Hi Nadine,
I had Herceptin from June 2012 - August 2013 and had a small break towards the end of treatment when the ECGs detected a lowering of heart function. I was really worried and actually said to both my oncologist and surgeon was it really worth the risk of me continuing Herceptin, but both felt it was in my best interests to try and complete the 12 month course so I was referred to a Cardiologist and immediately put on heart tablets (can't remember the name now!) and was even more closely monitored. They also adjusted my dosage of Herceptin. I did finish the course and was on the heart tablets for a good 6 months before my heart function was back in the normal range and I could come off the tablets and I no longer see the Cardiologist.
In relation to follow-ups it does seem to vary a little but a 12 month ultrasound & mammogram seems fairly standard. I still see one of my team every 3 months (once a year with the surgeon to go over the mammogram / ultrasound results, twice a year with my oncologist who regularly requests blood tests and once a year with the radiation oncologist as follow-up / physical check). I believe when I hit the 5 year mark next February this will scale back - thank goodness :-)
It was a significant bump in the road but thankfully the oncologists seem to be on top of how best to manage it so that with any luck it will be just a temporary set back. Best wishes, Jane xx
