Based on clinical trials, Herceptin is recommended for 1 year following diagnosis.
Yesterday was my first solo Herceptin infusion. I will get one every three weeks until August, which marks one year from when this crazy ride began.
It wasn't bad and took only around 45 minutes. The IV goes right into my port.
I also didn't notice any side effects last night from it. Woo hoo!
I met the nicest people in the chemo room yesterday. Since I was by myself and there for such a short time, I didn't request the private room. I'm really glad I didn't.
I met two families who were dealing with recurrences.
I was able to offer a little advice on current resources that are offered in the area. It made me realize how much I actually enjoy speaking to families battling cancer. I like to feel helpful.
I have known since the beginning that I wanted to use my diagnosis as a platform to help others. I still don't know what I'm being called to do. I pray about it often.
For now, I can only offer a little humor, advice and a smile.
I hope more answers come soon. I'm ready to get rolling!
Little update: My white blood count is at 3600. Assuming that it will be up to 4000 within a couple days, I will be cleared for surgery on Tuesday!
Yay!
I didn't realize you were HER2+ or are they recommending it for everyone?? I'm on Herceptin too (I've done 6 so far - 11 to go!) and haven't really noticed any side effect except for being a bit tired afterwards for a few hours. It was such a relief after chemo to finally be on something that didn't really bother me. Hope you are as lucky as me!
ReplyDeleteHeidi,
ReplyDeleteI am ER+, PR+ and HER2+.
I've had Herceptin combined with Chemo 6 times. This is my first solo Herceptin. I have 12 more to go! We are so close in our treatments!
Hope you're doing well!
Angela
ok - I'm triple + too. It's crazy how close we are in the process. Only surgery was different. Mine was done 10 months ago!
ReplyDeleteCured of TNBC!
ReplyDeleteI want to take this time out as a cancer survivor to encourage women out there still suffering from this with my story on how i got a cure. The sad news about it is that i was diagnosed on my 36th birthday in 2008 and with stage 3 TNBC which after i made research was a very aggressive form of cancer at that point i decided and told myself i was going to die and that the end has finally come. All my life i never thought of having breast cancer because i was very active and i worked out at the gym several times every week and my diet was okay. In my search for a cure after 6 years of diagnosis and even after chemo which i did twice spending thousands of dollars but to no avail, until a church member told me all about Dr Aleta a herbal doctor that specializes in treating TNBC, who could help me with a permanent cure, i doubted this at first but i later gave it a try following her methods and instructions. It took 3 months and after it all i felt normal but still went for diagnosis and i was clean today i am proud to say i am a cancer survivor no nodes and i am totally free the new diagnosis confirmed it. Do not die in silence or ignorance because of breast cancer just simply reach her on aletedwin@gmail.com don't be shy just speak to her today.