Comments on: My Broken Heart

By: Jim

Jim — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:03:19 +0000

Franny, Positive thinking is very important. I believe it heals all. I will be thinking of you. JB

By: Jyber

Jyber — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:16:58 +0000

I too had to stop herceptin because of the drops in my ejection fraction. I protested to my onclologist that I was more concerned about breast cancer than a heart issue (which I figured I could deal with later). I saw herceptin as my miracle drug/rabbit’s foot. But she insisted that while we did not know whether my breast cancer would ever recur, which it probably would not, we KNEW that I was sustaining heart damage. She said she was at an oncology conference which addressed how many cardiac issues are expected in the future from today’s chemo patients. She stressed that cardiomyopathy is not fun. Her policy was to discontinue herceptin if there is at least a 10% drop in ejection fraction, and not to resume it unless the ejection fraction returns to its previous level. I never went below 55% EF but she was firm. I guess it is that old “First, do no harm” mantra.

Anyhow, she did tell me that some studies show that just a 9-week program of herceptin may be sufficient, and that is the protocol in some countries. The one-year program is really an arbitrary time, as we really do not know how much is needed. I only hope we got enough, but we are both fortunate to have been able to get what we did of it.

I was stage two at diagnosis (4.2 cm tumor) almost two years ago, but am so far doing very well. Following my mastectomy, I had six months of chemo (A/C then taxol with herceptin) followed by an additional few months of herceptin.

I came to your blog via toddler Planet/ MOthers with Cancer, where I am a lurker. Your writing is excellent reading IMO.

Best wishes to you,
Jyber/Joan (from the Philadelphia suburbs)

By: Hollace

Hollace — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 02:10:35 +0000

enough is enough – you keep training for your next race Fran, don’t let something like some heart problem keep you from doing what you love, hugs,
Lucinda Yoda

By: whymommy

whymommy — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 21:45:40 +0000

Ah, no. That sucks. Hang in there and keep talking about it.

And hey … what about this race? That is AWESOME!

By: judi allbery

judi allbery — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:42:28 +0000

My Doll,

I’m hoping and praying this time it will work, temporarily being off the Herceptin so your heart rate will get better. Is there another drug they have for the her2neu? It sounds like the Herceptin is the newest but is there anything else.

I just want to scream with what your going through. I’ll keep checking your blogs.

Miss you – Love Judi