Genentech Announcement about Herceptin for Early Stage bc

AlaskaAngel

Hi Drs. Leo and Lu,

I'm just one of the multitude of clamorous people who are early stage, HER2+ and either have already had chemotherapy or are in it now but have not had recurrence... and am wondering what the announcement means for us?

(And of course you are 2 of the multitude of doctors who are being asked this question no doubt... I am empathetic... )

Thanks,

AlaskaAngel
_________________
Dx Dec 2001 at age 50
Lumpectomy Jan 2002, 1.6 cm IDC plus some DCIS
Node neg
ER+, PR+, HER2+++
CAF x 6, 35 rads+boost
NED
Tamoxfen 1 3/4 yrs
In 2 clinical trials
bc for mom and 1 sis and 1 aunt and 1 granny
ovarian cancer for 1 aunt

leo · Site Admin Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1574

Hello

Well, I just read the news like many of you did. Unfortunately, the results of the trials will only be released later this year during the ASCO conference. Until then, I can't comment on this without looking at the data.

If the results are indeed very good, we will see another big change in the way we treat early breast cancer.

regards,
Leo
_________________
Leonardo F - Webmaster Cancer Forums
Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.

AlaskaAngel · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 2:04 pm Post subject: Genentech Announcement

Thanks Dr. Leo. I sure wouldn't want to be the poor gal answering the phone at the onc's office today... I'm delighted by the news, though, for anyone who benefits.

A.A.

Kristen · Experienced user Joined: 01 Nov 2004 Posts: 60

Hi Alaska,
I read that also and it seems to be encouraging news.
I myself was not told at the time of my dx that there were any trials of the herceptin for us early stage HER2+ women.
At the time of dx I didn't even know anything about the HER2..I feel my onco at the time missed the boat with me and it is still bothering me to this day (as you can tell). I guess its time to put it to rest since there is nothing that I can do about it now, but I sure would have liked to have had the opportunity to be given the option of the trial.
Kristen
_________________
Dx 3/03
43 yrs old
Invasive Ductal
1/14 + nodes
lumpectomy 1.6 cm
3 sugeries for clean margin & nodes
A/C & Taxol Dose Dense with daily Nuprogen
38 Rads
ER+/PR+
Her-2/neu +++
Stage 2
Tamoxifen 19 months
Treatment Finished 12/30/03

AlaskaAngel · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 2:47 pm Post subject: Feelings

Hi Kristen,

I was referred to one of the most knowledgeable and well-loved oncologists, but I have to say that I think that for that very reason that kind of conversation just didn't happen for me, either. He can only help so many in a day.

I still get upset about it too. At the time I was saying I wanted to be part of a clinical trial but I didn't know how. He just said there were thousands of them. When I tried to figure out questions to ask he just said it was all "academic". Finally I asked him if I could talk with one of his nurses instead. He didn't really want to do that, but he let me. I told the nurse that I wouldn't mind talking to any "junior oncs", but they weren't into that either. It seems like there should be some kind of intermediate person who might handle our questions but I'm not sure who that would be.

I'm thankful for the honest and thoughtful answers this forum allows.

A.A.
_________________
Dx Dec 2001 at age 50
Lumpectomy Jan 2002, 1.6 cm IDC plus some DCIS
Node neg
ER+, PR+, HER2+++
CAF x 6, 35 rads+boost
NED
Tamoxfen 1 3/4 yrs
In 2 clinical trials
bc for mom and 1 sis and 1 aunt and 1 granny
ovarian cancer for 1 aunt

pat devitavessa · Regular Joined: 09 Apr 2005 Posts: 25

Dear Kristen and AA,

Try to look at your healthcare team memders not only as doctors but, as something you are buying. It may seem odd to hear that but, they do earn their living providing health. When you feel they missed the boat polietly let them know ! You are one of the "heads" of the team and it is, of course, your life. Don't let it go until you are satisfied.

As a therapist that was once a nurse I know this can be hard but it is empowering! This comes at a time you can use all the power and control over decisions as you can get.

AlaskaAngel, you should go back to school and become a therapist! You are great with support and practical advice.

Regards,

Pat
_________________
Pat DeVita-Vessa, MFT

This is a dislaimer that this is not medical advice only information to help you

AlaskaAngel · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 6:15 pm Post subject: Feelings

ME? Ah Pat, if that is true it is only because I have managed to stumble so many times myself that I have acquired large pile of advice I only wish I would have had to begin with!

I very much agree with you about learning to be more assertive. It does result in being more personally responsible for making choices. Thanks for opening the door and providing the chance for counseling here with Dr. Leo and Dr. Lu.

AlaskaAngel

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