[Caroline UK]

Hello Caya
I'm very similar to you in that I had 4 lots of FEC, followed by 4 lots of Taxotere, which all finished in November 06. They started me on Herceptin together with the Taxotere, I think on the 2nd or 3rd lot. I might be wrong (my own chemo brain here), but I believe it's thought to be more effective if given alongside the taxol, and that that is the treatment of choice if it's possible - it may not be with everyone? My understanding is that ideally you get it within 6 months of finishing chemo, so it could be that it doesn't matter too much. My oncologist was fine with me starting it after the Taxotere finished, if I didn't feel up to starting it alongside, so it probably isn't that crucial.

Best wishes with it all, anyway. I was quite afraid of starting it - what new and lovely side effects might it have? - but actually I've been okay with it. My heart function has come down a bit, but I've been told that they can stop the Herceptin, let my heart recover, and then they can re-start it hopefully. In other words, the heart problem is generally reversible, although of course it's a great idea to get regular MUGA's or echo's so it can be closely monitored before it gets too bad.
Take good care
Caroline