[Jean]

Hi Patrice,
Good for you finishing TC...you are now on the easier part of treatment. Herceptin evey 3 wks goes pretty easy without the side effects like TC.

The study trials are not out yet (we had expected ) to hear the result between 12 months of herceptin verses 24 months..but the results have been postponed.
The study is expected ...but the feelings are leaning in towards 12 months of herceptin. The trial is still assess the comparison.

My thoughts are if you are getting a few extra treatments of Herceptin..I would not be concerned.
Take the additonal herceptin treatments as onc. #2 is suggesting.

As far as check ups. This is what I do but it does not mean it is protocol...but my rad dr. who found my very small tumor and I have worked out a system of the following.
I have a digital mammo then 6 months later I have a breast MRI then next 6 months back to digital mammo.

This works for me and I have peace of mind. I had a mammo in Sept. 04 and all was fine..but just 5 months later I felt an ache deep in my arm pit did not feel any lump...I insisted on another mammo even though the dr. was telling me "breast cancer does not hurt"....a 6 MM (very small ) was found.

You have to do what works for you it is your body and life. Dr. follow a standard of care. Everyones body is different and unique. While stats are used (Dr. have to use them) if you are not comfortable go with your gut.

I don't understand why your onc. #2 would not be seeing you for 3 months...you have not completed treatment. You are supposed to see your dr. before each and every treatment. Blood is drawn and until it comes back you do not start treatment. I would ask him why before herceptin every 3 weeks he is not checking you?

As a base line in the begining I think it is wise to have scans...but most dr's for early stage patients will say it is not needed and they present more problems and issues.
I do understand this..but I needed to have the scans to be sure nothing else was going on. Just remember there are false positives and this is why the Dr. are not eager to order them for early stage patients without having a symptom.

In my first scans a nodule was found on my lung. We watched it closely for 2 yrs. it has not grown or changed. It could have been there for years who knows. But I would rather know what is going on.

I also did have a MRI of the brain also to have a base line.

Just tell your onc.#2 that you want to have your mammo
every other 6 months...and thats that. Just make sure you have digital mammos....which have much less raditaion involved. Do what makes you feel comfortable, it is your body.

I wish you the very best during your herceptin treatments.

Kind regards,
jean