Perjeta/Herceptin/Taxotere

I went off just the taxotere for a 3 week cycle but still did p and h. I felt great with no D. I ran around Disney chasing 4 kids like a wild woman!

That's a relief.  I have had D with the Xeloda but believe it or not, I've actually GAINED weight while on it.  I have put Immodium everywhere (by my bed, in the bathroom, in the kitchen, in my car, in my desk drawer, in my purse).  I'll be happy with Stable Boy again.  I'm glad to hear that you guys are able to work, travel, etc.  It makes me feel like this will be doable.  Hopefully it will be effective AND doable.  

Anyone have any issues with dizziness? I read somewhere that dizziness is an issue and you shouldn't drive after taking it.  Not a big deal for most of my life - I walk to work, my kids get themselves to school, I can order most things (like groceries or clothes) on-line, and my oldest (hopefully) will be getting her license soon.  But I have to either drive or take public transportation (commuter train and Subway) to get to my onc.  My friend is going to come with me to the first one just to see how it goes but I cant expect her to take time off from work every three weeks to take me.  Just trying to plan as much as I can.

Thanks all. I'm feeling much better about this change.

Its been since mid January that I've only been on p/h and my scan is scheduled for Tuesday. I've got a big pit in my stomach and am trying not to cry but I'm so sad thinking about going back to the tax



I knew it wasn't going to last, but problem is that its been so great having a break from tax. I haven't felt this good in years "relatively".



My heart has hope for more months off the tax but my brain says its not likely to happen. Last tumor markers had risen a bit are have probably rose again. The scans will give the answer.



I have so much anxiety I don't know what to do with myself. :-(

Good luck spoon and Jo w the scans. Saying prayers

Lori I am so happy to hear your news. Yay. I guess u will continue thp or woolly u just do p& h? Batb

Per my onc, typically for an ER+ patient...three rounds of perjeta/ herceptin/ tax is the norm and if its working they usually drop the tax in favor of a hormonal.

jo that is great news!    lets keep this going.  ned for everyone!

AIC in a way I'm sorry that I'm moving on since I don't want to use up all of my options as long as the perjeta is still keeping me stable.  But my onc suggested the TDM1 saying that we could always go back to the Perjeta if we had to and that the Perjeta would probably still help to keep me stable if we needed it in the future.  Even with all of the side effects, I was able to continue working full time and to travel as needed, so I am thankful for that.  I just couldn't get past the big D.  I would have a good day and then the next four would be dreadful.  I was totally sleep deprived as most of my big D issues were at night.  Can't afford to lose any more weight.  I have lost almost 20 lbs. on the perjeta, but I was slim to begin with and am not a tall person, so 20 lbs. for me is a lot.  I have certainly found that the TDM1 is not without side effects, but am so glad that Shaysmom prepared me for it so I wasn't caught unexpected.  Still, for me, much more manageable than the Perjeta/Herceptin/Afinitor, even with still taking the Afinitor.  I can deal with the headache for two days and with the loss of appetite and tiredness for a few days.  Now a week later I feel almost normal, with still a big of the big D hanging on, but definitely getting better.  The great thing is that there are options for all of us.  I am hoping that the Perjeta works well for everyone for a long time, but it's nice to know that TDM1 is there as an options.  Prayers and blessings to all.

So glad to hear all of the good news! I am getting my last taxotere right now (16 straight). I finally felt really tired this cycle and haven't been to the gym in a month. I asked my onc if that was normal. He said, "You've been getting your a$$ kicked! Sure it's normal! You will feel much better 6 weeks from now!" I am due another echo. I have had some mild ankle swelling which worries me, but he said his swell as badly as mine, and he saw no other signs of an issue. The echo will tell the tale!



Pearlady- praying for you and your switch! Hope it is perfect for you!

Kingcour I too am missing the gym. I used to walk 4 miles a day, now I go twice around the block. Can only walk 9 holes of golf.Do half Zumba class if any. My physical activities are so limited.

Oops...I meant six....not three. She just mentioned that to me when I had my third round on Monday. Going to scan in a couple of weeks and if it's working she said we'll do it for three more rounds...six total...and then replace the tax with a hormonal.

I heard taxotere 6 times too.

Kingcour thank you so much for your prayers.  You will definitely feel better six weeks from now.  I'm looking forward to also getting back to the gym.  I haven't gone much lately since I've had trouble getting up in the morning after all of the big D late at night.  Things will be different for me also in a few weeks.  Already I can feel the positive shift.  Prayers to you also.  Praying that your echo is perfect.  I also had a problem with anke swelling a few months back, but the echo was good. It went away and hasn't come back since. 

Happy to hear people are having good news from scans!  I was going to be scanned in March but onc postponed because all my blood tests...liver enzymes & tumor markers are down to normal so she said the news is good and will wait a bit longer to see more improvement in liver tumors.  I'm on navelbine (had tax first go around in 09), herceptin and perjeta...and the perjeta diarrhea seems to be balanced with navelbine constipation, thank goodness. 

Just wanted to check to see how you're all doing.  Bondgirl...I'm glad you had great fun with your family!  A good bit of advice for all of us   We have our 40th anniversary in September & am hoping to take the family to Hawaii in January!   Love to All!