Herceptin

pbrndm5
pbrndm5 Member Posts: 83
in Breast Cancer #1
I've been told that I may need to go on Herceptin since bc was HER2+. I know this has probably been discussed many times on the board, but I was wondering how my sisters out there faired taking it. Oncologist said that I would be on it for a year-once every 3 weeks. Asked if I needed a port-he said it was my preference--that he usually doesn't do a port for herceptin-but it can be done.

Any advice????

Comments

  • CR1954
    CR1954 Member Posts: 1,390 Member
    #2
    Yes.....
    I had a Herceptin infusion every three weeks for a year. I did not suffer any side effects from it and it was actually one of the "easier" cancer treatments that I had. It does not effect hair or any other fast growing cells like A/C chemo does.
    And, the year goes by quickly.

    It is a very good drug and if you are HER2+, it is one of the best things you can do for yourself, in my opinion.

    Nothing to fear.

    Hugs,
    CR
  • Bella Luna
    Bella Luna Member Posts: 1,578 Member
    #3
    I tested HER2 positive as
    I tested HER2 positive as well. I went to the clinic every 3 weeks for a year and had a port installed. I would HIGHLY recommend that you get one too. The port makes it so much easier in the long run.

    I didn't have any side effects, that was just me. I was seen by a cardiologist on a quarterly basis and underwent EEG's for one year. The drug is known to cause heart issues in some patients. My heart was fine, no problems.

    I did exercise during my treatment( chemo, rads, Herceptin) because I wanted to be as STRONG as possible.

    Best of luck to you. I got through it and so will you!
    BL
  • tgf
    tgf Member Posts: 950 Member
    #4
    Bella Luna said:

    I tested HER2 positive as
    I tested HER2 positive as well. I went to the clinic every 3 weeks for a year and had a port installed. I would HIGHLY recommend that you get one too. The port makes it so much easier in the long run.

    I didn't have any side effects, that was just me. I was seen by a cardiologist on a quarterly basis and underwent EEG's for one year. The drug is known to cause heart issues in some patients. My heart was fine, no problems.

    I did exercise during my treatment( chemo, rads, Herceptin) because I wanted to be as STRONG as possible.

    Best of luck to you. I got through it and so will you!
    BL

    herceptin
    I too was on herceptin for a year ... and don't think I could have done chemo ... or herceptin without my port. I hate needles ... and the thought of having them poke and prod for a vein that often gave me the willies.

    I had zero side effects from herceptin and I love my port!

    You'll do just fine.

    hugs.
    teena
  • joyyee1
    joyyee1 Member Posts: 31
    #5
    Herceptin

    I started Herceptin last April along with 2 chemo drugs. When the chemo was finishd in august 2010, I continued having just Herceptin treatments. In January 2011, I had an echo cardiogram which showed that my EF (ejection fraction) number had dropped to 42. At MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, my cardiologist suggested that I go off Herceptin for awhile to let the EF number go back up.

    I skipped 2 treatments,and fortunately, my EF went back up to 53~ so now I will resume the Herceptin treatments on March 29th. I only have 4 more to go!

    I've had a port since last April and I'd advise you to have one put in if your treatments are going to be for one year. The port isn't a problem and it saves your veins from getting poked every 3 weeks!

    I"m 63 yrs. old- maybe older patients have EF problems with Herceptin- but it's good for them to check with an echo cardiogram to keep an eye on your heart during the Herceptin treatment.

    Aside from the heart issue-I've had no side effects from the Herceptin.

    Good Luck!
  • Mitzi333
    Mitzi333 Member Posts: 511 Member
    #6
    joyyee1 said:

    Herceptin

    I started Herceptin last April along with 2 chemo drugs. When the chemo was finishd in august 2010, I continued having just Herceptin treatments. In January 2011, I had an echo cardiogram which showed that my EF (ejection fraction) number had dropped to 42. At MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, my cardiologist suggested that I go off Herceptin for awhile to let the EF number go back up.

    I skipped 2 treatments,and fortunately, my EF went back up to 53~ so now I will resume the Herceptin treatments on March 29th. I only have 4 more to go!

    I've had a port since last April and I'd advise you to have one put in if your treatments are going to be for one year. The port isn't a problem and it saves your veins from getting poked every 3 weeks!

    I"m 63 yrs. old- maybe older patients have EF problems with Herceptin- but it's good for them to check with an echo cardiogram to keep an eye on your heart during the Herceptin treatment.

    Aside from the heart issue-I've had no side effects from the Herceptin.

    Good Luck!

