Forum Discussion

LouiseTurner's avatar
LouiseTurner
Member
13 years ago

Herceptin

I have a question to those ladies on Herceptin. Have you had regular gated heart pool scans every 3 months, or have you had longer between scans and if so what was the reason for a longer time between scans. If I follow my onc advice it will be 5 months between scans this time but she has not explained why, very hard to contact her. Louie
herceptin

7 Replies

  • Bardoe's avatar
    Bardoe
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Louise,

    I hope it went better with your Onc dr, if not, if it were me, I would be looking for another.   There is so much stress and anxiety during BC treatment (i had them all)  that if your Onc cannot call you back when you have concerns, they are not right for you.  I had very good support from the team of Drs here in Adelaide, I can recommend them all. 

    Perhaps a post of which city you are in, requesting recommendations from the BCNA sister's here online?

    ps I also was on Herceptin, 12 mths and had heart scans every 3 months, which is the recommended process.

    regards Bardoe

  • Janey235's avatar
    Janey235
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi Louie, I've been on Herceptin with my fifth chemo, started in May. Had a heart echocardiogram before I started. You've reminded me to ask my Onc how often I should be having them. Thanks Love Jane xx
  • LouiseTurner's avatar
    LouiseTurner
    Member
    13 years ago
    Thanks Manda, I'm having communication trouble with my oncologist, I just don't seem to be able to get her to contact me despite my confusion/questions. And the nurses definately have a problem with the time frame. This is why I have asked the question here. I have a app with the onc next week and will check it all out then, then will consider switching oncologists. This has not been the first communication breakdown. I'm feeling like a pest and my situation is not dire, but even so I just don't want to blindly accept these things without understanding. Thanks for taking the time to respond, I've been following your story and wish you and your family well. My problems diminish when I'm reminded of people in your situation. Xxxlouie
  • MandaMoo's avatar
    MandaMoo
    Member
    13 years ago
    I've been in herceptin on/off for 2 1/2 years and my echos (I've only ever had one gated heart pool scan) are usually 3 monthly. When on trials they were strictly 3 monthly but I haven't had one for nearly 6 months so I have a slip for one now. I'm surprised to hear that your onc is waiting 5 months - but wouldn't be concerned. Have you asked why? The only reason for my current gap is we have been distracted with other things and forgot about it. We may be hard to contact but if you are concerned you are within your rights to contact. In the public system they often won't give you herceptin if you haven't had s heart scan every 3 months. Good wishes, A x
  • magicmum's avatar
    magicmum
    Member
    13 years ago

    Mine were all 3 months, my onc wanted it that way. Fortuantely the result has been good, with an increase at the final one - go figure ! I finished my last Herceptin today - yayy !!!!

    Ask, always ask - question the nurses as I think they sometimes are more in touch than some docs. ut your onc may have a really good reason.

     

    Good luck

    magicmum

  • magicmum's avatar
    magicmum
    Member
    13 years ago

    Mine were all 3 months, my onc wanted it that way. Fortuantely the result has been good, with an increase at the final one - go figure ! I finished my last Herceptin today - yayy !!!!

    Ask, always ask - question the nurses as I think they sometimes are more in touch than some docs. ut your onc may have a really good reason.

     

    Good luck

    magicmum

  • Cherylek's avatar
    Cherylek
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Louise, I had my last heart scan on 15/4/13 and am having next one on 8/7/13. I complained it was too soon! But the oncology unit likes to have them done prior to Herceptin 5. It does seem to me that 5 months is a long time between scans and it was the Oncology liaison nurse who organised mine yesterday not the Oncologist. I would definitely be asking some questions. Cheryle :)