Herceptin is chemo?????

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Apaugh
Apaugh Member Posts: 850 Member
in Breast Cancer #1

So when you go to the herceptin sites it does not say it is chemo or not.  It just talks about it being a targeted therapy or an additional therapy or adjunct therapy.  So I went through the a/c high dose chemo and was too messed up from it to do the taxol. (nerve damage bad)  So the doc started me on herceptin treatments every 3 wks.  I have been getting herceptin treatments for awhile now.  It is tough on the muscles and bones but not as horrible as red devil by a long shot.   One month ago, he added the 5 yr. pill and I wondered why is the chemo nurse still wearing the gown and gloves when she gives me this herceptin?  So I asked and she looked at me like an idiot and said anytime she administers chemo she gowns up.  ?????? 

Anyone else feel misguided by this?  I will be glad when July 20th comes.  It is my last treatment. 

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  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    edited March 2017 #2
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    Gowned up?   I'm HER2-, so

    Gowned up?   I'm HER2-, so didn't do Herceptrin.  I did 4 DD A/C neoadjuvant and 12 weekly Taxol and none of the Infusion RNs ever 'gowned up' for any of the 16 infusions.  Gloved - yes but gowned No.

    For me my 4 DD A/C were easy - did not slow me down at all.  Taxol was not as 'nice'. Taxol = complete/utter EXHAUSTION for me.  For some A/C is nastier than Taxol - we are each so uniique.

    I started Femara 2 weeks after last Taxol (a week after starting rads) so have been on Femara/letrozole for 7 yrs and will,be on,it forever. 

    Back to your point, I never had an RN ' gown up' for my infusions.  Might be different Facilities have different protocol?

  • jessiesmom1
    jessiesmom1 Member Posts: 915 Member
    #3
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    Scrubs or Gowns

    Bother my husband (colon cancer) and I (breast cancer) have undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy. Never have any of the nurses administering the chemo worn gowns. They always wore their normal Scrubs. As Rague pointed out, they did wear gloves for sanitary purposes. 

    Does it really make any difference  whether  Herceptin is called "targeted therapy " or "chemotherapy?" I am not sure why you seem to be getting so worked up over mere semantics. It seems to me that the overall effect of the drug is what counts, not the category into which it falls.

    IRENE 

  • Apaugh
    Apaugh Member Posts: 850 Member
    #4
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    jessiesmom1 said:

    Scrubs or Gowns

    Bother my husband (colon cancer) and I (breast cancer) have undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy. Never have any of the nurses administering the chemo worn gowns. They always wore their normal Scrubs. As Rague pointed out, they did wear gloves for sanitary purposes. 

    Does it really make any difference  whether  Herceptin is called "targeted therapy " or "chemotherapy?" I am not sure why you seem to be getting so worked up over mere semantics. It seems to me that the overall effect of the drug is what counts, not the category into which it falls.

    IRENE 

    Mere semantics??

    Well Irene, thanks for your support, you made me cry.

  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    #5
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    Just thought about it - I now

    Just thought about it - I now get my port flushes in the Chemo Unit at Ft Meade (SD).  I've never seen the RNs there 'gowned up' and while I'm just a flush, there are always a couple of people getting their chemo.  It's just a big open bay with curtains that can be pulled if privacy is wanted/needed.  

    Wearing gloves to access the port makes sense.  When 'you' have a blood draw - the Tech always gloves up.

  • Apaugh
    Apaugh Member Posts: 850 Member
    #6
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    Rague said:

    Gowned up?   I'm HER2-, so

    Gowned up?   I'm HER2-, so didn't do Herceptrin.  I did 4 DD A/C neoadjuvant and 12 weekly Taxol and none of the Infusion RNs ever 'gowned up' for any of the 16 infusions.  Gloved - yes but gowned No.

    For me my 4 DD A/C were easy - did not slow me down at all.  Taxol was not as 'nice'. Taxol = complete/utter EXHAUSTION for me.  For some A/C is nastier than Taxol - we are each so uniique.

    I started Femara 2 weeks after last Taxol (a week after starting rads) so have been on Femara/letrozole for 7 yrs and will,be on,it forever. 

    Back to your point, I never had an RN ' gown up' for my infusions.  Might be different Facilities have different protocol?

    HER 2 +

    HER2+ is why they wanted to put me on Herceptin. 

  • Apaugh
    Apaugh Member Posts: 850 Member
    edited March 2017 #7
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    Rague said:

    Just thought about it - I now

    Just thought about it - I now get my port flushes in the Chemo Unit at Ft Meade (SD).  I've never seen the RNs there 'gowned up' and while I'm just a flush, there are always a couple of people getting their chemo.  It's just a big open bay with curtains that can be pulled if privacy is wanted/needed.  

    Wearing gloves to access the port makes sense.  When 'you' have a blood draw - the Tech always gloves up.

    d

    yes, I know all faucilities are different.  I was just wondering why they dont call Herceptin chemo in the ads for it.  That is all. 

