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Christine · 11-09-2006, 10:03 AM

KIKI..... Sounds like a great plan to me!!

I have been taking Herceptin Since Sept. '99. ; and also was told I would be probably on it for life. I have had no major side effects from herceptin , until my recent Echo-cardiograms have been comming bach at 50% EF twice over the past year. Ironicly, one of the echo's last year was HIGH AT 65 TO 70. I do think that it is time to give my heart a rest. My Onc and I yesterday met to discuss a plan. We agreed that I am a NED patient for for over 6 years with no further relapses either in my chest or Brain. I also don't find most tumor markers helpful, except for CEA, and HER2 SERUM tests.
And so we opted to stay off herceptin for the next 3 months. I also think it is also wise to have a Cardiologist check out my cardiovascular system over the net few months to be sure my heart will rebound with no perminent damage.
I believe it is always better to investigate further as part of the process to get off herceptin, Since there has never been documentation on women , Stage 4, NED or whoever stopped herceptin and had a relapse. It a very interesting subject. I am thrilled you posted on this message board!!
I wull be having my Brain MRI in Dec. I will also have the liver and chest scanned at the same time.

All my warmest wishes go out for you. Keep with the program, sounds good.
Hugs,
Christine

11-09-2006, 10:03 AM	#12
Christine Founder - HER2 Support Group Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Carlsbad, CA Posts: 361	Stage 4 and off herceptin KIKI..... Sounds like a great plan to me!! I have been taking Herceptin Since Sept. '99. ; and also was told I would be probably on it for life. I have had no major side effects from herceptin , until my recent Echo-cardiograms have been comming bach at 50% EF twice over the past year. Ironicly, one of the echo's last year was HIGH AT 65 TO 70. I do think that it is time to give my heart a rest. My Onc and I yesterday met to discuss a plan. We agreed that I am a NED patient for for over 6 years with no further relapses either in my chest or Brain. I also don't find most tumor markers helpful, except for CEA, and HER2 SERUM tests. And so we opted to stay off herceptin for the next 3 months. I also think it is also wise to have a Cardiologist check out my cardiovascular system over the net few months to be sure my heart will rebound with no perminent damage. I believe it is always better to investigate further as part of the process to get off herceptin, Since there has never been documentation on women , Stage 4, NED or whoever stopped herceptin and had a relapse. It a very interesting subject. I am thrilled you posted on this message board!! I wull be having my Brain MRI in Dec. I will also have the liver and chest scanned at the same time. All my warmest wishes go out for you. Keep with the program, sounds good. Hugs, Christine