Herceptin or not Herceptin..that is the Question

[geraldine]

Was told Feb this year, I might be coming off Herceptin.
Decision would be based on the fact, I'd been on the drug for over 2 years.

My onc was going to speak to my surgeon and between them they would make the biggest decision off my life!!!

I was told , the cancer could come back, even thogh I was getting Herceptin!!
If they stopped the drug, the cancer might still come back !!
If I kept on with the drug, I might develop a heart condition !!

[fcrcm]

Geraldine, I've heard of women being on Herceptin for 5 years. How is your heart doing now? Any problems?

Recently, my sister went on Herceptin. I asked a very good friend about it. She runs a hospital in Florida and has been fighting breast cancer for 12 years. Don't know all the details (yet) but it had spread to the sternum and she's gone through stem cell transplant. She told me she's been on Herceptin for 7 years - no problems. Hope that helps.

[Chelee]

Geraldine, I was orignally told I would be on herceptin a year. But I have seen where others have been on it five with no problems. I know this is something I plan on asking my oncologist at my next visit. It was 7 months ago when they told me I would be on it for one year....maybe things have changed since then? New studies, or data on how long? I am hoping if my ECHO'S continue to be good...I would like to stay on it.

Chelee