Chemo Options

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Oct 95--a 3 cm lobular carcinoma in left breast (Stage 3A adenocarcinoma). 12 of 17 lymph nodes were involved. I had a left mastectomy followed by CAF for 4 cycles. Subsequently, autologous stem cell transplant (Mar 96) plus radiation therapy(June- July 96). All was well, until in late Apr of this year my kidneys became dilated. The initial diagnosis was a fibrotic obstruction of the ureters in the retroperitoneum. After stents placed in ureters collapsed, I underwent bilateral percutaneous nephrostomy tube placement to save the kidneys. A laparoscopic exploration to free up the ureters was unsuccessful due to the extent of the growth. Biopsies revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma consistent  with lobular carcinoma of the breast. The left ovary / fallopian tube was suspicious and removed.
     I am beginning 4 to 6 months of chemo with Navelbine --- the goal is to shrink the cancer and the fibrosis (which I am told was cancer induced) to regain normal bladder function. The baseline CA 15.3 was 87 ---now 112.  Had a bad reaction  one- half hour after Navelbine;  vomiting, diarrhea, cough, wheezing and difficulty Breathing.
     Navelbine is reported to be less debilitating, but does not seem to work for me. I am looking for an optional treatment that will be effective and more tolerable.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear bbunch:  Chemotherapy can be very difficult to tolerate.  Having said that, other drugs that have been used in breast cancer with some success are paclitaxel (taxol), docetaxel (taxotere), and trastuzumab (herceptin) - if the tumor is Her2+.