Following chemotherapy I was so ready to be done with treatment. However, I did still have the targeted therapy (Herceptin injection) scheduled for every 3 weeks continuing through May. I also expected radiation therapy to be recommended. I was seriously considering declining radiation. However, after hearing the statistical chances of local recurrence with and without the radiation, I opted to receive it.
I was scheduled for 20 total radiation treatments with 1 every weekday for 4 weeks. October was radiation month for me. Thankfully, the treatment doesn’t take long, and I typically didn’t have to wait long either. I also live about 10 – 15 minutes away from the hospital which was helpful.
The treatment itself was not painful. However, it was unpleasant. Imagine having to lie perfectly still, undressed from the waist up, holding on to 2 handles above your head in a freezing room for about 10-15 minutes. The set-up time is also uncomfortable as the technicians tug on the sheet you’re lying on trying to get you lined up just right. 90% of the time, one of my technicians was a man. I do wish there was a way that could have been avoided! Thankfully, I made it through the radiation treatments without significant side effects to my skin. I was happy to have one more portion of the treatment behind me!
One other aspect of my treatment is quarterly echocardiograms. Herceptin can cause reversible heart damage, so the doctors need to monitor the heart function. I had the first echocardiogram in May before any treatment to see my initial heart function. This was repeated in August. That showed a decline in ejection fraction, but it was still considered in the low normal range.
My next echocardiogram in November showed more significant changes. I was referred to a cardiologist who prescribed 2 medications for my heart. Having already done my research before going to see him, I asked if my heart could heal without them, and if I was in any sort of danger if I did not take the drugs. He said that my heart could heal and that my current heart function wasn’t a cause for alarm. However, I did need to discontinue the Herceptin until my heart function improved.
After considering and praying, we decided that there was not a good reason to continue the Herceptin even after my heart function improved. The research does not indicate a significant difference in cancer outcomes for those who take the drug for a year versus 6 months. I had a recheck of my heart function December 22, and it was already back to normal in 1 month and that was without taking any of the heart medication!
I do have a follow-up visit with my oncologist and I am sure there will be periodic testing, but this point, since I am not going to continue with the Herceptin, I am officially done with my cancer treatment! I have learned a great deal about cancer, myself, and have grown greatly in my faith during 2025. It’s been a hard year, but it’s been a good one too.
But I am ready for 2026!