 6 months
March 2012 - Stop Femara, now Evista for bone strengthening
**********
Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look
back and realize they were the big things.
- Robert Brault
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Old 08-16-2011, 08:52 PM   #7
ElaineM
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Wink Re: Follow Up Chemo

Good luck with the new protocol. I hope it works great for you !!!!!!!!!
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Old 08-17-2011, 05:10 AM   #8
Sheila
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Re: Follow Up Chemo

Deb
You look amazing ing the photo for all you had gone through....sounds like you have managed well....sorry to hear about the new line of defense being added, but with the new drugs to prevent side effects, I am sure you will do fine. I agree that a port is the easiest with this combo. I believe there is a drug they can give to you IV to protect the heart, like heart guard or something ...you may want to ask. I do know that you cant get Herceptin while getting AC due to heart toxicity, but can resume when the AC is complete.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers
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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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Old 08-17-2011, 01:08 PM   #9
schoolteacher
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Re: Follow Up Chemo

Thinking of you Deb. Let us know what you decide.

Amelia
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Old 08-17-2011, 01:41 PM   #10
tricia keegan
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Re: Follow Up Chemo

I also had a job done on my veins by the adriamycin and requested a port by the third treatment so try to get one if you can. I agree too they don't give this with herceptin as both together may be too damaging on the heart, this drug was no picnic but do able and I'm sure you'll be fine. I had overwhelming fatigue though so could'nt work and needed to nap every day.
Good luck and hope any side effects are few!
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Dx July '05 IDC 1.9cm Triple positive 3/9 nodes positive
A/C X 4 ..Taxol/Herceptin x 12 wks then herceptin 1 yr
Rads x 36 ..oophorectomy August '06
Currently taking Arimidex..
June 2011 osteopenia/ zometa x1 yearly- stopped Zometa 2015 as Dexa show normal bone density.
Stopped Arimidex July 2014- Restarted Arimidex 2015 for a further two years on the advice of my Onc.
2014 Normal Dexa scan
2018 Mammo all clear, still NED!
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Old 08-17-2011, 01:48 PM   #11
Mary L
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Re: Follow Up Chemo

Deb,I just wanted to wish you the very best. So sorry you have to go through more chemo but I also had to go through more. I had to take adriamycin and I took Zofran which helped a lot with the nausea. I really didn't have to many side affects with Herceptin. It saved my life so I am so happy that it was there for me when I needed it. Most of my side effects are gone or not any problem now. I hope everythng goes well for you. Mary L
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Mary L from PA Diag: Oct 2003 w/6mm mass, IDC grade III ductal carcinoma in-situ, IBC stage IIIB. tx A/C followed by Taxotere(only able to have 2 tx, allergic), mastectomy, 3 0ut of 7 positive nodes. 35 rads. Recurrence 9 months later, skin mets to mastectomy site. Tx Carboplatin/Herceptin. Stayed on Herceptin almost 5 years, had 3 more recurrences when I had to stop Herceptin due to my ejection fraction getting too low. Herceptin stopped and ned 3 years in Oct. 2010.
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Old 08-17-2011, 09:07 PM   #12
Elizabethtx
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Re: Follow Up Chemo

Hugs and prayers, you can do it! We are with you!
__________________
Diagnosed: Feb 2010 @ 46 yrs old
Invasive Ductual Carcinoma, left
2/28/10 Bilateral Mastectomy (tissue saving for future reconstruction)
3.2 cm 2/18 +lymph nodes
Stage 2b; E+/P+/Her2 +++
Nottingham score grade 2
Ki67 30%
3/2010 A/C 4 DD/2wks
5/2010 Herceptin/Taxotere 4D/3wks
8/2010 Herceptin until May 2011
Tamoxifin 20mg
9/2010 RAD 34 treatments
Pet scan Aug 2010 clear
Port removed July 2011
Bone scan, chest MRI 12/11 clear
Vaccine trial began Oct 2011








