3 weekly Herceptin - blood tests how often?

Jennt28

I have just moved from chemo to Herceptin only on a 3 weekly schedule. If you are doing or have done this can you share how often your MO gets you to do blood tests?



My MO seems to favour blood tests only each 12 weeks now and I'm wondering if that is normal...



Jenn

jackboo09

Jenn: I wouldnt be concerned. When I was on Herceptin only, I seemed to go ages in between blood tests. Sorry I cant be specific but 12 weeks sounds very normal. Hope your doing Ok.

Liz

lovetosail

Hi - yes I have blood work only quarterly now that I am on just Herceptin.  Good luck! Sue

ccjj

I finished my AC dose dense and 12 weekly taxol end of January and have been on herceptin every three weeks since.  I havent had blood work done since finishing my chemo.  I have had numerous muga scans but no blood work.  Good luck. 

OneToughCookie

I am on Herceptin only (every 3 weeks) since March. I have blood work done every 6 weeks ( when I see my onc). WBC and RBC are still rather low, but feeling OK.

suzieq60

I'm pretty sure they did bloods every time I had herceptin - I do have a lot of result sheets.

Jennt28

WOW, what a lot of variation... interesting!



Jenn

Trisha-Anne

Jenn I had blood tests done every six weeks while on Herceptin, and saw the onc every six weeks.



Trish

suzieq60

Trish - that's mean - I saw my onc every time

kathleen1966

Blood work every three months for me and now every four months...

Survivorwoman

Jenn- I do blood work every three weeks, but now I am allowed to do it a week before my Herceptin treatment. I don't have to do it the day before the infusion.

kayfh

Hi, here in Peterborough, ON Canada the protocol for bloodwork is every 12 weeks, one hour before the every 12 week oncologist appointment. For ever and ever and ever. Until they come up with a new plan for NED stage IV, or there is progression.

3girls

For me every 9 weeks with a MO visit

Jennt28

Even more variation! Doesn't seem to be a standard I guess...



My MO has now confirmed I will see her every 6 weeks while on he 3 weekly Herceptin. I still haven't had a straight answer on how often for the bloods - but it must be once every 9 or 12 weeks.



Jenn

Nel138281

i am on herceptin every 3 weeks as well.  Blood work every visit and onc or his NP every 6 weeks.  Huge variation!

Gentle weekend

Nel

suzieq60

Now I know why I like my onc - he's very busy but always takes the time to visit with you if you are having any treatment, even Zometa.

ccjj

On herceptin every 3 weeks since finishing chemo in jan.  I havent had blood work done once since finishing chemo other than for my recon surgeries.  I see my Onc every 9 weeks. So I have two herceptin infusions where I just go in and get them and then on the 3rd I see her.  This is all fine by me.  The days I have to see my onc also, I'm there for hours.  I much prefer my weeks when I can go in the morning get it done and head out. I will have to ask about the blood work though. Cant wait till its done.

MiracleMileM

I get Herceptin infusions every 3 weeks like everyone which, as a stage IV will continue indefinitely until progression when treatment changes will be considered.  I get an Xgeva shot every 4 weeks.  I have bloodwork every 4 weeks before the xgeva shot.  My onc says it is to ensure there is no kidney problem that would make Xgeva contraindicated.