Herceptin Scheduling

[KimB]

I have been receiving Herceptin every three weeks with the chemo. First, my Onc suggested giving me Herceptin every week during the chemo then every three weeks for one years; however, he changed the schedule at the last minute. Could anyone give me the info regarding this matter? Since I heard that "every week during the chemo" is the newer scheduling, I've feeling like getting the old treatment. Thank you.

[ElaineM]

I wonder if one third the dose every week instead of the full dose every three weeks is easier on the heart?

['lizbeth]

KimB,

I had Herceptin infusions weekly. I was worried about the effect on my heart and wanted to prevent as much damage as possible.

Now I have a history of heart disease in the family and I tolerate most medications in smaller doses. My Muga dropped from 72 to 60 over the year of treatment.

Many other ladies on the board have done the 3 week schedule and they did just fine.

What is the cancer prevention advantage with a weekly schedule? I was able to have Herceptin infusions on Saturdays and would joke with the other patients that I had signed up for the "express" cancer treatment package. It took only about an hour out of my day.

Good health,

Elizabeth

[curryalso]

I originally got herceptin every 3 weeks, now I'm getting herceptin every two weeks to coincide with my CMF chemo. Since I had an allergic reaction to TCH Smaller dose closer together. I think it's an individual thing.

[KimB]

Thank you, ladies.

I feel better now since it sounds like that all of us have the individualized treatment schedule and mine is "every three weeks." I have been tolerating TCH very well. TCH is, to me, much easier than ACT. I was miserable during AC. I am going back to chemo III on this Thursday. I will be OK. At my last chemo, the lady sitting next to me started having a chest discomfort with Taxotere. I feel very lucky that I have never had a reaction like that.

Life is wonderful.

KimB