I can't believe it!! A break ...
 

Well, group -
The news for me was ALL good.
I had a PET/CT scan last week and had markers including HER2 serum drawn the week before when I got my 3-week Herceptin dose.

Her2 serum was down from the last one of 8.9 to 7.3. Other markers steady in low normal range.

Scan showed NED.

With that news I requested an Herceptin BREAK of 3-4 months. I have been taking the drug now for over 5 years. It has been a Godsend to me (I have already thanked Dr. Slamon and his associate in person!). My oncologist has agreed to my request with a marker check at 6 weeks when I have my port flush.

So, I am not completely unchained from the cancer center, but have a newfound sense of getting a little of my life back after being stage IV for over 5 years.

Since starting Herceptin (with Taxol and Navelbine weekly till NED) over 5 years ago, I have never had a new tumor with the exception of the two in my brain. So, I can say that however my cells are configured, it was with Herceptin in mind!

I am still tired and need a lot of sleep after all my head surgeries last year, but I will know what (if any) side effects I get from the Herceptin, which has been pretty easy on me.

Also, onc said NO MUGA for now, since I am off Herceptin and my last one was good.

So, for many of you who are ending their Herceptin round, I am sure you will have a cancer-free future, as this drug can work wonders! Even in the likes of ME - who was given a poor chance of surviving my onslaught of mets.

Oh Steph,

I couldn't be happier for you. What a joyous day in your life AND what an inspiration to us all.

God's continued blessings to you,

Mary Jo

Wow
 

Congratulations Steph I'm really pleased for you,especially getting through five years!

I'm terrified of a recurrance and am having a bone scan this Friday for back pain but your message gave me hope that even if and when I get bad news there is still hope of surviving this.
Thanks for sharing and enjoy the feeling:)
Tricia

Yay!! Such great news!! Enjoy your break from herceptin!! You deserve it! I am enjoying my break, too!!

Hugs and Prayers,
Lexi

Steph,

I am SO happy that you received such good news - You really do have a lot to be proud of. Herceptin does work wonders, but it takes a very strong person to "fight the fight" and do so well. Congratulations and thank you for sharing your news with us!!!

Love, Kelly

Awesome news!
 

Steph:
It is so encouraging to read posts such as yours. Thank you for sharing the good news.

Steph,


GOGOGOGOGOGOGO GIRL!!!!

I'm so very happy for you. I wish I had a camera- because I'm smiling for you

XOXOXO

MCS ( maria)

Incredible News!!!
 

Cheers to you and best wishes for an outrageous break!!!

Steph,

What wonderful news! Congratulations! I know you must be lookng forward to no chemo in your life after such a long haul. You are an inspiration.

Due for some fun in the sun
 

Darn tootin, StephN -- take a good break -- from the Herceptin! And get out there and get every bit of sunshine and make up for the northern clouds:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/hottopi...benefits.shtml

One of the most interesting things about sunshine is that it works on the pineal gland to produce the tryptamines, like melatonin, which in itself seems to offer some protections against cancers...

Take everything off, go soak up the sun, and enjoy being alive!

Naturally,

AlaskaAngel

Steph, I am so happy for you, you deserve this break. You are a shining example of how we have to hang in there and percivere. Keep up the good news and good results.

Congratulations Steph. I am so happy for you. Ejoy the next few months.


Linda

Awesome!
 

Stephanie: I'm so glad to hear such good news! It provides so much hope for all of us who are battling cancer. I hope I can one day say I"ll be off Herceptin-indefinitely,- that will be the day. Wonderful news, wonderful......

enjoy
 

I'm happy for you Steph. Your posts have always been such an inspiration to me. I have learned alot from you. Enjoy your time away from Herceptin. I hope everything goes your way from here on out. Sally

What Great News!!!
 

Hi Steph,
This is such great news. I'm glad that oncologists are beginning to give some thought to having a a break from Herceptin when a patient is NED for a significant period of time.
Keep us informed and I hope you have the opportunity to get away or take a trip.
Best wishes,
Barbara

WOW! That's terrific news - and you certainly deserve a break! You are always an inspiration to me, and now you've raised the bar again! Enjoy your Herceptin holiday!



chris

well done steph!
 

Great news. You have been fighting a long time and deserve a break. I just had my first her 2 serum blood test (while I was visiting my sister in London) and it was 7.6; this was 4 weeks after a dose of herceptin. I have stretched out my herceptin to 4 and 6 weeks occasionally but just had to have a reloading dose since I had a break of 7 weeks while overseas. I want to have a 3 month break soon. I have been on herceptin for 17 months and have been NED for most of that.

Cheers
jackie (down under)

Great news Steph! You are an inspiration. Enjoy your herceptin holiday!

This news makes my heart sing. Congratulations!!!

Karen

Yeah!! I have been waiting for your PET post- great news!! Congratulations- it couldn't have happened to a nicer gal!