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Nadi's avatar
Nadi
Member
10 years ago

Pause in Herceptin treatment and schedule for follow-up mammogram

Hi everyone

I am coming up to six months since my diagnosis. I've had surgery, finished chemo, just about to start 30 sessions of radiation and have 13 cycles of Herceptin for HER2+ to go. Last Wednesday I was told that after a few more cycles I will probably have to stop Herceptin because my last heart test showed big decrease in LVEF after only 3 treatments. After this shock,  I am getting mentally prepared for a break - I just hope I don't freak out too much when that happens as I am worried about what a break will do to my chances of a recurrence.

I would love to hear from any other women who have paused or stopped Herceptin, how you mentally handled it, and what you were told by your oncologist about how it would affect your chances of a recurrence.

I am also confused about the schedule for follow up tests such as mammograms/ultrasounds. Is it standard to have a mammogram at 6 months post diagnosis, or does this happen after radiation? 

Take care everyone,

Nadine

 

 

herceptin

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  • Jennybutter's avatar
    Jennybutter
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Nadine,

    Sorry you have issues with your herceptin, I had my 4th herceptin today, they are vidulant with making sure the old ticker is doing the right thing.

    I suppose we have to be confident they are doing the right thing by us. I am in week 2 of rads with another 2 weeks to go, then have my follow up ultrasounds after treatment in october so think it is normal, but speak up if your worried about anything.

    Take care.

    Cheers Jen ?? ?? ?? xx 

  • mad_wombat's avatar
    mad_wombat
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Nadine 

    My situation is similar to yours. After my last heart scan my function had decreased and I am currently on a four week break from Herceptin.  The nuclear med person told me that after a break function normally bounces back. My oncologist also put me on perindopril to help heart.  I will also see a cardiologist and have another heart scan before being restarted on the herceptin. 

    On the mental front!! I am just trying to picture it as another bump in the road.   As you have already worked out, cancer is the gift that keeps on giving. LOL

    I am also doing the YWCA encore program and finding that helpful.  Also have booked a cruise for when I finish radiation. 

    Take care, and do something fun with your break

  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Nadine,

    I am sorry to hear about the complications with your Herceptin treatment. Hopefully there will be others who can share their experience with you. I was not HER2 +.

    I don't know if it was 'standard' but I had my first mammogram/Ultasound at the 12 month mark post diagnosis. This was about 5 months after I finished chemo and then radiation. I continue to have them at 12 month intervals but also have check-ups with my oncologist which involve a physical examination. This means I see one of my doctors every 6 months.

    Take care. Deanne xxx

  • Brenda5's avatar
    Brenda5
    Member
    10 years ago

    Could be with the mammogram they are looking to see if there are any direct areas suspect where the radiation should also be targeted apart from their standard diagnosis of treatment.

    Be happy they are staying ahead of the game and ready to alter treatment if there are any blips in the radar so to speak.

    Make the most of the Herceptin break to get yourself stronger. Good diet and gentle exercise and time to smell the flowers is a good thing. If the Herceptin has been rough on your heart, just imagine the havoc its been reaping on any stray cancer cells. They shouldn't get their recipe going any time soon. Enjoy the break.