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I was diagnosed with brain mets in September but we have only added Tykerb for now so I really can't help you with the Xeloda se. 

I started Tykerb at 1000 mg, am also getting Herceptin, Tamoxifen and Zometa.  Broke out in a bad rash and had some serious abdominal pain that was probably due to an ovarian cyst.  Stopped the Tykerb for about 10 days to get things under control and then restarted it at 750 mg, splitting it into 2 doses.  I'm tolerating that much better, I did switch the heavier dose to nights as it tends to make me a little gassy.  I've only had to take immodium one time and have been using whatever lotion I have around on my hands.  No problem with my feet but I believe the hand foot syndrome is more a se of the combination of Tykerb and Xeloda.  There's several creams whose names keep popping up, Bag Balm is one and Burts Bees is another.  I've got some Bag Balm but haven't used it on myself.....yet!   Sorry I can't be of more help.

I am currently on Herceptin, Tamoxifen, Zometa and added Tykerb this month.  Haven't had any chemo since February.  Onc feels that as stage IV its just a matter of time till chemo is needed again but why put more poison in my body until we have to.  1st sign of progression we will be adding Xeloda.

My rad onc hasn't billed for any copays, I was really afraid because my copay is $40 and that adds up in a hurry.

Don't let the statistics get to you, YOU ARE NOT A STATISTIC!  Also keep in mind that all statistics are outdated.....they spend several years gatthers information, several more years compiling it and coming up with their figures before finally releasing it to the public.  End result is that the statistics you see can be 5 to 10 years old by the time you read them.  Great advances have been made in the past few years and more are on the way. 

Talk to your doctor about your desire to skip the biopsy, with it being classified as Birads 5 they might be inclined to go along with you.  I know my onc made some assumptions about me that he soon learned weren't accurate, be clear about what you want. 

{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}} 

I am so sorry to hear this, many prayers headed your way!

Xeloda is very commonly used for brain mets as it has been shown to be effective.  I just finished WBR, I was already on Herceptin and we have added Tykerb to it as Tykerb has been shown to cross the blood brain barrier.  Should I start to show any progression Xeloda will be added.

Push your doctors for Xeloda and Tykerb, both are oral and neither should be denied based on hormone status.  Do you have the option of switching Onc or seeking a 2nd opinion?  I've never heard of an onc stating that the failure of one oral med means all oral meds are useless.

Yes, it does apply even if you are stable, you should be fast tracked through the application process.

Please tell your son to relay our thanks to his unit.  I am touched that they would do this for us while they are over there fighting!

I've pretty much stayed upbeat since my diagnosis a year ago.  It got a little rough a month ago when the brain mets were found but I was able to snap out of it pretty quick.  I think the fact that I've tolerated treatment very well has helped, not sure I could have kept it up otherwise.

Ohhh yeah, I'll take the bartender........Thanks Nancy!

Finally done, 50 zaps total, also got my Herceptin today.  Had plans to buy tires and do some shopping after but came home and napped on the couch instead.....maybe tomorrow I'll get some things done.  Barring any problems before hand I'll do scans in December to see how well the WBR worked.  Restarted the Tykerb today too, dropped it to 750 mg and split it up, 2 in the morning and 1 at night.  I'm hoping that if I can tolerate it at this level, maybe I can bump it back up to a full dose later.  It's going to be weird not leaving work every morning to go get zapped, I've been doing it since August!