Her2+

waynick
waynick Member Posts: 12
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
HI. I'm new to this group and wanted to see if their was anyone out there who is in my situation. I was diagnosed in March of 2000. Had a lumpectomy followed by 4 a/c's and 4 taxols. I've had 50 treatments of herceptin with only 2 remaining. I want to stay on the herceptin but my doctor will not let me. In talking with others in the chemo room their are lots of people who have been on herceptin longer than that. My scans have been clear, however, he has not given me a bone scan or MRI. Shouldn't I get an MRI since lots of Her2+ people have it travel to the brain? What would be his reasoning in not doing this? I had 6 positive nodes so the fear of reoccurence is frightning to me.

Comments

  • jeancmici
    jeancmici Member Posts: 665 Member
    #2
    http://cis.nci.nih.gov/fact/7_45.htm

    The above doesn't answer your question about bone scans and MRI but does give a lot of info on herceptin - click on and read. I found it interesting because I too have HER2 3+ .

    Jean
  • jeancmici
    jeancmici Member Posts: 665 Member
    #3
    jeancmici said:

    http://cis.nci.nih.gov/fact/7_45.htm

    The above doesn't answer your question about bone scans and MRI but does give a lot of info on herceptin - click on and read. I found it interesting because I too have HER2 3+ .

    Jean

    http://www.healthtalk.com/bcen/toc/treatment/20.html

    Another interesting short article. You may have to enter the URL instead of clicking - I tested the other one and had to do that.
  • bdean
    bdean Member Posts: 259
    #4
    Hi Sheri:
    Welcome aboard!! Miss you on Tuesdays. I was just asking another friend the other day who is on Herceptin like you are if she had to stop after 52 like our doctor is telling you. She did say she would be stopping it, and like you is a bit scared. You could always insist to 'Uncle Marty' that you will not be comfortable until you get that scan and know for sure there is nothing else 'cooking' as Jeri says. I lost your e-mail or I would have already written you about my friend. I have scans on the 10th.
    I really do not blame you for wanting to know because of the sneaky way cancer can hide and lay dormant - my aunt just found she has bone mets last week - and she is upset to say the least cause she had clear cat scan but no bone scan last year (she had breast cancer about 5 years ago). Personally, I think it should be standard procedure even if there are no node involvement.
    Hugs and prayers from Brenda
  • nancys
    nancys Member Posts: 323
    #5
    My Onco has one patient that has taken Herceptin for "6 years". He told me about her at the beginning of my chemotherapy. I don't think "lots of people with her-2/neu have the cancer travel to the brain".....Would be interested in where you got that information. Love to you, Nancy
  • sharon_buck
    sharon_buck Member Posts: 62
    #6
    i"am also Her2+ 3+ every Dr. seems to have different ideas. I had a 9cm tumor with 11 out of 14 lymph nodes positive .I had 4 cmf and 4a/c and 4 taxol plus herceptin. I finish radiation Mon. and get 2 weeks off then back on herceptin. My onc. plans at least 1 year another lady in my chemo group has been on it for 2 years. Will have to ask about the different treatment plans. Just curious why the difference? I also worry about reoccurence but just try to stay positive and deal with each day!! Sharon
  • nkac
    nkac Member Posts: 17
    #7
    I stronly suggest you insist on an MRI. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997. In 2000, I was diagnosed with mestatic breast cancer. I had 31 positive lymph nodes under my arm. Now in 2001, it is in my brain. My CT scans were also clear, but an MRI on my head was never done. By all means, tell your DR. you want an MRI.
    Good Luck & God Bless, Nelda
  • smiths29
    smiths29 Member Posts: 5
    #8
    I can't give you much advice on herceptin, my doctor doesn't use it since it is still in testing. I tried to get him to, I'm her/2 pos +3. But for the MRI and other tests you want insist on it!
  • smiths29
    smiths29 Member Posts: 5
    #9
    I can't give you much advice on herceptin, my doctor doesn't use it since it is still in testing. I tried to get him to, I'm her/2 pos +3. But for the MRI and other tests you want insist on it!

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