Anyone Else Forced to Stop Herceptin?
 

My mom started Herceptin seven weeks ago. She is taking it weekly along with Taxol for the first twelve weeks and every three weeks thereafter. Her heart scan came back at 55%, down from about 65%. The doctor said that the heart scan might not be accurate, as it is most accurate 2 1/2 weeks after treatment. Because she's on weekly herceptin, she had her heart scan only five days after treatment.

The doctor wants to take her off temporarily, do another scan in about two weeks, and then reassess.

Please let me know if you have had a similar problem. If you stopped Herceptin, did you start it back up again? Should I be concerned?

Any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Diane,

I have not had to stop Herceptin because of my MUGA/electrocardiogram LVEF score dropping. I do know that there are women on this board who have had to stop due to their LVEF dropping. Once they had been off the Herceptin for a while the LVEF went back up and they were able to continue on the Herceptin. Your mother is very lucky to have such a wonderful, caring daughter.

Diane;

I was taken off herceptin 4 months ago and just yesterday went back on....yahoo!! I had a gated heart scan every two months and for 2 sessions was 48, but when I dropped to 42 I was taken off herceptin. My last scan indicated that I was in the normal range and my heart was no longer enlarged. I'm touch and go I think but my onc put me back on herceptin and I go for another gated heart scan September 15th. I am stage 3c and very happy to be back on herceptin. My onc is watching carefully but obviously getting me back on as soon as possible.

Cathy

Herceptin
 

Hi! I had the same problem, but after I was off for a couple of months, my scores bounced back. I went to a heart doctor though. He said unless you're in the low forties after being on for months, don't worry. Also, there is a pill you can get from a heart doctor that keeps the muscle strong. Also, the new pill like herceptin that they are coming out with (tykerb?) is less hard on your heart. I am going to get compassionate use of it in a couple of months. Hope this helps. HavahJ (Jan Solomon)

I too was taken off for approx. 6 weeks. The MUGA had dropped I received a treatment then onc. asked me to not have next treatment wait 4 weeks and have the MUGA again. All was fine & I resumed w/ no other problems.

Mary

Muga
 

Hi,
I have been off of Herceptin for 2 months because my Muga went from 62% to 48% and the 2nd Muga one month later 51%. I am told 50% is the threshold so I will be starting up Herceptin again this week.

Thank you all for your answers and support. I will pass all of this information along to my mother.

It's so wonderful to know that all of you have been able to start herceptin again. I wish all of you the best as you continue on your journeys.