Cardiotoxicity after A/C, ? Herceptin

ecperry · 09-04-2006, 02:40 PM

Hello, Everyone,

I found this site recently while doing some research on HER2. Because I believe there are no "coincidences" in life, I have to believe that I am here because of a divine purpose. Thus being said, I would like to do a little brain-storming if I may.

I was diagnosed in late 2002 with Stage IIB, ER/PR+, HER2+, Grade III, node positive BC. I opted for a lumpectomy and had 4 rounds of A/C, followed by 12 weeks of Taxol and 37 radiation treatments. Being part of the clinical study that evaluated Herceptin, I was and am still eligible to receive Herceptin.

Several months after my chemo ended I received a call from my oncologist informing me that my most recent echocardiogram indicated that my ejection fraction had reduced from 65% to 50% from the A/C. Subsequently, it returned almost to the pre-treatment level when last checked.

Because of the risk of cardiotoxicity from the Herceptin, my oncologist and I discussed the issue at length and I decided not to take the Herceptin because of that risk. Now I am having second thoughts about my decision.

Has anyone out there experienced cardiotoxicity from the A/C and then successfully received Herceptin?

I would appreciate any and all comments regarding this issue.

Betsy

Adrian, MI

Mary Jo · 09-04-2006, 06:31 PM

Hello,

So sorry I can not help you. I did not have any problems with the A/C and thus far have had no problems with the herceptin. I have only 2 herceptin to go.

If I were you though, I'd give the herceptin a try because of the benefits to you. Your heart will be monitored and if there is a problem the herceptin can be stopped and heart function should heal itself.

That is just my opinion. Good luck to you.

Bev · 09-04-2006, 07:07 PM

Hi Betsy, My baseline was 65. Went down to 56 on AC. ON Herceptin alone went up to 70. I have been doing COQ10 while on H. My thought is to get tested every 3 months and if your numbers are stable or rising to go for it. I think this is the best thing we have going for us at this point in time. Herceptin has been very easy for me to do. Good Luck, BB

ecperry · 09-04-2006, 07:08 PM

Marejo,

Thank you for your encouragement and your wise response. You have voiced the conclusion that I have come to on my own after much reading. I dread the thought of starting Herceptin since it will mean more IV's, and most likely another port, but I will contact my oncologist and discuss it again.

I loved the scripture verse at the end of your note. It echoes my belief.

Betsy

ecperry · 09-04-2006, 07:26 PM

Bev,

Thank you for telling me about your experience with A/C and Herceptin. That is exactly what I needed to hear. The ejection fraction reduction was my major reason for not accepting the herceptin when it was offered to me. I will contact the oncologist and discuss it again. Wishing you much success in your treatment.

Betsy

Mgarr · 09-06-2006, 02:40 PM

Hi Betsy,

Just wanted to let you know I had A/C, Taxol, dose dense & year of Herceptin. I had one low MUGA score waited approx. 6 weeks retested and my ejection fraction was normal again. I can also tell you that I did not have a port and after chemo I found Herceptin gentle on my veins.

Best of luck with your decision.

Mary (fellow Michiganer)

ecperry · 09-06-2006, 06:32 PM

Mary,

Thank you for your encouragement. Great news that the Herceptin didn't bother your veins, and better still that your ejection fraction went back to normal. I will contact my oncologist and discuss this all again with him. Better now than later.

Betsy

julierene · 09-06-2006, 08:14 PM

I have had a 5% decrease from 50% to 45% and they put me on a small dose of ace-inhibitor to try to maintain a good heart result. It is VERY managable to take heart medications and stay on Herceptin.

It's all a very personal decision, but I would probably lean toward taking the heart medicine and remaining on Herceptin. if you have to take a little break and just do the heart medicine, then that's probably ok too. But just me, I would take all the Herceptin I can get them to give me. But seeing my history (below) that says a lot about me and why my views are the way they are.... Hugs, Julie

ecperry · 09-09-2006, 09:56 AM

Julie,

Thank you so much for responding to my question about Herceptin. I am weighing the pros and the cons and trying to decide if taking it now after four years is worth the risk to my heart.

After reading your personal history, I can fully understand why you wouldn't hesitate to take Herceptin for however long they are willing to give it to you. I would do the same, and will in the future if needed.

Hopefully we will all live long enough to see a cure for breast cancer, or better yet a vaccine that will prevent it before it can get a foothold (like the recent discovery of a vaccine to prevent cervical cancer).

Wishing you the very best in the years to come.

Keep the faith,

Betsy