Hi Linda,

I don't know about your markers, which I know is what is really worrying
you. I do know that when you initially start an estrogen inhibitor, your
markers rise initially and so they are not reliable for a couple of
months. I don't know if that is true when changing from one estrogen
inhibitor to another.

I had a relatively quick and good response on Xeloda. My markers went
right down to a nice two digit number. In all, I felt very good on
Xeloda. Unlike other chemos, where I have much fewer side effects, I had
lots of Xeloda side effects, though. Primarly, red swelling peeling
hands and feet. It sneaks up slowly, so you feel very good for a while.
I found that taking Vitamin b6 twice per day helped quite a bit. I upped
my dosage when I needed to. I also used lots of lotion, particularly
Eucerin and Bag Balm, both available at the drugstore. I bougbt larger
sized slide on shoes. I put cold packs on my feet at night if they felt
hot. I wore gloves religiously outside and at times, cotten gloves
inside as well. I wore rubber gloves at all times in the kitchen, like
my childhood friend's glamorous mother. Hopefully, staying on top of the
symptoms will help. I tend not to have too many side effects, so I
ignored them for a long time. Xeloda is generally a nice chemo and it is
so nice to be able to take pills. Also, there are very little concerns
about blood counts, which will make your winter a whole lot more
relaxing!

Good luck,

Chris

Linda, I am sorry to hear that you have been having a difficult time.  I am not
sure about the effects of treatment, but I did read on another site that
sometimes that after starting a treatment  that tumor markers may initially
rise but then start coming down.  I think they said that it (higher markers)
were due to the remaining antigens from the dead tumor cells that have not yet
been released.  I really don't understand the process that well, though.  If
you have concerns, you might want to get a second opinion.  My best thoughts
and prayers are with you.  Take care and (((Hugs)))

Linda,
I am very sorry to hear that this has happened. I too had a recur in nov
of last year.  I had MRM {with immediate recon lat flap and saline
implant} and I completed chemo on 6/6/03. {4 AC/4 Taxotere}
Unfortunately, I don't know anything or very little about the chemo
you're on or the use of tumor markers in this particualr situation.
I just wanted you to know that I saw your post and wanted you to know
that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
I hope you get this treatment problem worked out, so this can start to
resolve itself.
Take care there dear/God bless you
annie

Ultimately.....we know deeply that the other side of every fear is a
freedom.

"Courage"...is *fear* that has said it's prayers.