Herceptin & Heart Issues

[BonnieD]

Hello:

My sister Pattie was told today that due to heart issues she is going to have to stop taking Herceptin after only being on it for 6 months. Obviously this is very upsetting for her and I am looking for words of encouragement to try and share.

The main thing I would love to give her is some peace of mind. Does anyone remain NED after only being on Herceptin for 6 months?

For some background info, Pattie was diagnosed 10/07 with 2 tumors in one breast. She chose a bi-lateral mastectomy with reconstruction. Thankfully no lymph node involvement. She is Her2+. Began A/C chemo in January, then switched to Taxol & Herceptin in March. Missed a couple of treatments in April due to pneumonia.

Any feed back would be appreciated.

Bonnie

['lizbeth]

Bonnie,

The Finnish study were Herceptin was only administered for 9 weekly treatments might be helpful.

http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/herceptin-cardiac0306

'lizbeth

[Joe]

Bonnie,

The movie Living Proof also told the story of Barbara Bradfield, who had only 3 months of Herceptin in the phase I clinical trials.

Barbara is still alive today, hasn't taken any chemo since and is now living in the state of Washington.

Regards
Joe