Herceptine

My sister was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer back in August of 03. She did the chemo and radiation. About three weeks ago they found the cancer had spread to her liver. They put her on herceptine. I saw here this past weekend and I don't see how she can survive. She has lost a lot of weight and her liver has swollen to the point that she pregnant. The doctors say the hercpetin needs 4 - 8 weeks to do its stuff. Has anyone experienced someone who looked like they couldn't possibly recover yet turn around? I love her dearly and it breaks my heart to see her going through this. I would appreciate any information you can provide.

Hello Michael,

I'm sorry to hear about your sister's ordeal.

I am also stage 3. Had Herceptin in conjunction with Taxol. I responded to Taxol/Herceptin much quicker than A/C alone. My large tumor (6cm) disappeared totally.

What kind of chemo did your sister have?

Herceptin is a powerful drug. I'm sure it will do its job on your sister. Chins up! Be there for your sister.

Take care, hugs

Hi jojo, Thanks for the reply. I'm not sure what drugs she initially received but she has been getting navelbine and herceptin weeklky for the last three weeks. However she hasn't responded yet. We pray that she does. Thanks for your support. You hang in there too.

Michael,

My liver mets responded quickly to taxol/carboplatin/herceptin (weekly treatments). Pretty much gone after 11 weeks (largest 6.8 cm. Easy treatment to take weekly - I know that taxol & herceptin will also do the same thing for liver mets. Good luck.

Kitty

Keep the faith!!Yes!your sister's liver mets can remit!!I was dx'd w/liver mets @ primary dx, & at one point my CT scans described my liver mets as "multiple, innumerable", now I'm NED.It's been 8 1/2 months.
There are many women here with wonderful success stories who have been NED for many,many years.Keep the faith!I wish your sister well.
Prayers, faith & courage!

I was diagnosed with liver (and bone) mets over 25% of my liver in Sept. 03. I was 45. I have been on Navelbine/Herceptin since then. It took a while, but I now have only 3 tiny tumors left.

Was your sister taken off the Navelbine due to side effects? It was very tough on me for the first few months. I, too, lost a lot of weight (more than 30 pounds). But my onc believed that I had to perservere in order to survive. Seems he was right. If she was taken off Navelbine due to side effects, or even if not, please find out exactly why. There are some complementary things she can do for the side effects. Please feel free to e-mail me directly at lisalowe@qwest.net.

Love and light to you both,

Lisa