2nd year Herceptin

Rupali · 06-29-2006, 12:12 PM

Hi all,
I had my oncologist visit yesterday. This was a visit after 1 year of Herceptin. The expected result was that we would have to try and convince him for a second year of Herceptin. But astonishingly it went very smooth as he said there was some data presented in ASCO which pointed that 2year Herceptin might be better so he is going to continue me on Herceptin. He also mentioned that he thinks that Lapatinib will be available commercially in begining of 2007 and that might be an oppurtunity for me to take it as an off label drug.
I wanted to know if anyone of you got similar fedbacks from your onc.

Regards,
Rupali

DX as Stage 3A with 12 nodes +ve in Nov 2004.
DID 4AC +4 Taxol + 1 year Herceptin + currently on Tamoxifen.
Weekly ER+, PR+ and strongly Her2++

Andi · 06-29-2006, 01:10 PM

I would be interested in the data your onc was referring to. I am due to complete my 1 year of herceptin in September and would like to visit with my doc about this the next time I see him. Thanks for any help.

Cathya · 06-29-2006, 05:03 PM

I think we have to remember that as stage 3 whatever we are at very high risk of having a recurrence and our doctors know this. This is why we are on herceptin for an indefinite period of time and being closely followed. We are blessed really as until hercepin we would have been considered a timebomb. Now we truly have hope for a semi-normal life. Let's take advantage and go for it!!! Herceptin all the way.

Cathy

Ginagce · 06-29-2006, 08:17 PM

I too asked about continuing with herceptin at my last onc visit. The end of this month would be my one year marker. She said she thinks it's a good idea to keep going until more data is avail on 1 vs 2 years, my 2nd year is up, or, my insurance refuses to pay.

I agree and will do exactly that. I was at my husband's side for a year and a half as he slowly died from cancer. I will do anything to avoid that and the pain it causes for those who love us. Practically anything anyway.

Would also be interested in hearing of any other oncs who are siding with 2 versus 1 year.

ginagce

Becky · 06-30-2006, 07:01 AM

My onc feels it is worth it to keep going until you are at your 2 yrs from date of diagnosis (the most vulerable period of recurrence). But that's it until there is more data. (So I am doing this - an extra 15 weeks worth - 5 extra every 3 wk treatments)

Becky

PS - I am only Stage 2A with one node minimally involved and that makes a huge difference versus Stage 3 with more nodes. I am also ER+, got my ovaries removed so I could take Arimidex as well. Therefore, I am not sure how much I should fight for a whole extra year of Herceptin (although my heart has stayed good throughout). If there is info or data, I would love to see it too as my onc is thoughtful and logical in his approach to care and would highly consider the data.

Soccermom · 06-30-2006, 08:39 AM

I recently spoke with my Onc as my Herceptin will be done July 25th. I was staged 2B ,1 node with 4 cm/mm? involvement. Her2 3+++. She snapped that because I didnt have mets I was not eligible for any more TX. Is this true? My mom passed away after a 13 year battle with BC while I was in treatment (ACX 4 +Taxol) then Herceptin and Arimidex...I want to do what I can so I can be around for my 13 yo DD!
Thanks for any info...I too would like to see the citation regarding continuing of TX.

MSP

tousled1 · 06-30-2006, 11:03 AM

I just saw my oncologist today and asked her about the "one year" of Herceptin. She said that if a patient wanted to continue she would have no problem with that.

07-01-2006, 08:18 AM

I am one of the lucky ones....I was able to convince my oncologist to continue the herceptin and am now in my second year. (stage III)