[harrie]

I am the same: "harrie" and "maryanne". I am sure you can guess what is my fake name!!
Hope this answers your question, but if you are TOPO II positive, adrymicin is what is recommended over the taxols.
I have an echocardiogram every 3 months due to the herceptin. I had it during chemo and am still having it done with the every 3 wk intervals of herceptin. Basically it checks the oxygen output on the heart. That will indicate damage or not. So far my output is fine. I notice many at this site have MUGA instead of the echocardiogram.
Swelling, edema, around the ankles is a real concern. It may indicate a heart concern. I remember once I had that and they did the echo and at least we could rule out heart problems and then the edema diminished shortly after. It did not last long, maybe a wk or less.
I believe it is very important to ck your heart during herceptin and ESP with adriamycin. I think 3 months intervals is probably the standard unless there is a problem.
Maryanne