The clinical trial for this was going in 2001. I was part of this trial but I was in the arm that didn't get the herceptin. At one point, the trial was closed as there were numerous women that were having strokes that were receiving the herceptin. I believe that this was in 2002. I know that I had to sign a release form even though I wasn't receiving it. I have been on hercpetin and navelbine for 2 years now - weekly. So far, the combination of the 2 drugs seems to be working. I would strongly suggest that any of you that are Her2+, going thru chemo or just recently completed it, and have NOT received herceptin, talk to your onco. Insist that he/she give you a good reason for them not giving it to you. If that reason doesn't seem valid, then seek another opinion. I know that when I was rediagnosed, the gal that was in charge of seeing if patients in my onco office qualified for any clinical trials told me that if I had originally received the herceptin, I wouldn't have had a recurrance. Needless to say, that didn't help my mental attitude and she is no longer employed w/ my onco group.
Hugs...Deb