Herceptin? Good news?

Hi Kristi-

I was DX last September.  I am on Herceptin.  I have not been DX with mets and pray that I wont be.  I have an MRI scheduled soon.  But, from what I hear Herceptin is supposed to be the miracle drug for those with HER2+ .  I lost my mom to bc ten years ago.  She had mets to lung and bone.  I wish Herceptin was around then.  I understand it has helped several women with mets.  Hopefully, some will share their experience.  Good luck to you and your family.

Kristi,

When my liver mets were at their worst, I had a 9cm tumor, plus numerous 2cm tumors throughout my liver.  I went on Gemzar and Herceptin, and in 9 months, or 14 treatments, my liver went into remission.  I have continued on Herceptin alone and have been in remission now for over 3 1/2 years.  My remission longevity is absolutely because of Herceptin!  My heart ejection fraction has actually increased with my last echo-to between 55-60.  I will be on Herceptin for life-my miracle.

Denise

Herceptin is a miracle drug for many people. Unfortunately, only three months of Herceptin hurt my heart terribly. I started cancer treatment with an EF of 67% in March '07. When my echo was done in August '07, my EF had taken a huge plunge to 33%. I was taken off Herceptin immediately.

Now, over six months later, my heart is essentially unimproved. So here I sit in a very precarious position. I know if I get any spread, I'll be unable to take Herceptin or Tykerb. I also know that my heart condition is my most serious health issue presently.

Herceptin is a miracle drug, but it's a real heartbreaker to those who need it and cannot tolerate it. I don't mean to be a downer, I just think we all need to be aware of problems to watch for. I truly am thrilled that women with mets live for years and years that previously would have been lost.

Best wishes,

Miss S

Thank you, Henny. The wonderful ladies (and occasional brave man hee!) here have been so helpful through all of this. This entire experience has been tenfold easier because of you all. I hold you all dear and hopefully we'll keep helping each other for many years to come!

Miss S

Hi Marcia,

  Thanks for your kind words. I'm glad you feel like your heart is getting better. I think it is easier for the heart to rebound from a 10 digit drop than a 30 digit drop. I actually had a heart attack, as well, so the entire bottom of my heart is not really doing anything (my cardiologist's words).

  I'm going to start swimming soon, so hopefully the exercise will benefit my heart. I have not given up hope.

 I am shocked a doctor would tell you not to worry about your heart (essentially). If you die from a heart attack, it's not going to matter if you have cancer.

 In the Herceptin trials, I believe they discontinued use if there was a drop of 15 or more, so you still fall into a safe category. It is difficult to know what to do. Of course, my stage was progressed enough that no one really gave me a choice. I would not have refused herceptin, to be sure.

Maybe 12 weeks of Herceptin is enough and we will both be okay. Only the Lord knows.

Best wishes and God Bless,

Miss S

Janna,

Yes, I have a cardiologist I see regularly. I saw him every month until last time. I think he is discouraged that I am not improving. He left me wait four months to go back this time.

I guess I'll always have a cardiologist now, considering I have serious heart problems.

I'm happy that you are able to tolerate Herceptin. It's truly a wonderful breakthrough for HER2+ bc patients. May you live long and be happy while you're doing it!

I should add that I feel pretty good, go to work every day to a job I love, and live life happily! I may be broken, but you can still play with me! 

Love to you all,

Miss S