So what exactly IS Herceptin?

Well, I'm finally finished with radiation. I finished May 17th. It was an interesting week as it was the same week my grandfather (mom's dad) passed away so it was a celebration of a major accomplishment while at the same time a very sad week. Fortunately, my skin didn't do so bad from the radiation, but I did have to deal with a bit of blistering in the armpit which made for a painful few weeks. Fortunately, the doctor prescribed me Silvidine, which has been a lifesaver. Now all that's left is some peeling and a nice tan. Yup, just like a bad sunburn.

Now all that's left is to wait for the final surgery date and continue my Herceptin treatments. In case many of you needed a refresher course on why I'm still receiving treatment through my port even though I'm finished with chemo, here's a refresher course on Herceptin:

A targeted therapy is a drug that targets a specific characteristic of cancer cells, such as a gene or protein. Since they target specific characteristics, targeted therapies are less likely than chemotherapy or radiation to harm healthy cells. For example, Herceptin (chemical name: trastuzumab) is a targeted therapy prescribed to people who have been diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer, which means the cancer cells may have too many receptors for a gene known as HER2. If there are too many HER2 receptors, the cancer cells receive too many growth signals — so they grow too much and too fast. Herceptin attaches to HER2 receptors on the surface of breast cancer cells and blocks them from receiving these growth signals.

As scientists identify these specific characteristics of cancer cells, they can tailor treatment better to each patient. There are currently many studies in progress looking at how to best use targeted therapies individually and in combination with other treatments.

On a positive note, my hair is growing back super fast and it's coming back thick and dark. I have now had 2 haircuts to keep it looking professional and need to make a decision on whether I want to continue doing that or just letting it grow. I'm trying to upload some pix of my new hair and as soon as I have a chance to do so, I will post them on the blog.

I have my follow-up appointments with the radiation oncologist and my reconstructive surgeon next month to find out how I'm healing and to get an estimate as to when my surgery date will be. As most - if not all - of you know, I am NOT a patient person so it's been quite the challenge this year to constantly feel like I'm playing the waiting game. Keep your fingers crossed I get to have my surgery sooner than later!