[Barbara2]

I would definately take late herceptin if given the chance, and I did. Cancer can return after any number of years. Taking herceptin, even "late", may prevent any lurking cells from kicking in setting up shop again, sometime later in time. No one really knows for sure but logically it makes sense to take herceptin, even if it is "late".

Here is what Dr. Pegram said to me when I asked him about late herceptin back in 2007:

Good for you! I think that’s the right thing even though there’s no data. I think you definitely should do it. Can’t hurt. You have nothing to lose. We know that it works when you take it up front when first diagnosed. We also know that it works in terms of even prolonging survival if you wait until after you develop metastasis, it works, so what are the odds that it doesn’t work in between those 2? I’m sure it does. I think it works. I would have done it if I were you. There’s even a study of that right now (late Herceptin); there’s a trial that’s open. I think you have to have finished adjuvant therapy within 2 years. The study isn’t random; they’re treating everybody. The study is just underway, so it will take a long time for the results (and there are not that many people that would be taking the study; after May 05, everyone started getting Herceptin.)