Herceptin schedule

[BonnieR]

I am trying to plan ahead if I am to receive Herceptin every 3 weeks. Is there room for any flexibility in the schedule? I have one situation where I might possibly need to postpone it for several days. Is that ever done?

[Grace]

Hi Bonnie,

I had to postpone mine, twice, for a week and my oncologist had no problem with that. I also asked if, when I returned after four weeks, I needed to return to the initial dosing, and he said no. A few days shouldn't be a problem.

[BonnieR]

Thanks Grace. I just found a study that said the half-life of Herceptin is 17-28 days. Which apparently is the rationale for the 3 week schedule. So it would seem to follow that a few days late would be okay.....

[Alice]

I also had to delay one of my treatments for a week and it was fine. Also, I dont know to what extent, my onc's nurse said that there are measurable amounts of Herceptin in the blood for up to 6 months after your last dosing.
Alice

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Hi everybody! I'm an old timer in that I've been on Vitamin H since '98, when it first became available, following clinical trials and a lottery system for those in dire need and not in a trial. My fav onc (of 5 that I gathered in the throes of met bc) told me (when it was a wkly protocol) -- you go every wk, no matter what your bld count, etc. That's the recommended protocol. You can go 245 hrs before, or 24 hrs after, but that's it. Since then there must have been studies. Obviously, I switched to the ev 3 wk (triple dosage) plan about a yr after that became available. I was overly cautious, and told my onc that I wanted to discuss in a yr. I was willing to go ev wk until I felt confident w/the new regimen.

And, in '01 I agreed to do it the *easy* way. The efficacy was the same, and there were no addl side effects. So for me, this is a cake walk. It's what I call the EASY chemo. And I note, in my head, that it isn't really *chemo* but a monoclonal antibody, which is like a smart bomb and targets only the defective HER2 gene. Of course its' toxicity could effect the heart, hence the regular ECHO cardiograms to be sure everything is good (EF, etc.). I am due in August. What was my ev 6 mnth ECHO was upgraded to ANNUALLY, in view of the time I've been on this life-saving, anti-metastatic med.

I have a bit of a runny nose and thin, frail, splitting nails. Fatigue (which I have found wonderful supplements to boost me up in response). My red bld cells dip and are noted in my chart as *chemo-induced anemia*. All other bld tests show no problem. Perhaps it is a longterm effect of Taxotere, which messed w/my bone marrow. Again, supplements seem to be helping me hold my own, I am happy to report.

I know women who have skipped a wk, and I admire their courage. I go by the old rules. I haven't had a problem adhering to it, and I remain STABLE which I thank God and the power of my thoughts for every single day. My body has responded to my clear Intent and Expectation and I am forever grateful.

I am sending you all loving, healing energy... BE WELL! ANDI :)

[chrisy]

Hi Bonnie,

I did the 3 week schedule, and had no problems.

The schedule day sometimes flexed by a day or 2, usually because of the doctor's schedule not mine.

I did make some flexibility. When I was planning a vacation during my "H" week (or a 3 week vacation!) I would "move" the schedule by getting a 2 week dose, then go back to the 3 week.

I loved the 3 week doses, gave me lots of freedom and did not cause me any problems.

[LAURIE]

I will get my second 3 week dose on Tuesday (I had six months of weekly) I had a few more legs cramps than before but not enough for me to change it back to weekly. Who knows I may change my mind after this dosing, but I doubt it. I like the free time too. (Well, my work does)

[DonnaD]

BonnieR,
Hi! I am also on Herceptin every three weeks for the rest of the year. Planning ahead does get difficult. Here is what my onc said. She is okay with it slipping a few days. For example I was scheduled for Weds and now I am going Fridays.

So you should be fine with it slipping a few days. I am so thankful Herceptin is available to us.

Good luck and God Bless!
Donna

[BonnieR]

Thank you all for the prompt replies. So grateful to have found you!
I tried to add a "profile" to my signature. Wonder if it will work??

[Mary Anne in TX]

Bonnie go up to user CP then click on signature (edit) - you can get your signature on the bottom of your notes that way. It really is helpful to know everyone's med exp. as we "talk" to each other.
I have had to "slip" a couple of days twice and it didn't seem to be a problem. ma

[tousled1]

Bonnie,

If you are on the 3 week schedule and know that you are going away just talk to your onc about possibly getting a dose just before you leave.