long term herceptin for bc mets....
Found an old discussion from Kari_2015. Just wanted to let ladies know that I have been on Herceptin for 13yrs. Managing to keep lesions only in bone so pretty happy with that... Only know one other lady that is on herceptin still...been 11-12yrs for her too. My understanding is that if you are going to have problems cardiac wise it is more likely to happen in the early stages. I have reg echo's done. Get pissed off with having treatment at times but very thankful for this drug... would love to hear from others that are on herceptin long term.. cheers :)
Biphosphonates for early hormone positive BC
Hello everyone, Ive been chatting to some women overseas and it seems that the use of biphosphonate infusions for early hormone positive BC is becoming the norm, particularly in US and Canada. I’ve read some literature which seems to draw a conclusion that by using these meds which help lower osteoclasts activity thus preventing bone loss, it also disrupted the environment for bone mets to form.. therefore improve survival. Is anyone having this discussed with them or being used currently in Australia as preventative care? My onc said only approved for bone loss in non metastatic setting in Australia currently?
Bisphosphonates to reduce bone mets
I’d like to share something that I’ve learned from my oncologist. Bisphosphonates are used to reduce bone density loss in people who are being treated with AI for estrogen receptive breast cancer. One type of Bisphosphonate is zoledronic acid and is sold among other brand names as ‘aclasta’ and given as an injection. My bone density scan came back with amazing results - not a sign of osteoporosis at all, not even osteoperitic - however, my oncologist has been following the research that shows that giving zoledronic acid as part of adjuvant breast cancer treatment before there’s any indication of bone density loss, can reduce the chance of recurrence of the cancer as bone mets, particularly in post menopausal women. So off I go to get an aclasta injection. The most volatile side effect (though incredibly rare) is something called osteo necrosis of the jaw, so I had to get the all-clear from my dentist first. Here’s some research. Worth asking your oncologist if you feel you fit into the category that might benefit. https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/research/adjuvant-bisphosphonates-meta-analysis
Signs & Symptoms of Secondary Cancer
Nobody 'wants' to get a secondary cancer .... but if you know 'what to look out for' - if it does occur - you should be able to get it diagnosed and treated earlier, hopefully, with a better outcome. If you are experiencing ongoing pain/discomfort or any symptoms mentioned on this website ..... See your GP or Breast Care Nurse. https://breastcancernow.org/information-support/facing-breast-cancer/secondary-metastatic-breast-cancer/secondary-breast-cancer-symptoms My motto has always been - If In Doubt, Get Checked Out. (This is a UK site - so the phone numbers don't apply to us - but the tips on what to keep an eye out for re physical changes in your body, may help further down the line.) Take care