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View Full Version : Stop Herceptin? 2nd opinion

Rschrief
06-15-2004, 08:01 AM
Hi everyone - I am finishing up my year with Herceptin this summer and I have a question. My Onc. was following the Taxol/Herceptin clinical trial and I was wondering if anyone has made the decision to continue the Herceptin? He is cautious about it but I think that given what we know about HER2 and the drug...should I try to continue to take it? Has anyone had a case review of your files but you actually don't travel for the 2nd opinion? I have heard that this is an option but was wondering if anyone felt satisfied with it?
My case - my tumor was 2.8cm and multiple lymphnode involvement. ER/PR-, grade 3, HER2 3 plus, FISH+. I am 37 now with three little ones....
Thank you! Ruth
lauren
06-15-2004, 08:25 AM
In my case, I am er/pr positive, so I had other things to take after my herceptin/taxotere year...Arimidex, to be exact. In your case, herceptin is your safety net. If ever there were a case for staying ON it, I would say you are the case....

Tough choice, I know. I guess you also need to take into account your desire to NOT be on herceptin anymore. Do you hate it as much as I did??? It made me fat and fatigued. So, since I was able to continue the hormonal therapy, it was fairly easy to decide NOT to continue with herceptin. If your side effects aren't so bad, then hey, what is the downside?
Trish
06-15-2004, 08:49 AM
Since Herceptin is targeted at the Her+ cancer cells, I am continuing to receive it every third week. The side effects are not to bad. I stopped the chemo in Nov. My cancer has not diminished but it has not grown or spread any more.
lauren
06-15-2004, 10:29 AM
Trish, she was asking about herceptin in the adjuvant setting, not the mets setting....fyi...lauren
michele u
06-15-2004, 01:03 PM
Ruth,
I would love to stay on herceptin too but if your in a study like i am after one the year is done the study stops giving the med. And I checked with my insurance if they would pay for it if i'm not stage 4 and they said no. Herceptin is about 2500 dollars a tx. I know i can't afford that!! If my insurance would let me i would stay on it!!