Needing expert advice on Herceptin
 

Hello everyone,

I am relatively new to posting, but have learned much from this web site and from reading what all of you have posted before. I was initially diagnosed in January of 2005. I started chemo in March with 4 rounds of dense dose EC. Then I started Taxol and Herceptin for 12 weeks. I ended up having 1 liver met, which was not a recurrence, but was there from the beginning. My onc ran and PET/CT (which I am thankful for). This then helped us identify the 1 cancerous liver met. I had a liver resection, which went great. An inter-operational sono revealed that the liver looked good and my liver function continues to be great to this day. I believe this will continue and that the cancer is gone.

I am doing six rounds of Taxotere and Carboplatin as an extra precaution and am continuing to do Herceptin through June of 2006. As my chemo winds down, I am beginning to wonder what other options I have in terms of treatment. I am looking into the Herceptin vaccine trials, but some of you have really piqued my interest in your posts because of the length of time you have been on Herceptin. The plan is for me to be on Herceptin for the total of a year, but I am wondering if I should question whether I should be on it for longer? Since I am technically Stage IV, should I ask about this?

My onc has been really helpful and aggressive with my treatment plan because he knows that is what I want. I know that the HERA trials have not published results so it is unknown whether 1 year or 2 years of treatment is ideal. So, I am wondering how all of you have gathered information or resources to determine the right approach. If you have any insight in this regard, I would appreciate it. Like I said, I have learned much from all of you so I look forward to gaining more knowledge.

God bless,

Laura

Hi Laura,

I just wrote about you in the post above. jessica is trying to find out how to find the best liver guy in town? Can you help her?

I am sorry I can't help you with your question. I am sure others will be able to. Your doing great and I love how vigilant you are with your treatment. You will find your answers. You always do. You have that talent, ambition and drive. God Bless.

ps. see you at the Christmas support group meeting?

Thank you for your kindness, Kristen. My e-mail is lplunkett@kc.rr.com. If you e-mail me there, I will give you all of my information regarding the liver specialist I went to. He is a great surgeon..I just don't know if I should post his name on the web. I will read the other post as well.

Hope to here from you soon. See you at the support group.

Laura