Herceptin is chemo?????

Apaugh

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. 

Rague

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

thanks

I know.