Herceptin to be Proactive?????
 

Since being told I have mets to the lungs, I've been doing a lot of thinking the last two days (duh). I'm going to call my oncologist tomorrow morning to see if I can't get in to see her before Friday. Also, I already know that she is going to put be back on Herceptin since her nurse already told me. I'm wondering if it would be a good idea for me when I call tomorrow to tell them that when I come in I would like to get a Herceptin infusion. I don't have my port anymore but many women on this site never had a port. I feel if I start the Herceptin right away at least I'm being proactive until we get the results of all the tests she wants to do before we throw the "big guns" at these mets. What do you guys think?
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Hi Kate!
I know absolutely nothing but my own experience, but everything in me screams - Do It!!!!! ma

I Concur Wholeheartedly
 

It is a proactive feasible sensible approach I laud. Go for it. I have no med degrees, just 12 yrs of acting like one in real life -- Do it! Ask for it! Press for it! This is your life. Guard it at all costs, honey. With love, ANDI :) Love that you're totally in to thinking this through. No one cares more about YOU than you. Smart move.

no port no problem
 

Hi Kate,
I did mucho chemo without a port...am hoping to start my chemo tomorrow without a port, too.

I would start the herceptin - if it's still the same as when I was on it, you need to do a loading dose, which I think is weekly at first.

My onc doesn't know it yet, but I am going to ask to be put on herceptin again, too. Maybe in a couple of weeks after I see how the carbo/gem goes.

Try to stay steady - this is not the news anyone wants but as is evident on this site there is true possibility for surviving and thriving!

I'm going to read that last paragraph to myself about 10 more times.
Flori (Doctor in a past life, for sure)

Kate, I never had a port put in for my TCH and now I am on herceptin alone and still....no port.
Take care.
Best wishes....Maryanne

Kate,
Herceptin, proactive all good things. Don't worry about not having a port. I have been in treatment (every three weeks) since Oct of 06 and do not have a port. Drink lots of water before to plump those veins. I also squeeze a soft rubber ball to strengthening them (hand weights while exercising is good too).

Keep us informed and remember many are thinking and praying for you.
Donna

Kate
I would absolutely get the Herceptin...and as far as not having a port...I don't have one and have been on Herceptin 4 years, and now Taxol and Avastin. Like Donna said, drink plenty of fluids. I would think you probably may not need a port unless you are going to get Navelbine, which is very caustic if it leaks into the tissues....they do use a port for that.

Kate,

Herceptin holds proliferation in check; can't be a bad thing to get started again ASAP. I have had 16 Herceptin infusions without a port. They dissolve it in water, so the needle is very thin. You should have no problem.

Best of luck to you with your treatments,

Hopeful

I never had a port either...and I think that if you feel like you should start right up with Herceptin then...YOU SHOULD!!! We have a way of intuitively knowing what is the right thing to do!!! Just do it!!!

Kate,
I have not stopped thinking of you ....I think it is wise of you to start
taking action...also I did not have a port during my chemo/herceptin.
(TCH) all went well. Drink and then Drink some more...have the nurse
place a warm wet compress on your arm prior to infusion. (from micro)
that works wonders and perks up the vein. I have very small baby
veins and all went well.

Keeping you in my prayers....let us know how it goes.
Hugs,
jean

Kate,

I have been thinking of you, too. I would ask for the herceptin also.

I had all my chemo and herceptin txs w/out a port and I did okay. It's doable.

Hugs and Prayers,
Lexi

Oh My Little Tousled One
 

Although not a professional patient like you, (professional seasoned caregiver...oh, I like that title) I would like to say: With a good blood return you should be okay. Go for it sweetie, get started for WAR!! We will meet somewhere in the middle!! Sounds like a plan!!

Waiting For A Miracle..and expecting one soon!!>>Believe51

I agree, ask for the Herceptin - indeed it's likely that they will treat you with a Herceptin based chemo regimen anyway. I've never had a port, so assuming you have "good veins" you shouldn't have any problem! You can help this by being well hydrated, as others have mentioned, and also if they have any trouble, try holding your arm in warm water for a few minutes.

You'll do fine!