What is next after Tykerb?

JimmyM
JimmyM Member Posts: 4
edited June 2014 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
What is next after Tykerb?
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  • JimmyM
    JimmyM Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2007

    My wife had HER2 stage 2, 6 years ago. 6 rounds of chemo and 35 radiation treatments. Never missed an appointment or test. In July it was back with a vengeance showing in the chest, lymph, liver, bones, etc.  Three rounds of Abraxane +Herceptin and Zometa each month. Last scan showed it growing slightly in lymph and liver.  New regimen is Tykerb and Xeloda.  Does anyone have any info on these drugs.  It appears the side effects may be miserable and she has trouble swallowing pills.  JimmyM

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  • WendyV
    WendyV Member Posts: 596
    edited November 2007

    Hi Jimmy - I would recommend posting this inquiry on the the recurrance and metasatic thread.  There are some women on this thread that are currently taking tykerb and xeloda.  I'm Her2+ Stage IV too, and so far herceptin is doing it's thing.  Tykerb was just recently approved this year and I beleive there is a clinical trial going on for 2 meds that help herceptin regain it's effectiveness.   Sorry  I can't be more help, but I'm sure some of the women on the metastatic thread can share their expertise.  Prayers for you and your wife!

    Wendy

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  • JimmyM
    JimmyM Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2007

    Thanks Wendy and God bless

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  • lkc
    lkc Member Posts: 1,203
    edited November 2007

    Hi Jimmy,

    I have done alot of research on Tykerb, and it does have some side effects, but has shown to be extremely effective There is also a new approved drug for patients that can not tolerate it that has recently become available.

    i would suggest visiting the her2support group on line. there is a wealth of information for women who are her pos and have mets.

    God Bless.

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  • tooyoungtohavebc
    tooyoungtohavebc Member Posts: 779
    edited November 2007

    Hi there,

    I have been taking tykerb/xeloda for 5 months now. Am Her2+ and stage 4. Tumors shrunk pretty quickly. Lots of odd side effects but doc adjusts dosage of xeloda which helps side effects. Seems like new ones pop up the longer I am on them as well, but I have been working the entire time. About to take some time off though. Here is my list of stuff:

    -very dry skin on fingertips and feet..blistering too but got better with reduced xeloda

    -fatigue

    -major stomach issues..bloating, water retention, heartburn, nausea

    -depression: lower dosage helped this too

    -sensitive scalp..this is a recent one

    -mouth sores and sensitive tongue

    Sounds scary but the drugs are working as I can tell the tumors have shrunk.

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  • JimmyM
    JimmyM Member Posts: 4
    edited December 2007

    Thanks tooyoungtohave bc  I appreciate the information and am encouraged by your comments.  God bless

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  • tooyoungtohavebc
    tooyoungtohavebc Member Posts: 779
    edited December 2007

    Hey another update for you. Recent blood tests and mammo showed good results! And by accident I discovered that if I take Tykerb 1 hour AFTER breakfast, that the stomach issues have been greatly reduced. I was taking it before breakfast prior.

    Also got a water pill (lasik) to help with water retention which has also made a difference.

    Good luck to your wife! Keep up the fight!

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