Extra 13 months on Herceptin

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moonwolf
moonwolf Member Posts: 130
edited June 2014 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer

I have read that Herceptin gives us an extra 13 months!  That does not seem to fit in with what is on these posts.  So I don't understand what is meant by that.  Any ideas?

If it is so, then when do we start counting - at the beginning of Herceptin treatment or at the end?

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  • chainsawz
    chainsawz Member Posts: 3,473
    edited January 2010

    This statistic (http://www.gene.com/gene/products/information/oncology/herceptin/factsheet.html) is referring to advanced stage (stage IV) breast cancer patients.  It extends our lives an average of 13 months, but I hope to be on the high end of that curve and get 20 years :>  The statistic that relates to your stage is herceptin cuts recurrence by approximately 50 percent, which I guess starts from the time you are diagnosed.

    Herceptin has really changed the playing field for us!   Best to you!! 
     

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  • moonwolf
    moonwolf Member Posts: 130
    edited January 2010

    Thanks chainsawz, now I understand. 

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  • chainsawz
    chainsawz Member Posts: 3,473
    edited January 2010

    All the information we have to digest is so immense....I can hardly keep up most of the time!! 

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  • moonwolf
    moonwolf Member Posts: 130
    edited January 2010

    Heck!  Just read your biography - poor you.  I am amazed you have stage IV and mets and yet you have clear nodes!

    I had 2 or 3 nodes affected, so am expecting mets.  I know, I should think positive, but it's difficult!

    Keep fighting girl.

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  • chainsawz
    chainsawz Member Posts: 3,473
    edited January 2010

    Yup - I had clear nodes, but that's because it spread via my bloodstream and my little lymph nodes didn't even get a chance to try and trap it and stop the mets.  It is all a crap shoot in my opinion :>  I have read plenty of stories of positive nodes with no recurrence so you have a great chance of never seeing mets.....I know it's hard not to worry, tho!   I think you are being positive but keeping your eyes open.  I always say that I have to look the monster with my eyes open so I know where to stab it....keep my eyes closed and I might miss!!  

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