ASCO & Herceptin -- What's recommended? More?

[Vicki Z]

Hi Everyone,

The Her2 and Herceptin news is amazing stuff and I'm thrilled to see it. I had to REALLY, REALLY push my onc. last year for it after my five FAC (every 3 weeks), and fortunately got Herceptin with Taxol and Carboplatin for 12 weeks after that. I was Stage 1, three neg. Sentinel nodes, ER-/PR- and Her2 +++, 1.5 c.m. tumor (Paget's, Infiltrating ductal carcinoma and DCIS in right breast).

I'm writing because I TRUST YOU PEOPLE MORE THAN ANYONE and have always found frank and honest discussions here and wise advice and counsel when having to decide for myself what I want and need to do. I feel it was due to this board that I was prepared to ask and push for Herceptin and obviously was convincing enough to my UC Irvine onc. My question to you folks at this point: I took Herceptin for 12 weeks and I AM GRATEFUL. Now, I'm hearing about other early stage Her2 women getting it for one year, because of this latest news and breakthrough. What's your take on this and will you please let me know what the bottom line from ASCO is on the length of time, as well? I don't want to resume treatment, but I want to STAY AHEAD of the game, if you know what I mean. It was from hearing from wonderful people like you that gave me the tools to do so last year.

Many thanks for sharing your thoughts. :)

Vicki Z

[StephN]

Nice to hear from you, Vicky Z.
Did you see Shannon's post just below that her med onc wants to put her on Herceptin for a year? That is one up-to-date doc she is lucky to have. No matter what she decides, shows her doc is on the ball.

I am sure Joe will be posting some links to the most interesting reports for us Her2 positive gals.

Peace of mind and feeling somehow in control of ourselves is the place we all need to get to. That is easier said than done, and understanding exactly how herceptin works in our bodies can help with that.
The Genentech website does give that in detail, and when I started on my treatment for liver mets, which included Herceptin, I wanted to know just how each drug I was taking worked against the cancer. It was very interesting, and that enabled me to visualize my cells and what should be taking place. Seems to have worked in my case, and I still use mental imagery, especially lately when I wanted to direct my inner attention to the death and resolution of my brain mets.

Keep asking the good questions and making the effort to stay informed as there is SO much just around the corner that can save lives.

And keep that fab smile going, as that is worth a lot!

[*_Joan_*]

Hi Vicki,

If I were you I would call my oncologist and ask to be given 9 months of weekly Herceptin. If he or she refuses to do that, I would look for another oncologist that will.

Best of luck.

Joan