skin metsrash

Dear All
I have been on Carbo/herc for post 2nd mastectomy and some skin mets which are darker purple have slowly been fading. Trouble is my bloods have been so low attimesI have had it every 6 weeks. In the meantime a rash which had been there a little seems to be increasing and I have made a extra appointment with my onc for WEd to discussit.
We kind of toiuched on it before cause I thought the dark ones had increased but he didn't.
I was to have radiation for post op and he mentioned if it was more mets wewouldn't do radiation . Why is that?
Also it must mean the carbo isn't working. I was going to get the Miltex but he said waituntil we used the carbo/ Xelodaworked really well and quickly but we finished and then 4 months late they were back.
He will probably send me for a biopsy and then ....... who knows.
Any advice
Thanks
Linda W

[Lolly]

Dear Linda, I can't remember what all you've had in the way of chemo's in the past, but keep in mind that some oncs will re-use a chemo that you had good results with previously, if it's been more than a year since the last time it was used. I had Navelbine a second time for second recurrence, and had good results. Ask about that option. Also, if you need to bolster your blood counts quickly, a transfusion is another option. I know, it's a little scary, but if you absolutely need to stay on schedule, it works. Hang in there, and keep us posted about Wednesday.

Love,
Lolly

Hi Linda- I had red blotches(almost purple) on my arms and hands for about 2 months. I was on herceptin and xeloda. One day I stayed out too long in the sun. We beleive it was from the chemos and the sun exposure. It took awhile but now they are completely gone. God Bless- Cathy

Linda it is my understanding that radiation doesn't do much for skin mets. I had 5 radiation treatments and wow, what a mess of skin mets. Unless one gets burned to the bone and then they manage some how to come back. Lolly is correct in saying you can go back on a previous chemo it worked the first time. I was on Taxol with Herceptin twice within a year it worked great. Then added Carbo to it for a year. Now, back on Taxol and Herceptin and it appears to be working again. I don't know about waiting for a year. That probably would make sense to do it that way. Your oncologist should be able to guide you based on previous responses or trying something new. We are all so different that who knows what may work for you. Please feel free to e-mail me if you would like. Good luck, hugs, Sandy

Thanks for the advice
I will see the onc tomorrow and probably have to do the biopsy thing again. I had taxol early on but got one red dot and we stopped - I think a bit premature. Navelbine did nothing but xeloda was great. I feel like there is plenty I can do - maybe I am feeling a bit scared cause i have had my wig off for about 2 months and am scared about a chemo that makes me loose hair again. But I know this is a minor details and will cope.
love
lindaw