Advice on last day of herceptin

[phurst]

After Taxol,FEC,Surgery,Radiation and Herceptin(1 year) she has her last Herceptin treatment on 9/11.I want to do something special on that day.At this time the only thing I can think of is having roses sent to the treatment room for her.Is this OK to do?Any other ideas?

[Becky]

That is very, very sweet. Another thing to do (I am assuming she gets Herceptin every three weeks) is when the day comes that she should have gotten Herceptin (the first time when she won't be going to the cancer center) - take her somewhere else (dinner or lunch perhaps) but have a plan (even to rent a movie). For some weird reason, that day is also a weird day too.

Plan something else "far" out. Maybe real far out depending on your circumstances but a trip together - long weekend or something (6-12 months from now). I never wanted to think out that far but there is absolutely no reason not to.

Congratulations on finishing treatment.

[DonnaD]

Your wife is very lucky to have such a supportive husband. Roses would be so nice. She will be thrilled with your surprise whatever you decide.

Becky is right. When the first three weeks rolls around after treatment is finished it is a very strange feeling. Celebrate and enjoy your new found freedom.

Donna

[Bill]

what a great idea for your wife! I noticed that whenever anyone in our chemo. room finished Herceptin, the pharmacutical rep. would be there with a pink cake for everyone and a crown for the woman that had her last treatment. It was cool

[ElaineM]

Aloha,
How wonderful !! What a great husband you are. I am sure she will be thrilled with roses. I agree about doing something special on the day she would have had her next treatment. I am sure she will be ready, willing and able to finally do something different and special on what would have been the next treatment day.
That drug rep mentioned in one of the replies is special. Please send that person to Hawaii. Nobody does anything special for patients finishing therapy here.

[Sheila]

What a great idea on the flowers...it is truly a day to celebrate, and I wholy agree with the others that the next day she "should have" gotten Herceptin is another important one to do something special....don't be surprised if she is a little uneasy for a time about NOT going to treatment...it is a natural response for many....you need to be her new security blanket and reassure her.

[Jackie07]

I took pictures with the staff in the treatment room when I finished my treatment in 2003. Even though it might not be something your wife wants to remember at this point, it is a milestone in her journey and is something worth celebrate and worth remembering.

[juanita]

A cake, flowers or dinner out are all great ideas. Or maybe a gift certificate to a day spa or for a massage.

[SoCalGal]

After my last treatment I wanted to surprise my kids and take them out of school to celebrate. My girlfriend suggested a trip instead to 14 Karats - a local jewelry store. So I went and bought a sparkley heart necklace to remind myself of all the love in my life during treatment. I wear that proudly even now - 10 years later:)

[Unregistered]

My mom has been taking herceptin (with a long list of other chemos that haven't done their jobs) since 2/03. After numerous mugga scans, her heart is still healthy. I saw that you have been on it for a long time..how are your mugga scans? My mom's cancer has metasticized to her hip (still there), brain (now gone), and now a spot by her heart, neck and stomach. Her doctor has now put her on TYKERB (starting with 5 pills) with herceptin. How is TYKERB working for you? She hasn't had any real bad side effects from any of the chemos she's been on for the past 5 years but this one worries me a little since she is starting off with 5 pills. I have been reading some of the messages and I am in awe of how many people share very similar stories with my mom. I truly believe that they will be coming out with a med that will soon work wonders with this gene...hopefully that med is TYKERB. Well, keep up the positive thinking and keep fighting. It would be really nice for my mom to talk to someone with this type of cancer, she has met many cancer patients but none who share a similar story. If you are interested in talking to her, please respond. I will pray for your cancer to leave your body for good and leave only healthy cells behind. God Bless.

[Unregistered]

The first message was addressed to Shelia and anyone who shares my mom's story.

[Sheila]

Yes I have been on Herceptin for 5 years, with other chemos along the way....right now Taxol but that is soon to change. I have not taken Tykerb yet, but the convenience of a pill would be marvelous. Is she taking Xeloda with it? Ususally they give the 2, but not always. I am always looking forward as to what is next, and am excited about some of the new drugs out there....I will stay on Herceptin until it quits...I have always had echos to measure heart function and have had no problem in 5 years on it.
Hope this helps....there are many more who have been on it longer, Flori, AndiBB, Steph, Christine the founder...hope they will reply.

[phurst]

Thanks to all who have given the advice as to make this last treatment special.Our two sons are coming in from out of state to surprise her with a dozen roses in the treatment room.We will be sure to take a group picture of all the nurses and aslo to remember the 3week date from Thursday when she will be home for the first time in over a year.
Also thanks to evryone on this board who got me through some hard times this last year.I do not know how we would have gotten through this without all the experienced advice.My wife has now started helping a friend from out of town who was just diagnosed and started chemo.