Decision on Vaccine/Herceptin Trial

[Lolly]

We've decided to complete 24 weeks of chemo/Herceptin before enrolling in the study. This is week 15. I think it's best not to rock the boat since it's doing the job so I'm going to play it safe; hopefully I'll be NED for sure by then! Also a factor was the possibility of the study filling up before I finished my regimen but so far 5 people are enrolled and they will take 20 so I think I'll still be able to get in.
I feel good about this decision that I'm going to have the best chance for long term control by hopefully ensuring that I'm NED before entering the trial.

[Capi]

I also am looking at going on the study - however I thought that I could be on my Herceptin/chemo at the same time....is that not so? I've been battling my breast cancer since Nov. with chemo now a mastectomy & now radiation & then more chemo & Herceptin starting in Oct. Are they telling you that your body will weaken with teh vaccine?

[Lolly]

No I don't believe that's the case. This vaccine trial is designed to try and answer the question of whether the vaccine and Herceptin together will create a stronger immune response and delay or prevent recurrence. If you're on chemo also " it would ""muddy the waters""" so to speak and they wouldn't have a clear picture of whether the vaccine/herceptin combo works.

[Barbara]

Lolly:

Can you be stage 2B with one node positive and still participate after you have completed the traditional chemo?