  • Mariangel43
    Mariangel43 Member Posts: 79
    #8
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    Apaugh, I was trying to

    Apaugh, I was trying to answer your question and went directly to the company that produces it.  Normally it is used as accompanying treatment to chemo but in certain cases it can be used as chemotherapy.  As you clearly mentioned, it is used in Her+ cancers and for

    • Treatment of gastric (stomach) cancer 
    • It is not known whether or not trastuzumab may be effective in other cancers that may also have this HER-2/neu protein, including ovarian, colon, endometrial, lung, bladder, prostate, and salivary gland tumors.
  • Mariangel43
    Mariangel43 Member Posts: 79
    #9
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    to gown or not to gown

    Apaugh, as for the nurse wearing gowns while administering chemo, I have seen those who wear the gown and those who only wear the uniform.  However, since chemo tends to depress the blood system, extreme caution should be used by those applying chemo and not wearing gowns.  Those are measures to reduce patients' exposure to diseases.  It depends mostly on the facility.  I have seen the nurse who works for my MO using gowns with debilitated patients but always very clean uniforms while administering the chemo to other patients.

    Don't worry about it; if she wears them is to protect you from germs or spores that can infect you.  I prefer them with gowns. 

    Since I'm Her- I am not taking Trastuzumab; I am ER+ and I have to take the AI for at least 5 years.  I have used for nine months and my knees, hands and joints are paying the price.  Since I rejected chemo and RT temporarily I have to stay with this pill for a long time whether it hurts or not. Everything has side effects.  Good luck and God bless you.

    Maria

     

  • Apaugh
    Apaugh Member Posts: 850 Member
    #10
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    Mariangel43 said:

    to gown or not to gown

    Apaugh, as for the nurse wearing gowns while administering chemo, I have seen those who wear the gown and those who only wear the uniform.  However, since chemo tends to depress the blood system, extreme caution should be used by those applying chemo and not wearing gowns.  Those are measures to reduce patients' exposure to diseases.  It depends mostly on the facility.  I have seen the nurse who works for my MO using gowns with debilitated patients but always very clean uniforms while administering the chemo to other patients.

    Don't worry about it; if she wears them is to protect you from germs or spores that can infect you.  I prefer them with gowns. 

    Since I'm Her- I am not taking Trastuzumab; I am ER+ and I have to take the AI for at least 5 years.  I have used for nine months and my knees, hands and joints are paying the price.  Since I rejected chemo and RT temporarily I have to stay with this pill for a long time whether it hurts or not. Everything has side effects.  Good luck and God bless you.

    Maria

     

    TY

    thank you Maria, there are so many variables.  We are all alike, yet different in how we are medically treated.  I am happy with how my treatment provider has cared for me.  I just get so confussed sometimes about things.  Maybe I should stop reading and researching, I dont know.  Some people dont want to know.  I am just that type of person who wants to know the whole picture.  For me, being informed takes some of the fear out of it. 

    I will keep praying for you and all these wonderful pink ladies who are so courageous and kind.

    Hugs,

    Annie

  • Kaleena
    Kaleena Member Posts: 2,088 Member
    #11
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    Herceptin

    My mom has Stage IV Invasive Breast Cancer HER2+.   She did not want chemo.   She opted for the Heceptin only.   She goes every 3 weeks.  She has been doing this for over 18 months now.   It is not a chemo.  As others said, gloves yes.  Gowns no.   And the infusion is only about 1/2 hour once they mix the drug and administer it.  With really no side effects.

  • Mariangel43
    Mariangel43 Member Posts: 79
    #12
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    herceptin

    Kaleena, I wish my doctor would apply something like herceptin for me.  But I am not Her+. I don't want Red Devil or the phosphamide.  The three things they use for breast cancer has serious side effects both on the short and on the long run.  

    Apaugh, I am like you.  I don't let anyone do something to me unless I know every detail of the process or procedure.  The nurse of my PC drew a star on my record to remind herself I am a "difficult" patient.  I admit I am because I reject what does not make sense, is not convenient or risks are too high for me.  I will continue to explore and saying NO to what I don't like.  I wrote a six-pages letter to the surgeon who performed the biopsy complaining every weird thing during the 13 hours I was at the hospital and personally complained to him about his lateness and irresponsible behavior and changed doctor afterwards.  My applause goes to you.  You are an empowered woman. Besides, not all physicians are experienced in every matter they say they do.  It is good to be alert and to question when it is necessary. 

  • Apaugh
    Apaugh Member Posts: 850 Member
    #13
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    Kaleena said:

    Herceptin

    My mom has Stage IV Invasive Breast Cancer HER2+.   She did not want chemo.   She opted for the Heceptin only.   She goes every 3 weeks.  She has been doing this for over 18 months now.   It is not a chemo.  As others said, gloves yes.  Gowns no.   And the infusion is only about 1/2 hour once they mix the drug and administer it.  With really no side effects.