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Old 08-17-2011, 09:55 PM   #13
candlegranny
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Re: Follow Up Chemo

i had my adrimiacin first with cytoxin. it was not as bad as the taxotere and herceptin I got the 2d round. ask doc for zofran for nausea. I was told the adrimiacin was very hard on you but i found it far more tolerable than my 2nd protocol. I didnt get the adrimiacin in my port, it went in my vein. nurse said we could not do a drip. but the push instead. my prayers are with you.
__________________
Mammogram Sep 21, 2009 everything good and clear
DX jan 19,2010 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Grade 2 Age 56
modified radical masectomy on LEFT side 29 Jan 2010
2.7 cm 18/31 nodes
mets to just above collar bone ( 2 nodes showed in PET)
ER- PR - / Her2 +++ (IHC) Stage 111 C
ki-67 60% nottingham score 7
A/C chemo mar 22,2010 DD
herceptin & taxotere DD june 1,2010
finished taxotere july 12, 2010
finished herceptin 16 May 2011
PET Scan 9 Aug 10, cancer in neck is gone! NED
33 Rads completed 1 Oct 2010
PET/CT Scan 6 Jan 2011 NED
PET/CT Scan 3 Aug 2011
MUGA 59% 3/22/10 -63% 9/23/10 - 51% 1/4/11 - 55% 2/17/11 - 50% 8/3/11
26 Aug 2011 NED
20 Feb 2012 NED
5 Mar 2012 PORT OUT
12 July 2012 DIEP breast reconstruction
23 Aug 2012 NED
15 Nov 2012 new breast tweeked and natural breast uplifted and implant added
17 Feb 2013 NED
27 mar 2013 lipo suction to add fat cells to new breast in hopes for needed adjustment.


"Don't spend your time worrying about when or how you are going to die, spend your time figuring out how you are going to live today". ~Elizabeth Edwards.
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Old 08-18-2011, 11:14 AM   #14
kathyG
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Red face Re: Follow Up Chemo

HI folks,
It sounds as though most of you got through the Adriomycin with some tolerable side affects. I'm glad to hear that as I start Adriomycin and Cytoxin in two weeks for 4 treatments. I pray it is easier than the taxotere which I was unable to tolerate. I have to wait for the two weeks because I had the herceptin last week and it has to be out of my system before I can begin the next round of chemo. I am praying for all of you and hope you will pray for me as well. God Bless.
kathyG/Queazy
__________________
kathyG
Stage 1, grade 3, her+++
er 90%, pr 70%, KI-67 25%
1st Chemo 6/29/11
1st chemo taxotere and carboplatin (no good.)
2nd Chemo - Adriamycin and Cytoxan Hardly any side effects, Thank God.
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Old 08-18-2011, 11:49 AM   #15
snolan
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Re: Follow Up Chemo

I would ask about the port, it is very easy to put in, and doesn't hurt when accessed for treatment. Good luck.
__________________
dx: DCIS 6/8/10, HER 2+ 7/26/10; Stage I Age 41
Double mast w reconstruction
6 TCH w 1yr herceptin
Tamox.
25 radiation tx
Removal of expander on L due to infection. Tried to save it had 3 bouts of antibiotics and went to see plastic surgeon 2-3x wk to get drained. Saving it was my idea not his. But lost it anyway.
Reconstruction set for December 21st,2011
Finished chemo 12/2010
Finished Herceptin 8/26/11
Reconstruction 12/21/11
Expanders exchanged for silicon 3/19/12
Nipple reconstruction 5/18/12
Nipple tatooing- 7/9/12- All done yay!
11/22/12-Went back to get scar tissue stretched to even the outside of breast, didn't work due to it being radiated skin.
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Old 08-18-2011, 02:19 PM   #16
Ellie F
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Re: Follow Up Chemo

Hi
I had 4 doses of adriamycin slowly by injection into a vein. I had no problems from this at all. I found adriamycin more tolerable than taxotere except got bad indigestion so took a couple of antacids and this did the trick. My onc would not give me herceptin until I had finished adriamycin as he said the risk was to high but this may have changed with further research.Did not have a steroid but had zofran afterwards which was really effective
Hope this helps
Ellie
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