Talked to onc today re: Herceptin

nitewind · 02-24-2007, 06:39 PM

Sheryl, It was eight monthes after I found my lump that I started Herceptin. I started the chemos four monthes after finding it. I am er/pr- and her2+++, sentinal node biopsy showed no node involvement. Next week I see my doctor and have rads set up. Oh yeah, I'll be getting the herceptin for at least the next year.
Feeling better every day and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!
Susan

Bev · 02-24-2007, 08:34 PM

Hi Sheryl,

I think most of us have done rads after AC and during taxotere and Herceptin.

Your time frame is within normal practice. I don't know if anyone knows if it would be more effective having it earlier. That would make for an interesting study. Makes sense, but there's no data to support. There's been some discussion as to whether we need AC. Still many studies that show it helpful.

I haven't done TCH. It might be worthwhile to look into. As to heart damage, AC was rough on me, but I went back to normal on TH. So we all react differently. Get a 2nd opinion so you'll feel better about your choices. BB

Lani · 02-24-2007, 08:58 PM

I seem to remember there being an entity (can't remember the exact name)
radiation recall dermatitis--which was why they liked to give the chemo before the rads. As I recall, certain chemos (I think anthracyclines) given after radiation therapy could cause (in a percentage of patients) a nasty dermatitis where the radiation had been given. (I don't think it was vice-versa). Try putting radiation recall dermatitis into PubMed and google.

Sorry not to be too sharp this evening.