At last I’m coming to the end of herceptin treatment, but while I’m glad to hopefully be free of all the side affects, I have to wonder, then what?
During the process of having this targeted treatment, I’ve felt safe, protected, but being Her2 positive is very scary. As I approach my last 2 treatments I get more scared about my outcome. I have an 11 year old daughter, I’m a divorced single parent (with a very poor relationship with her dad) and I cant see what my future is as a decent mother.
I was diagnosed in May 2007 and treatments since then have taken over my life. I would find it very helpful to hear from anyone who has been down the herceptin road and how you’ve coped and survived.
I’m just a little further on than you. I was dx Feb 07, and had my last herceptin Dec 3. I know what you mean, about feeling safe whilst still on treatment. Turning up to the hospital every three weeks, feeling the support of nursing staff and fellow patients, is very reassuring.
However, when I finished in December it felt very liberating. I see my surgeon again in May, and my onc May 2010! To be able to get away from the hospital routine, with appointments and blood tests/heart tests always looming, gives a great sense of freedom. I can now try to stop thinking of myself as a cancer patient, and get on with the rest of my life, without constantly having cancer thrust back at me by those appointments.
Don’t worry about being Her2 positive. As you have had herceptin, the chances of a recurrence are no worse than someone who is Her2 negative.
Towards the end of herceptin I got very tired, but now two months on I am beginning to feel better. Today is the second anniversary of my dx, I’m looking forward to many more!
Roadrunner, that is so cheering to read. I didn’t know that having Herceptin gave you the same chance of recurrence as a Her2 negative patient. I have two lots of it so far, so am looking at three-weekly trips to the hozzy for the rest of this year. But I will look on it in a different way now I’ve heard that.
There are several websites for Her2 cancer survivors and people in treatment that are extremely encouraging and will answer your questions. One of the first women in the US that tried herceptin when it first came out lives in Washington State and is cancer free and doing well. I start on herceptin next month after finishing radiation…I will be glad to have this part done…do a web search for Her2…or if it is permitted I will post the sites for you…