    Count me in...
    I'm also taking Herceptin along with 2 chemo drugs. So far, so good. I have 5 more infusions to go and have to take Herceptin for a year. I also have a port and would not have it any other way. The port eliminates my fear of the consistent poking with the needles. I highly recommend the "port". Wishing You all the BEST!!! ;0)
  • sea60
    sea60 Member Posts: 2,613
    #7
    Mitzi333 said:

    Count me in...
    I'm also taking Herceptin along with 2 chemo drugs. So far, so good. I have 5 more infusions to go and have to take Herceptin for a year. I also have a port and would not have it any other way. The port eliminates my fear of the consistent poking with the needles. I highly recommend the "port". Wishing You all the BEST!!! ;0)

    Had no problem with Herceptin
    I already had my port in from Chemo so I just left it in for the Herceptin treatment. I didn't have any side effects from this one at all.

    Hugs,

    Sylvia
  • chriskaput
    chriskaput Member Posts: 109
    #8
    herceptin
    I have been on herceptin since July 09. I have the infusion every 3 weeks also. I do not have a port and have experienced absolutely no side effects from it. Do not worry, it is a breeze especially if you have already been through chemo!
  • Kat11
    Kat11 Member Posts: 1,931 Member
    #9
    chriskaput said:

    herceptin
    I have been on herceptin since July 09. I have the infusion every 3 weeks also. I do not have a port and have experienced absolutely no side effects from it. Do not worry, it is a breeze especially if you have already been through chemo!

    I also did herceptin last
    I also did herceptin last year for a year and had no problems with it. I Kept my port in. I was told that it is a very good drug.
    Kathy ~
  • fals24
    fals24 Member Posts: 2
    #10
    I had herceptin along with 2
    I had herceptin along with 2 other drugs. Herceptin was fine as were the taxol and other drug. Worked through them all but radiation was another story it was draining and so exhausting
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    #11
    Bella Luna said:

    I tested HER2 positive as
    I tested HER2 positive as well. I went to the clinic every 3 weeks for a year and had a port installed. I would HIGHLY recommend that you get one too. The port makes it so much easier in the long run.

    I didn't have any side effects, that was just me. I was seen by a cardiologist on a quarterly basis and underwent EEG's for one year. The drug is known to cause heart issues in some patients. My heart was fine, no problems.

    I did exercise during my treatment( chemo, rads, Herceptin) because I wanted to be as STRONG as possible.

    Best of luck to you. I got through it and so will you!
    BL

    I am HER 2-, so, I am not on
    I am HER 2-, so, I am not on it, but, want to wish you good luck.

    Hugs, Megan
  • pbrndm5
    pbrndm5 Member Posts: 83
    #12
    fals24 said:

    I had herceptin along with 2
    I had herceptin along with 2 other drugs. Herceptin was fine as were the taxol and other drug. Worked through them all but radiation was another story it was draining and so exhausting

    thanks to all
    Thank you to everyone! You have really made me feel much better about taking Herceptin..I see my oncologist in May to discuss everything further... I'll talk to him about inserting a port etc. Again thanks to all for all of your input. This sight is awesome---too bad we have to have it because of breast cancer!! Hugs to all!!!
  • BMS
    BMS Member Posts: 127
    #13
    pbrndm5 said:

    thanks to all
    Thank you to everyone! You have really made me feel much better about taking Herceptin..I see my oncologist in May to discuss everything further... I'll talk to him about inserting a port etc. Again thanks to all for all of your input. This sight is awesome---too bad we have to have it because of breast cancer!! Hugs to all!!!

    me, too
    I am taking Herceptin along with the chemo drugs...first I had it with the TCH and now every three weeks with Taxol. The taxol ends in 3 weeks but the Herceptin will continue until September. The port was definitely the best idea for me. I have really deep veins and finding one for blood work each week and chemo days would have been a nightmare. I am looking forward to getting it out in September.
  • Mothercrone
    Mothercrone Member Posts: 28
    #14
    BMS said:

    me, too
    I am taking Herceptin along with the chemo drugs...first I had it with the TCH and now every three weeks with Taxol. The taxol ends in 3 weeks but the Herceptin will continue until September. The port was definitely the best idea for me. I have really deep veins and finding one for blood work each week and chemo days would have been a nightmare. I am looking forward to getting it out in September.

    You are Great
    I just discovered this website today and it is such a relief to hear from positive her2 patients! Thank you, thank you!!

    I've just had my 5th round of chemo (every three weeks) plus I do Herceptin every week and then, after chemo treatments, I will be doing Herceptin every 3rd week for at least 6 months.

    I had a port installed and I've never been sorry. It was an easy procedure done under local anethesia. Fast recovery time. Home the same day. I call it my "flip top cap."

    I am going to keep my port installed for as long as I can; as long as I get it flushed every 6 weeks there will be no problem. I've made this decision because of a very negative breast doctor who, well, let's just say that her bedside manner made it extremely difficult for me to remain positive. Having said that, I turned away from her negativity and focused on my oncologist, chemo nurses, friends and most importantly, the Lord.

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