Should I start Herceptin, again?

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8rs
8rs Member Posts: 6
edited June 2014 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer

I was diagnosis with breast cancer in Dec 2007.  It was invasive ductal cancer with tumor size of 2.1 cm.  It was estrogen and progesterone neg and HER2/neu positive.  There was 6 lymph nodes positive.  I had a mastectomy.  I did my chemo ~ Adriamycin, cytoxan, and taxol.  I received herceptin for 23 times once a week before my mugascan came back that my injection fraction was at 43%.  I started at 65%.  This was back in Aug 2008.  I quit the herceptin at this time doing only 23 treatments of the proposed 52 (one year).  My oncologist at my last check up brought up the idea of restarting the herceptin because my injection fraction is back to 50%.  Has anyone else ever started herceptin so long after stopping it?  Has anyone heard of any clinical studies that would prove this benefical for me to restart it?  I have a call in to my cardologist, but have not heard back from him on his opinion on this.  If I restart, it would be in May 2009 after I recoup from my DIEP flap breast reconstruction.  Anyones feed back on this would be appreciated.  I don't want to skip something that would be benefical to me, but I also don't want to put myself through anything I don't have to.  Actually, I am just confused??

Thanks for your input, 

Mary  

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  • nutrachris
    nutrachris Member Posts: 11
    edited April 2009

    Mary,

    I am aware of several women with this problem. Most have started Herceptin again and discontinue when their ejection factor gets low. I have also heard of women who take the suppliment coenzyme CO-Q10 and swear it helps their heart.

    Hugs

    Christine

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  • 8rs
    8rs Member Posts: 6
    edited April 2009

    Christine thanks for your input.  I have waited several days and it seems my questions has got a fair amount of views, but not many comments.  I guess the other information I would like to know is how many women have discontinued herceptin because of a low injection fraction and didn't restart it?  How many treatments did you get before stopping and do you feel comfortable with what treatment you have received?  I have been taking coreg for my heart and understand that I will now be on this medication for the rest of my life. 

    Thanks ahead of time for anyone's input,

    Mary

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  • maryannecb
    maryannecb Member Posts: 1,453
    edited April 2009

    My onc and I just had a discussion about what we would do if the 2 year data comes out saying that 2 years of H is better than one....he said although I completed my H a little over 2 years ago he would give me another year as long as i had no heart issues. Like this question there is NO data yet... You had significant disease,,,you might just want to try it again...

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  • orange1
    orange1 Member Posts: 930
    edited April 2009

    In the HERA trial, many women who were originally assigned to the no-herceptin arm "crossed-over" (were administered herceptin after the 1 year arm of the trial was over) after postive results became available.  According to a press release, these women who had herceptin much later, still benefited.  However, the article did not say how much they benefited. 

    You can call or email Genentech and see if they will provide the information.

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  • magentagirl
    magentagirl Member Posts: 101
    edited April 2009

    it is my understanding that the idea is to maintain a level of Herceptin in your blood throughout the year. if it was offered to me for another year, i would take it-it sounds like most people who have decreased heart function get it back when they stop. I have had 16 infusions with two more to go and my latest MUGA was 72! it went up from 62 before treatment. Go figure. I have been walking alot.

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  • Carolina59
    Carolina59 Member Posts: 232
    edited April 2009

    I had 6 TCH; there was never any suggestion of 4 vs. 6 tx. I was treated Aug-Nov 2007, finished Herceptin in Aug 2008.

    maryanne, when is the 2 year data supposed to come out? I would definitley take more Herceptin if it would extend the benefit of lowering my risk of recurrence. 

     

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  • enjoylife
    enjoylife Member Posts: 578
    edited April 2009

    I got the call I get a week after my hercepten I had 17 of them and chemo through last summer than radiation in the fall; The nurse said my liver enzemes were elevated a little what the heck does that mean they arent worried but when all your treatments are over you worrry is it going to come back to my liver they took 29 lymph nodes out only 4 were infected but it still worries me anyone have any calming advise????> I am getting my port out Monday its been in a year HELP..I am sorry Maryann I am not good at all this stuff and not sure what all the tech. stuff means single and alone through this all I think of lately last few weeks is I want to do and see so much ..

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  • enjoylife
    enjoylife Member Posts: 578
    edited April 2009
    got the call I get a week after my hercepten I had 17 of them and chemo through last summer than radiation in the fall; The nurse said my liver enzemes were elevated a little what the heck does that mean they arent worried but when all your treatments are over you worrry is it going to come back to my liver they took 29 lymph nodes out only 4 were infected but it still worries me anyone have any calming advise????> I am getting my port out Monday its been in a year HELP..I am sorry Maryann I am not good at all this stuff and not sure what all the tech. stuff means single and alone through this all I think of lately last few weeks is I want to do and see so much .. [Edit] [Delete]
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