PET scan resu;ts

[Deb F]

The PET scan did reveal spots in the liver, but none on the bone at this time. The nipple area of the remaining breast is showing something on the PET scan also. Next week I hope to get an MRI of my head. I used your suggestion to do that! The oncologist is planning to take me off of Herceptin for awhile and is looking at new chemo drugs for me to take. Any thoughts from you friends? Deb F

[Peggy]

Deb, sorry to hear the PET did not come back completely clear; good luck with the MRI. My onc has just stopped my Herceptin after being on it for a year and a half. She gave me the option of staying on it but also explained that cardio-toxicity was a concern for her even thought my MUGAs have been good. Her other reason is that Herceptin is such a new drug, the long-term effects (someone on it steadily for 4-5-6 years) is really not known yet. It seems like there are plenty of drug combos out there that could be effective and you can always go back to Herceptin.

Best wishes,

Peggy in Orlando, FL
(Waiting for Hurricane #2)

[Lisa]

Deb,

Not the news we wanted! But you just keep fighting the fight. I am curious, though, why you're being removed from Herceptin. There are, in fact, many women who have taken it for years. Long-term side effects should not be a concern. (Hey, at this point, though, I'd take "long-term" anything!" Remember, it is not a chemo drug. But rather a monoclonal antibody that works to "put the brakes on" cancer cells. Chemo kills, Herceptin hold them back until they die. It does not, however, work for all women. But I would want a really good reason to get off.

Keep us posted.

Love and light,

Lisa

[Deb F]

Peggy, Sorry I am so slow in getting back on. I've been busy checking out my options. I hope you are ok in the hurricane. What a wind!! We could use some of the rain here in ND, since it is dry here.

I have been on Herceptin for 3 1/2 years for the mets to the bone that was discovered in 12/2000. It has been great! The last mugga scan the heart strength had dropped but was stable 2 months later. Now it needs to be checked again after 6 months. The onc feels that my body may have built a resistance to the Herceptin. That is why he is thinking that I need to come off of it for awhile. He is looking at other chemo combinations.

I am looking at getting a 2nd opinion. I've been checking out the Cancer Center in Tulsa, OK. But not sure yet if that is what I should do. God's Blessings to you as you fight the foe of cancer. Deb F

[Deb F]

Lisa, You are right about wanting a really good reason for coming off of Herceptin. Please read my post to Peggy. It has why the Dr is taking me off at this time. Blessings to you, from another cancer survivor, Deb F

[al from Canada]

Dear Deb,
My only comment about going of hereptine is why??? Because your doctors THINKS you MAY be immune. Herceptine isn't like chemo, as Lisa said, and would it hurt to stay on it?
Good luck and stay strong,
Al

[Deb F]

Al, You are right, there would have to be a really good reason to come off of Herceptin. It is such a vital drug to our care. That is why I need to pursue a 2nd opinion and make sure that is a correct choice for me. Thanks for your concerns. Deb F