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09-04-2006, 02:40 PM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Adrian, MI
Posts: 9
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Cardiotoxicity after A/C, ? Herceptin
Hello, Everyone,
I found this site recently while doing some research on HER2. Because I believe there are no "coincidences" in life, I have to believe that I am here because of a divine purpose. Thus being said, I would like to do a little brain-storming if I may.
I was diagnosed in late 2002 with Stage IIB, ER/PR+, HER2+, Grade III, node positive BC. I opted for a lumpectomy and had 4 rounds of A/C, followed by 12 weeks of Taxol and 37 radiation treatments. Being part of the clinical study that evaluated Herceptin, I was and am still eligible to receive Herceptin.
Several months after my chemo ended I received a call from my oncologist informing me that my most recent echocardiogram indicated that my ejection fraction had reduced from 65% to 50% from the A/C. Subsequently, it returned almost to the pre-treatment level when last checked.
Because of the risk of cardiotoxicity from the Herceptin, my oncologist and I discussed the issue at length and I decided not to take the Herceptin because of that risk. Now I am having second thoughts about my decision.
Has anyone out there experienced cardiotoxicity from the A/C and then successfully received Herceptin?
I would appreciate any and all comments regarding this issue.
Betsy
Adrian, MI
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09-04-2006, 06:31 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Sheboygan, WI
Posts: 2,582
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Hello,
So sorry I can not help you. I did not have any problems with the A/C and thus far have had no problems with the herceptin. I have only 2 herceptin to go.
If I were you though, I'd give the herceptin a try because of the benefits to you. Your heart will be monitored and if there is a problem the herceptin can be stopped and heart function should heal itself.
That is just my opinion. Good luck to you.
__________________
"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
Dx. 6/24/05 age 45 Right Breast IDC ER/PR. Neg., - Her2+++ RB Mast. - 7/28/05 - 4 cm. tumor Margins clear - 1 microscopic cell 1 sent. node No Vasucular Invasion 4 DD A/C - 4 DD Taxol & Herceptin 1 full year of Herceptin received every 3 weeks 28 rads prophylactic Mast. 3/2/06
17 Years NED
<>< Romans 8:28
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09-04-2006, 07:07 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Alexandria, VA
Posts: 1,055
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Hi Betsy, My baseline was 65. Went down to 56 on AC. ON Herceptin alone went up to 70. I have been doing COQ10 while on H. My thought is to get tested every 3 months and if your numbers are stable or rising to go for it. I think this is the best thing we have going for us at this point in time. Herceptin has been very easy for me to do. Good Luck, BB
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09-04-2006, 07:08 PM
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#4
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Adrian, MI
Posts: 9
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Cardiotoxicity after A/C
Marejo,
Thank you for your encouragement and your wise response. You have voiced the conclusion that I have come to on my own after much reading. I dread the thought of starting Herceptin since it will mean more IV's, and most likely another port, but I will contact my oncologist and discuss it again.
I loved the scripture verse at the end of your note. It echoes my belief.
Betsy
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09-04-2006, 07:26 PM
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#5
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Adrian, MI
Posts: 9
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Bev,
Thank you for telling me about your experience with A/C and Herceptin. That is exactly what I needed to hear. The ejection fraction reduction was my major reason for not accepting the herceptin when it was offered to me. I will contact the oncologist and discuss it again. Wishing you much success in your treatment.
Betsy
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09-06-2006, 02:40 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 230
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Hi Betsy,
Just wanted to let you know I had A/C, Taxol, dose dense & year of Herceptin. I had one low MUGA score waited approx. 6 weeks retested and my ejection fraction was normal again. I can also tell you that I did not have a port and after chemo I found Herceptin gentle on my veins.
Best of luck with your decision.
Mary (fellow Michiganer)
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09-06-2006, 06:32 PM
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#7
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Adrian, MI
Posts: 9
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Herceptin
Mary,
Thank you for your encouragement. Great news that the Herceptin didn't bother your veins, and better still that your ejection fraction went back to normal. I will contact my oncologist and discuss this all again with him. Better now than later.
Betsy
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09-06-2006, 08:14 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Illinois
Posts: 327
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I have had a 5% decrease from 50% to 45% and they put me on a small dose of ace-inhibitor to try to maintain a good heart result. It is VERY managable to take heart medications and stay on Herceptin.
It's all a very personal decision, but I would probably lean toward taking the heart medicine and remaining on Herceptin. if you have to take a little break and just do the heart medicine, then that's probably ok too. But just me, I would take all the Herceptin I can get them to give me. But seeing my history (below) that says a lot about me and why my views are the way they are.... Hugs, Julie
__________________
Jan04: Bilateral Mastectomy at age 28
Initial DX: Left Breast: IDC 2cm, Grade 3, HER2+3, 0 Nodes +, ER/PR-. Right Breast: Extensive DCIS ER-/PR+; Stage 1-2a
Feb04-Apr04: 4 AC, dose dense
Aug 04: 4 Taxotere
Dec 05: Bone and Liver METS; Stage 4. Carboplatin/Taxol/Herceptin. DX with Li-Fraumeni Syndrome
Apr 06: NED, maintenance Herceptin
Apr 07: CA1503=14; masses in liver; Xeloda/Tykerb
Nov 07: NED, Tykerb maintenance
Sept 08: Liver mets again, on Tykerb/Xeloda again, CA=19 and 27
Nov 08: Progression, Tykerb/Gemzar, CA=25
Dec 08: Progression, Herceptin/Navelbine, CA=40, 57, and 130
Jan 09: Progression in bone, recession in liver, Herceptin/Carbo/Abraxane CA=135
June 09: CA27/29=24, chemo break
Sept 09: Progression, CA=24, waiting on clinical trial (4 weeks no treatment)
Nov 09: now have brain mets, trial "on hold", getting 14 WBR treatments starting 11/2/09
Dec 09: possible start on p53 trial
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09-09-2006, 09:56 AM
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#9
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Adrian, MI
Posts: 9
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Herceptin
Julie,
Thank you so much for responding to my question about Herceptin. I am weighing the pros and the cons and trying to decide if taking it now after four years is worth the risk to my heart.
After reading your personal history, I can fully understand why you wouldn't hesitate to take Herceptin for however long they are willing to give it to you. I would do the same, and will in the future if needed.
Hopefully we will all live long enough to see a cure for breast cancer, or better yet a vaccine that will prevent it before it can get a foothold (like the recent discovery of a vaccine to prevent cervical cancer).
Wishing you the very best in the years to come.
Keep the faith,
Betsy
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