Herceptin Questions

Hi Everyone

My mom had her appt with the dr today and he again explained the CT results (that it was a mixed picture and although they are not +ve that the new spots are cancer, they think they are). Her old tumours in her liver have shrunk, but they are now worried about the 2-3 new spots that have appeared. So she has been taken of the Taxotere (as they believe it has done what it can) and she is now going to do 6 weeks of Herceptin (alone), and then another scan to see if the Herceptin is working. The dr said if the spots start to grow, then she will be taken off Herceptin and put on another chemo. I asked why go off the Herceptin, and he said as then it would be apparent that its not working. I have a hard time believing and understanding this, and its my first instinct to fight that if things don't improve in 6 weeks, that she go on another chemo WITH Herceptin. Has anyone else had to switch chemos while on Herceptin to fight/clear their mets? From what I have read from other posts and from research it seems that Herceptin seems to work best in conjunction with chemo. Would I be right to fight this (if he wants to take her off Herceptin), or should she just try the chemo alone? My other question is for any canadians out there- the dr also said that in Canada you can only recieve Herceptin for a year regardless if it is working or not. I know i am jumping ahead abit, but this seems crazy, if it is working, why not continue on. The dr claims it is toxic to the heart, and that benefits have only been shown for a year. I think alot of people on this site would disagree, as would I. Again, we will fight this decision when it happens. My mom is currently being seen at Princess Margaret in Toronto, incase anyone is wondering, as I know we should possibly get a second opinion, but apparently we are seeing one of the best oncs in the city, plus with our system, I am not sure of how to go about finding another dr. Anyways, just looking for some insight.

Thanks Again

Karyn

WOW, that goes against everything we've been told. You are right, herceptine works best in combination and if your Mom is HER2+, then unless there are some cardio problems, she should probably be on it forever. She must have her heart checked with a MUGU scan before she starts herceptine.
For a second opinion, (which I would get ASAP), I would phone the Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre. Phone Gabby at the New intake office at 416-480-5369. I would ask for an appointment with doctor Maureen Trudeau; she is the best there is. You may need your family physician to give her a referral but maybe not.
Good luck
Al

Hi Karyn..... my name is Sandee, I was originally diagnosed with BC in 1998, in 2001 they discovered mets to the bone and liver, they remained stable (with Femara) until my last scans (got the results 2 days ago) I'm still in the crying and disbelief mode. I am from Quebec, my Onc. mentionned that I will be on a chemo drug called Taxol in combination with Herceptin (if the pathology sample comes back positive)
Hope it goes weill with your mom... I totaly understand your fear.... I am living it *hugs*

Sandee,

Read your website a little today. It is beautiful as you and your children are. I have three wonderful babies too!

Your post touched me deeply. Am thinking of you and wishing you well.

Peace, Ruth

Hello,

If I'm not mistaken, Kathy Pritchard is also at Sunnybrook, and she is one of the Canadian leaders in studying/treating her2 disease...

Good luck,
Jeff

Karyn
Your right! Your mother needs a powerful Herceptin combo. Talk to the Onc about our website and all who have been successful with Herceptin combos, such as Navelbine, Taxanes and platin salts(CARBOPLATIN)and others. Good thinking!
Hugs tou and Mom.

my sister is being treated at the Ottawa General. She is stage 4 and her onc. has said that she will stay on Herceptin indefinently.

my sister also is stage four amd she has also been told she will be on it 1 time a week indefinately