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I was on Herceptin from January 2001 until April of 2007. I stopped Herceptin due to progression; although still just fighting stubborn lymph nodes, more are now involved so have moved onto Tykerb.
No long term side effects that could be attributed directly to Herceptin except symptomless low LVEF. My first Echo in 2002 was at 65%. Over time it gradually dropped. My Muga in June 2006 was 49%. My Echo just last month, after 2 months off Herceptin, was 65%.
A great drug for me for many years!
<3 Lolly
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Sept.'99 - Dx.Stage IIIB, IDC ER/PR-, HER2+++ by IHC, confirmed '04 by FISH. Left MRM, AC x's 4, Taxol x's 4, 33 Rads, finishing Tx May 2000. Jan.'01 - local/regional recurrence, Stage IV. Herceptin/Navelbine weekly till NED August 2001, then maintenance Herceptin. Right Mast. April 2002. Local/Regional recurrence April '04, Herceptin plus/minus chemo until May '07. Gemzar added from Feb.'07-April '07; Tykerb/Abraxane until August '07, back on Herceptin plus Taxotere and Xeloda Sept. '07. Stopped T/X Nov. '07, stopped Herceptin Dec. '07, started Avastin/Taxol/Carboplatin Dec. '07. Progression in chest skin, stopped TAC March '03, started radiation.
Herceptin has served as the "Backbone" of my treatment strategy for over 6 years, giving me great quality of life. In 2005, I was privileged to participate in the University of Washington/Seattle HER2 Vaccine Trial.
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