HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Post-treatment options for ER/PR- Stage 3

Val Pfeiffer · 07-15-2007, 06:30 PM

My oncologist and I decided on the quarterly Herceptin regime together. I had six months of Herceptin with the other chemo drugs (surgery in the middle of the six months), then after radiation I did the one year of triple dose every three weeks. After that I decided that I didn't want to quit Herceptin altogether, but I didn't want to continue every three weeks either--clinically it didn't seem right, and I guess I wanted a break.

I'm pretty sure I could've gotten insurance coverage to continue more frequent Herceptin. My insurance company is pretty compliant with what I ask for. But, no, there isn't any data or clinical study out there that made me decide to go on quarterly Herceptin. I'm going to do this indefinitely until something better comes along.

Hopefully I won't have to worry about Tykerb for awhile. I was worried about cancer cells that may have gotten into my head (where the Herceptin can't get them!), but now that I have the semi-annual MRIs, I'm not as concerned.

How often are you guys getting PETs and other scans to check for possible recurrences?

Val

07-15-2007, 06:30 PM	#7
Val Pfeiffer Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 159	My oncologist and I decided on the quarterly Herceptin regime together. I had six months of Herceptin with the other chemo drugs (surgery in the middle of the six months), then after radiation I did the one year of triple dose every three weeks. After that I decided that I didn't want to quit Herceptin altogether, but I didn't want to continue every three weeks either--clinically it didn't seem right, and I guess I wanted a break. I'm pretty sure I could've gotten insurance coverage to continue more frequent Herceptin. My insurance company is pretty compliant with what I ask for. But, no, there isn't any data or clinical study out there that made me decide to go on quarterly Herceptin. I'm going to do this indefinitely until something better comes along. Hopefully I won't have to worry about Tykerb for awhile. I was worried about cancer cells that may have gotten into my head (where the Herceptin can't get them!), but now that I have the semi-annual MRIs, I'm not as concerned. How often are you guys getting PETs and other scans to check for possible recurrences? Val __________________ BLOG: http://valleygirlvnp.blogspot.com/ Dx 11/04, Age 42, ER-/PR-, HER2+++ 3 months weekly Herceptin, Taxol. Carboplatin Significant tumor shrinkage Mastectomy 3/05; Stage 3b, 9 cm tumor, 5/8+ nodes 3 more months weekly Herceptin, Taxol. Carboplatin 7/05 30 radiation treatments, IMRT planning approach Started 1 year of Herceptin 9/05 9/06 Began quarterly triple doses Herceptin. Brain & breast MRIs semi annually. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 6/08 Right breast, intraductal carcinoma, high nuclear grade associated with comedo necrosis; extensive diffusely involved the entire biopy specimen. ER+, PR-, Her2 unknown at this point, 07/08 mastectomy.