Re: Is Herceptin working and the need for scans
Hi, my onc has monitored me with scans from the end of my treatment which ended in December 2006. I was in remission for 3.5 years and still receiving the scans every 6 months when my recurrence was detected. I had no other signs of illness so without the scan I feel I could have easily gone to stage IV before I had significant enough symptoms. My recurrence was local and was treated with surgery, radiation and Herceptin which I receive every three weeks for the last 5 years. I have not had another recurrence, however, I still receive a MUGA, CTscan and brain MRI every 6 months. I just don't
believe you can rely on symptoms because many times by the time symptoms are felt the progression is advanced and possibly could have been detected much earlier with a scan. Just my opinion.
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Diagnosed June, 2006 HER2+++, ER- PR-, Grade 3, Stage IIB. Modified radical mastectomy, radiation, chemo, Herceptin, Tykerb 1 year. [*]In remission until 2/2010. Small tumor detected on chest wall during routine scan. 2/2010 surgery to remove tumor, started Herceptin/Tykerb, follow up radiation. [*]12/26/2010 - Off Tykerb due to allergic reaction[*]12/16/2014 - Have continued on Herception for almost 5 years now and remain NED. Discussion with onc re adding Perjeta to the Herceptin as another way of preventing recurrence. Still in discussion phase. 12/26/14 Onc applying for approval for Perjeta.
Perjeta approved and I received one infusion. It had an immediate impact to my lungs and I experienced difficulty breathing so.....I'm going to be sticking with just Herceptin. Still looking for a good vaccine program to enroll in.
Debbie K
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Hybrid Mode
