Confused about Herceptin

[ita]

Hello all,

I just recently found this site although I was dx 12/03. I had Stage 1, grade 3, no nodes, unclean margins, her2+, er/pr+++. I was given 4 dose-dense treatments of AC and 25 rads. I had bilateral mast with recon and a total hyter even though I do not carry the BRCA 1/2 genes. My onc told me about Herceptin but I specifically remember being told that the I would not need the drug since the cancer had not metastasized. Also that if I was given the drug and the cancer recurred there would not be much out there that could help me.

Now I hear from friends who have gone through the same thing that we can't take it now since our last chemo was so long ago. My questions is 1) Could Herceptin have been given to me even though the cancer had not metastasized? If so, what was my doc thinking? 2) Am I a tiking time bomb when it comes to this HEr2/neu receptor? I have a 3 month appt coming up this week and I wan to be prepared with all the questions necessary. I get CT scan, PET scans and bones scans every year. Are those too far apart? Shousl I get them sooner? Are there any other blood tests that need to be administered.
I truly appreciate your replies,
Ita

[Bev]

Hi Ita,

Stay tuned to the board because ASCO studies will be posted this week and may apply to your case. I don't think herceptin was routinely given to people in your shoes, but ask, I think it's worth doing.

I'm stage 2. My onc doesn't do any scans except chest xray. I guess they figure it's not going to show up unless you have a symptom.

Congrats on being 3 years out. I'm sure others will respond shortly with more definitive info. BB

[chrislmelb]

I was diagnosed 9/03. herceptin was only available on trial then. i was put into control arm and missed out. now, after the trial results were released early last year, i am getting it late(18 mths after chemo) for two years. So i am yet another trial to see how it works inbetween initial treatment and mets.

About the scans, i wouldn't get them done any more than yearly as you are giving yourself unnecessary radiation. Lots of oncs only recommend them when there are symptoms. I get them yearly as i am on trial
Take care
Christine

[ita]

Thank you both for replying. I will keep you posted as to what my doc says.

Ita