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View Full Version : Should I go on Herceptin?


Unregistered
03-15-2006, 09:27 AM
I was diagnosed at age 30. I had a 2.3 cm tumor that was a grade 2. I was her2neu positive, but I was never told the score. At the time of diagnosis, my dr. told me not to worry about it. I had a lumpectomy, 6 rounds of FEC chemo, and radiation. I had no lymph node involvement. I have been on tamoxifen for 2 years. I have had 1 MUGA scan, 2 PET scans, 6 CT scans, a million rounds of bloodwork and mammograms, and 2 breast MRIs. So far, so good. My dr. recently told me that if I am "highly motivated", I could go on herceptin now that is approved for early stage disease. I am concerned about doing this since he wasn't sure what benefit it would do me since I am 2.5 years out. He said it was my choice. The side effects of heart problems and other issues really scare me. I have read about people my age going from a 80% score on the MUGA scan to less than 40% after herceptin. My dr. is very advanced in his thinking compared to others in the area so I really trust him, but he has not put 100% support into me going on this medication and has left it up to me. I need help!! I was really hoping after my Tamoxifen to be able to try for a baby and all of this is really overloading me.

Joe
03-15-2006, 08:39 PM
The cardiotoxicity of Herceptin is <4% and is usually reversible after Herceptin is discontinued.

A score of 80% on a MUGA is abnormally high. The ideal range would be between 65 and 70%

Your oncologist should advise you about being pregnant on any type of chemo.

Regards
Joe

Bev
03-16-2006, 09:16 PM
Hi, my short answer is yes I think you should try herceptin. There are many people in your situation( 2 years out) desparately trying to find an onc to treat them with it. I've been on Herceptin 4 mos and no problems yet. Your post was on the 2nd page and I wanted to bump it to the front so you will get more responses. Good Luck, BB