Lolly

I just got my scan results. No liver or lung involvement, but lymph. Lolly, I know you have had this. What chemos and protocal were you on and for how long? Anybody else experienced this, please, input
Mickey

After being on Navelbine/Herceptin/Zometa for months, I had lymph node involvement in the stomach area. Was put on Taxol/Herceptin/Zometa, where the lymph nodes mets disappeared rather quickly. Stayed on it for months, though, for the liver. Then just last week, PET showed lymph node activity around the heart, the stomach, and bladder. Stopped Taxol and started Gemzar.

Love and light,

Lisa

Hi Mickey,

Which part of your body is involved in their lymph nodes? Do you know if they can either remove or perform a biopsy for final confirmation on its tumor status?

Mine is up near my left collarbone, which is identified as "supraclavicular" nodes. I have been biopsied there once, and it revealed cancerous. I have been stable (so far - knock on wood) on hormonal therapy as well as Herceptin.

There is confusion on the node involvment (not under armpits): some people say it's still categorized in stage 3, since it's considered "regional" (or was it "local"?) recurrence, others declare as stage 4.

I am stage 4 anyway, since I recurred to a brain met (done on crainotomy, now clear so far).

Thanks, Jojo and Lisa
I am not sure yet where the nodes are. I haven't even talked to the Dr. I insisted on getting the results before I talked to him. The waiting kills me. I am also stage 4 already, due to brain and previous lung issues

[Lolly]

Hi Mickey; great news on the clean liver and lungs!

I've been on Navelbine/Herceptin combo twice for active supraclavicular/neck and axilla nodes; both times for six months with Herceptin continued as maintenance. First time in 2001 had a complete response and was NED for 2 and 1/2 years; second time in 2004, with no evidence of "active" disease since although I'm hoping to have a PET/CT fusion soon to check out the axilla area again as it's been bothering me lately...Anyway, the Navelbine/Herceptin combo has been very effective for me, and wasn't too hard to take. Low blood counts of course, and some stomach issues...had to have Kytril at the infusion, and have been on acid blockers since the first go round.

Keep us posted :)

<3,
Lolly

Hi, apart from chemo, I have been chasing lymph glands around my neck for the last 7 years and had good responses with radiaiton on its own, stubborn ones needed the chemo and I found Navelbine as well as carboplatin and Taxol worked.

hugs Lyn

Even though I and others have had lymph node involvement come back, there is good news. I understand from my onc that lymph nodes clear up much faster than organs. How long till you see your doc? Just call him/her. They will surely understand.

Love and light,

Lisa

I start chemo on Thursday, abraxane, herceptin. Chemo works well for me, tumors go away quickly. My doctors concern is that as soon as I go off chemo, except for herceptin alone, it comes back. My last chemo was in April and already the lymphs were affected. Herceptin alone apparently does not work for me.

Lolly, you mention supraclavicular lymph nodes and someone in this talk mentioned the neck. Can you both share the location of these lymph nodes of the neck? Are they by the collarbone or higher up on the sides? Do they biopsy a lymph node or do some other test?

Thanks.