3 weekly Herceptin - blood tests how often?

Options
Jennt28
Jennt28 Member Posts: 2,021
edited June 2014 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer

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

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • jackboo09
    jackboo09 Member Posts: 920
    edited June 2012

    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

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lovetosail
    lovetosail Member Posts: 544
    edited June 2012

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

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ccjj
    ccjj Member Posts: 128
    edited June 2012

    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. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • OneToughCookie
    OneToughCookie Member Posts: 37
    edited June 2012

    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.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 6,059
    edited June 2012

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

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jennt28
    Jennt28 Member Posts: 2,021
    edited June 2012

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



    Jenn

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Trisha-Anne
    Trisha-Anne Member Posts: 2,112
    edited June 2012

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



    Trish

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 6,059
    edited June 2012

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

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kathleen1966
    kathleen1966 Member Posts: 793
    edited June 2012

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

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Survivorwoman
    Survivorwoman Member Posts: 620
    edited June 2012

    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.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kayfh
    kayfh Member Posts: 790
    edited June 2012

    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.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • 3girls
    3girls Member Posts: 94
    edited June 2012

    For me every 9 weeks with a MO visit

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jennt28
    Jennt28 Member Posts: 2,021
    edited June 2012

    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

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Nel138281
    Nel138281 Member Posts: 2,124
    edited June 2012

    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

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 6,059
    edited June 2012

    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.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ccjj
    ccjj Member Posts: 128
    edited July 2012

    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.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MiracleMileM
    MiracleMileM Member Posts: 103
    edited July 2012

    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.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories