HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Herceptin four years later- any point???

Joan M · 10-07-2009, 08:06 PM

Tricia,

At four years out from diagnosis, your friend could very well be in the clear based on the drop-off in the rate of recurrence after two years, according to the Herceptin trials. However, since we don't have crystal balls to predict whether the cancer might come back even after four years, I would suggest going for it now with the chance that if it were destined to come back, the Herceptin could be the silver bullet in the adjuvant setting.

Joan

10-07-2009, 08:06 PM	#8
Joan M Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,851	Re: Herceptin four years later- any point??? Tricia, At four years out from diagnosis, your friend could very well be in the clear based on the drop-off in the rate of recurrence after two years, according to the Herceptin trials. However, since we don't have crystal balls to predict whether the cancer might come back even after four years, I would suggest going for it now with the chance that if it were destined to come back, the Herceptin could be the silver bullet in the adjuvant setting. Joan __________________ Diagnosed stage 2b in July 2003 (2.3 cm, HER2+, ER-/PR-, 7+ nodes). Treated with mastectomy (with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction), AC + T/Herceptin (off label). Cancer advanced to lung in Jan. 2007 (1 cm nodule). Started Herceptin every 3 weeks. Lung wedge resection April 2007. Cancer recurred in lung April 2008. RFA of lung in August 2008. 2nd annual brain MRI in Oct. 2008 discovered 2.6 cm cystic tumor in left frontal lobe. Craniotomy Oct. 2008 (ER-/PR-/HER2-) followed by targeted radiation (IMRT). Coughing up blood Feb. 2009. Thoractomy July 2009 to cut out fungal ball of common soil fungus (aspergillus) that grew in the RFA cavity (most likely inhaled while gardening). No cancer, only fungus. Removal of tiny melanoma from upper left arm, plus sentinel lymph node biopsy in Feb. 2016. Guardant Health liquid biopsy in Feb. 2016 showed mutations in 4 subtypes of TP53. Repeat of Guardant Health biopsy in Jana. 2021 showed 3 TP53 mutations, BRCA1 mutation and CHEK2 mutation. Invitae genetic testing showed negative for all of these. Living with MBC since 2007. Stopped Herceptin Hylecta (injection) treatment in March 2020. Recent 2023 annual CT of chest, abdomen and pelvis and annual brain MRI showed NED. Praying for NED forever!!