Herceptin? long-timers?

[Greatday2]

I'm looking to hear from long-timers on Herceptin. I'm starting on Herceptin and Perjeta and want to hear some good things about it! Thank you!

[Gingerann1]

Hi Greatday! I had a year of Herceptin infusions back in 2014. Did not know you could be on Herceptin continually? ? I still had my port from chemo so that made it easier and the infusions were every three weeks and took about 30 minutes. Had no side effects. I was Her2+ in 1 breast and HR+ in the other. When my bc came back as MBC in 2020 the cancer cells were only HR+. My Onc told me that the Anestrozole pills I had taken for 7 years and Herceptin infusions knocked out the Her2+ so I’m glad that I was able to get them.

[Malibu5]

Hi Greatday2!

I have been on Herceptin & Perjeta since January 2020. Each infusion is a 1/2 an hour and when I lived in CA they did them at the same time. I find it very manageable . The biggest issue is diarrhea from the perjeta. Otherwise , it is easy! You will have to do a heart scan (echocardiogram or muga test ) every three months to make sure your left ventrical is staying at a healthy level. I have been no evidence of disease for a couple of years. My diagnosis is HR/PR- and Her2+. I wish you the best of luck on it🙏🏻

[Greatday2 in reply to Malibu5]

Thank you! That's very encouraging to hear!

[Onedayatatime60]

Hello Great day. I just celebrated 5 years stable. I have taken multiple trips abroad and am going to Europe this summer. The advent of Herceptin was a game changer for those with HER2+ BC.

My Onc told me there are woman alive today who were part of the initial studies in the 90's. He has two patients at 11 and 14 years. For me the main annoying side effect has been diarrhea - likely from Prejeta, however after many different things tried, I seem to finally have it well controlled- (Side note - this was all me- MD and RNs were not helpful other than suggesting Imodium). In any case, I wish you well, and know that there are many women with MBC thriving on Herceptin

[Greatday2 in reply to Onedayatatime60]

I appreciate your reply. Thanks for the encouraging words!

[anonmbc]

Hi there. I've been stable on Herceptin/Perjeta, and then Herceptin alone, since 2016. It has been a lifesaver for me. I switched to that after my initial hormonal treatments failed, after 6 years. I have been metastatic since 2010, so there is plenty of hope with Herceptin.

[Onedayatatime60 in reply to anonmbc]

May I ask why they stopped Preheat?

[anonmbc in reply to Onedayatatime60]

Oncologist wanted to decrease the number of long term medications. I didn't have any special side effects, except for perhaps some diarrhea. I've been on Herceptin alone for several years.

[Greatday2 in reply to anonmbc]

Thank you so much for your reply. It's very encouraging