Herceptin for only 12 months?

[dawny]

Hi
I have been told that I will be on Herceptin for the rest of my life, or until it stops working. I have noticed that most people here say they will be on it for 12 months only? Is my onc just super cautious?

Thx

Dawn

[Jackie07]

Hi Dawn,

The standard treatment protocol these days for Her2 breast cancer is to have Herceptin for 12 months. Most stage IV sisters (see list on posting #118 of the thread below)
http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=48453&highlight=calling+stage+sisters
have been on it 'indefinitely' - continue to get the 'Vitamin H' until both they and their doctors agree to stop. (Usually over heart function issues/concerns.)

Have you met other Australian sisters here on the Board? There are some unique issues being discussed in the thread entitled 'Australian Treatment and access' http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=51559&highlight=Australian Thought you might like to check it out.

[dawny]

Thank you so much for your reply Jackie, and also for the thread, which is great for all stage 1V people, to read.

Also for the Aussie forum, it is good to know what is available close to home, although I wouldn't mind a trip, somewhere, anywhere!

Take care

Dawn

[tricia keegan]

Hi Dawn,

The 12 months is usually for early stage with no mets but do hope you do well on herceptin and get back to NED asap!