    Kaleenaa

    So happy to hear your mother does not have side effects.  She is blessed.

     

  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
    #14
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    I was told no. It is used in conjunction with chemo

     It is not chemo.  I have been on it but have never been technically dx'd as her2 positive.  I was her2- undetermined, but had 17 months every2 weeks of herceptin nfusions, then ins tried to bill me 363,000 for the treatments, after a year working with the advocate foR the cancer center it was fixed. 

    I had some nurses who wore gowns and masks and some didn't. Each dr., nurse, and even some of the aides have their own way to protect themselves.  I think I heard more who were worried about getting a virus than anything else. (C diff), or if someone on the floor had it, it was one that spread easily.  Being stage iv, I wouldn't even visit cancer friends with c diff or other viruses and avoided their rooms when walking. could tell by the gowns, gloves and masks outside their doors.

    I get upset when I am told I have given up as I am on hospice. Out of options and immune system is too weak.  I didn't give up, my body has Worn out!  It's in brain, lungs, bones, connective tissue etc.  Very few on this site would say things to intentionally hurt someone.  Some  docs may call it chemo as itis easier than explaining who knows! Remember, some

    have been fighting for so many years that we no longer sweat the small stuff!

  • tufi000
    tufi000 Member Posts: 745 Member
    #15
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    camul said:

    I was told no. It is used in conjunction with chemo

     It is not chemo.  I have been on it but have never been technically dx'd as her2 positive.  I was her2- undetermined, but had 17 months every2 weeks of herceptin nfusions, then ins tried to bill me 363,000 for the treatments, after a year working with the advocate foR the cancer center it was fixed. 

    I had some nurses who wore gowns and masks and some didn't. Each dr., nurse, and even some of the aides have their own way to protect themselves.  I think I heard more who were worried about getting a virus than anything else. (C diff), or if someone on the floor had it, it was one that spread easily.  Being stage iv, I wouldn't even visit cancer friends with c diff or other viruses and avoided their rooms when walking. could tell by the gowns, gloves and masks outside their doors.

    I get upset when I am told I have given up as I am on hospice. Out of options and immune system is too weak.  I didn't give up, my body has Worn out!  It's in brain, lungs, bones, connective tissue etc.  Very few on this site would say things to intentionally hurt someone.  Some  docs may call it chemo as itis easier than explaining who knows! Remember, some

    have been fighting for so many years that we no longer sweat the small stuff!

    At it again yeah?

    Hey Sensai you are at it again. I hope your comments here, getting to the earthbound heart of the matter give some comfort and edification.

    Everything said here contains issues that really derail recovery. What we have to consider "small stuff" looks monumental to non survivors.

    Lovin you and we are all grateful for this site and you. You didn't think I would see a post from you and not say something did ya?

    Sherry

  • Apaugh
    Apaugh Member Posts: 850 Member
    #16
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    Did not mean to offend anyone, I am just stressed.

    Many of my family have been diagnosed with cancer.  Besides myself, currently, my brother has been diagnosed with skin and cancer of the bladder and kidney, my father has his 3rd bout of skin cancer, my uncle has bladder cancer, an aunt w/ breast cancer, an aunt with lung cancer.  We are all fighting hard.  I have lost 2 aunts, a grandmother, a grandfather, 3 uncles, 5 cousins, and painfully, my mother.  That is the one's I have known personally.  My son had it and is a survivor of 12 years.  I have an aunt who is a 15 year survivor.  So yeah, I question, I wonder, I tend to be somewhat paranoid.  I never mean to offend.  So if I have offended, I am sorry.  Dont stop fighting, I wont.

  • HapB
    HapB Member Posts: 527
    edited April 2017 #17
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    Apaugh said:

    Mere semantics??

    Well Irene, thanks for your support, you made me cry.

    Apaugh, don't cry!

    i wondered the exact same thing when the doctor told me I would be on Herceptin for 5 years post chemo. I am HER2 positive, though I don't really know what that means yet. I know it is not great. I was just diagnosed.

  • Ladyp214
    Ladyp214 Member Posts: 2
    #18
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    Herceptin/chemo

    Hi apaugh, I get my treatments in a connecticut hospital and when I received my first set of chemo treatment (may 2017-September 2017), Carboplatin, taxotere, perjeta and herceptin, the nurses gone up, masked up, gloved up. I inquired and was told that the chemo drugs was so toxic that if there was splash back or a spill that they could endure the same side effects we do. However, now that I'm only receiving the herceptin, they don't wear the gown anymore, but they still wear the gloves and mask. It is confusing with the herceptin.  Some call it chemo, others say targeted therapy,  but my personal take is that it's a chemo drug that although the side effects are less damaging, it's attacking cancer is called chemotherapy,  but herceptin is not cytotoxic. Hope this helped you out.

     

  • Apaugh
    Apaugh Member Posts: 850 Member
    edited April 2017 #19
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    thanks

    I know. 

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