2nd opinion says no to staying on herceptin.

Chelee · 06-15-2007, 07:23 PM

I *finally* got my 2nd opinion to see about staying on herceptin to complete two years. My current onc delayed my 2nd opinion and same as defeated my purpose by putting off my visit by 3 months! But I guess it makes no difference now since my 2nd opinion seems to agree. She mentioned the HERA & FinHer trials and we all know about those. So since no one really knows if one or two yrs is better....or even less...the 2nd opinion onc suggest I pull my port and move on.

Since I could not have radiation I would of still felt better staying on herceptin to finish out the 2nd year. My last two ECHO'S were 69% and 70%. Who knows what's best at this point...but I guess I won't be continuing. I'm a bit disappointed even if it turns out that they are right.

Chelee

Bev · 06-15-2007, 09:03 PM

Hi Chelee,

Get one more opinion so you can feel comfortable. Latest study today says some HER2- ladies can benefit from Herceptin while some HER 2 positive might not. Means some other nasty fine point is coming into play. To me this means continuing H might not be crucial, but we really don't know.

If it were me, if a 3rd opinion wanted to use H, I would happily comply, but I could accept 1 year as enough. Your echos are good.

Bottom line, we don't know. So it's hard to get people to act on the unknown. Good luck, Bev

Chelee · 06-16-2007, 01:41 AM

Bev, That might be a good idea. I am not sure my insurance company will cover another opinion on this, but I would sure be willing to pay for it myself. When reading your post you mentioned some Her2- women could benefit verse's positive. I am Her2/neu 3+++. Super positive. So maybe it wouldn't help in my case? I sure wish the results of the HERA trials would of been released this year. I was really was hoping to do anything to increase my odds some. I still can't help but wonder about many of these women on the boards that have been on herceptin for years and saying NED? Sure makes me wonder? Thanks so much for your reply Bev.

Chelee

pattyz · 06-16-2007, 08:49 AM

Chelee,

I was on Herceptin (w/Navelbine) for mets. Had just four months worth to get to NED in body. I then stopped tx's for body altogether. That was early Jan of '03. Tho' I have had 3 occurances of brain mets, my body remains NED, nearly 4 1/2 yrs now.

So, that is MY story. Herceptin for four months total. Give yourself a break!

Best to you,
pattyz

Mary Anne in TX · 06-16-2007, 09:55 AM

Hi Chelee!
I've been on herceptin since May of '06 and am continuing for I don't know how long. You can see below what the other stuff was that I took along with herceptin. I am not real knowledgeable about any of this but, about 2 months ago, when I was through with the radiation for a bit, I began to notice that my body was changing. The body fat (including breast size - one left) was decreasing rather quickly. That is the thing that puzzled me about 7 years before I was diagnosed - breast size increased and hair became a bit wavy. My hair is curly from the chemo, but it seems to me that with the herceptin alone, my body is going back to "normal". Everything inside of me believes that the herceptin is allowing my body to return to what it needs to be to take care of me. It may be totally whacky, I admit, but I am so grateful that my onc has not stopped the herceptin yet. He won't say how long he will keep me on, but every month feels right for now. I think we're doing a watch and see thing. Good luck on getting the results you want and need. We are in such an unknown territory, but, like you, I'd like to keep it up a little longer. I also think the gals who stay on seem to benefit! ma

Chelee · 06-16-2007, 01:15 PM

Pattyz, Yours is a very encouraging post. Other then the brain mets you've had to deal with...you have done GREAT! So only 4 months of herceptin...that is fantastic. That's what's so up in the air about herceptin...I've seen so many do good that's stayed on it...and some like you that has had smaller amounts & have done just as well. I realize they just don't have all the answers yet on herceptin, but I am glad I did get at least the year of it.

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Mary Anne, Ok...give me the name and address of YOUR onc...maybe he will ok my herceptin. lol I really don't know why my onc should care if I stay on herceptin IF my insurance company will cover it? (And they will.) I am the one willing to take the risk of continuing...so what's it to them? Other then the expense. Since I am in a HMO...I always feel like what it really comes down to is them *saving* money at every turn. (Even if that is not the case.)
Mary Anne, what you said does *not* sound whacky at all. I sure wish I had an onc that would allow me to stay on it. As someone else once mentioned...I feel like why would you take someone off there blood pressure meds or diabetic meds...seems the same with herceptin even if its not? I hope they come up with some answers on this soon.

Thanks to both of you for replying.

Chelee