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Old 04-02-2008, 05:42 AM   #1
goops
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Herceptin - weekly versus 3 weeks

I have been getting Herceptin every 3 weeks, my muga scan has now dropped to 47. I know with Taxol the side effects were supposed to not be as bad if you have it weekly. Is the same true for Herceptin? Is Herceptin less toxic to the heart if you have it weekly? If so, I am going to try and get my oncologist to change my treatment schedule.
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Old 04-03-2008, 07:00 AM   #2
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I developed cardiomyopathy last fall, the result of taking Herceptin (every 3 weeks). After a brief rest (5 weeks), I started up again, only this time weekly. I have had no further problems. My onc has had pretty good success with changing the frequency when problems arise. It's at least worth a try. I'm six weeks away from completing Herceptin.
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Old 04-03-2008, 08:46 AM   #3
goops
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Thanks Pffida - it is good to know it worked for you. I think I will ask to change to weekly, its a hassle but it is better than a damaged heart.
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Old 04-12-2008, 06:32 PM   #4
Becky
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Hi

I have heard that the weekly dosage is milder to the heart than the triple dose. I never had a problem with it but I have heard this from other personally and on this board.
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Old 05-13-2008, 11:43 AM   #5
westswon
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Has anyone taken Herceptin with Xeloda? I am starting it after three horrid rounds of HCTaxotere. thanks..westswon
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Old 05-13-2008, 05:20 PM   #6
goops
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You would be probably better off making a new thread with that question, there will be more chance of someone who has taken Xeloda seeing it.
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Old 05-13-2008, 07:05 PM   #7
Julie2
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I took Herceptin with xeloda after my mastectomy 3 years ago.Didn't have any major side effects.

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Old 05-14-2008, 02:42 PM   #8
Sheila
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I have been getting my Herceptin every 2 weeks at the same time as my Taxol....I used to get it every 3 weeks, been on it for 4 1/2 years, no problems.
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Core Biopsy 2/22/02
L. Mastectomy 2/25/2002
Stage 1, 0.7cm IDC, Node Neg from 19 nodes Her2+++ ER PR Neg
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9/2003 Began Herceptin every 3 weeks
3/2006 Xeloda 2500mg/Herceptin for recurrence to neck nodes
3/2007 Added back the Xeloda with Herceptin for continued mets to nodes
5/2007 Taken Off Xeloda, no longer working
6/14/07 Taxol/Herceptin/Avastin
3/26 - 5/28/08 Taxol Holiday Whopeeeeeeeee
5/29 2008 Back on Taxol w Herceptin q 2 weeks
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Fought for and started Tykerb/Herceptin...nodes are melting!!!!!
2/2010 Back to Avastin/Herceptin
5/2010 Switched to Metronomic Chemo with Herceptin...Cytoxan and Methotrexate
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7/2010 Back to walking a mile a day...YEAH!!!!
9/2010 Nodes are back with a vengence in neck
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12/6/10 Started Halaven (Eribulen) /Herceptin excellent results in 2 treatments
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2/8/2012 Gemzar stopped, Continue Herceptin
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Old 05-15-2008, 02:42 PM   #9
swimangel72
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I'm getting Herceptin with Navelbine every two weeks......my onc wants to keep the side-effects as low as possible. So far, so good - I've only had two infusions so far, and the only side-effects were tiredness and diarrhea for two days. Of course I'll need another MUGA test possibly after the next infusion. It makes sense to me though- that a lower dose can be given if you get your infusions more frequently. My question is - have they done any real studies on 1 week, vs. 2 week vs. 3 week infusions of Herceptin - or is my onc just guessing?

Good luck Goops - let us know what your onc says!
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3/5/08 - mast with muscle-sparing free tram;
0/7 nodes clear; Stage 1 lymphedema in right arm
3/11/08 - MRSA infection in abdomen causes large hernia
4/11/08 - Oncotype DX score 22 (intermediate)
4/12/08 - Muga score 67%
4/23/08 - Chemo, Navelbine and Herceptin every 2 weeks
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Old 05-23-2008, 06:31 PM   #10
DanaRT
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I am glad I found this question. Just ending my rads, my onco will has suggested going from a weekly Herceptin infusion to every three weeks. I am very comfortable with the weekly regime.

Dana
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Old 05-24-2008, 09:25 AM   #11
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Yes, Kathy, there are studies done about the dosage of Herceptin. I think they found out it has similar result, so they are giving weekly ones to avoid the heart damage.
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