Herceptin.com - HERStory Program Overview

Share the Journey

Understanding breast cancer can be challenging. Learning about the different stages of breast cancer and the complicated elements of your pathology report are only part of it. You also have to understand your treatment options, the right questions to ask your healthcare providers, and what you can do to understand your condition.

We want you to know that you are not alone in this journey. Created and provided by Genentech BioOncology, the Herceptin Patient Ambassador Program connects you with other women who are fighting breast cancer each and every day. When you connect with other women fighting breast cancer, you share the journey and may find support.

The program features women from across the country who have or are receiving Herceptin for their HER2+ breast cancer. Each woman is reaching out and sharing her story to help you learn from the experiences she had along the way.

As part of this educational program, a Genentech oncology nurse specialist shares important information about breast cancer, treatment options, and current resources. The specialist will also be able to answer general questions you may have about breast cancer and typical treatment options watch video.

Create Your Community

Through the program you may meet others whose lives have been touched by breast cancer and you will receive general information about breast cancer. You will learn from women who have partnered with their healthcare team to make empowered choices in the care and management of their breast cancer. When you hear the ambassador's inspiring story of living with breast cancer, it could motivate you to stay committed to treatment, so that you get all the possible benefits of your treatment which will enable you to live your life to its fullest. register now

Find Your Inspiration

When you connect with those touched by breast cancer, you may benefit from the support and hope that only people in this community can provide. Sharing your dreams and goals may help make your journey more hopeful.

Program Logistics and Locations

find an event near you!

Live patient events are held across the country. These sessions will last between 60 to 90 minutes and do not require a fee to attend. See if any of these educational and inspirational programs are located near you. At these events, take the opportunity to connect with healthcare professionals and other people whose lives have been touched by breast cancer while learning more about treatment options

You should keep in mind that you have a team of knowledgeable healthcare professionals ready to help you with treatments and support. This program does not replace the advice of your healthcare team, but includes questions you may want to ask them about your diagnosis, your treatment plan, or Herceptin.

It is important to remember that every person who has HER2+ breast cancer is unique. The experiences of the women ambassadors in this program may be different from your own. If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment, or any signs or symptoms you are experiencing, please talk to your doctor. find an event near you!

What important safety information should I know about Herceptin?

Herceptin treatment can result in heart problems, including those without symptoms (reduced heart function) and those with symptoms (congestive heart failure). The risk and seriousness of these heart problems were highest in people who received both Herceptin and a certain type of chemotherapy (anthracycline). Your doctor will stop or strongly consider stopping Herceptin if you have a significant drop in your heart function.

You should be monitored for decreased heart function before your first dose of Herceptin, and frequently during the time you are receiving Herceptin and after your last dose of Herceptin. If you must permanently or temporarily stop Herceptin due to heart problems, you should be monitored more frequently.

Some patients have had serious infusion reactions and lung problems; fatal infusion reactions have been reported. In most cases, these reactions occurred during or within 24 hours of receiving Herceptin. Your Herceptin infusion should be temporarily stopped if you have shortness of breath or very low blood pressure. Your doctor will monitor you until these symptoms go away. If you have a severe allergic reaction, swelling, lung problems, inflammation of the lung, or severe shortness of breath, your doctor may need to completely stop your Herceptin treatment.

Worsening of low white blood cell counts associated with chemotherapy has also occurred.

Herceptin can cause low amniotic fluid levels and harm to the fetus when taken by a pregnant woman.

The most common side effects associated with Herceptin were fever, nausea, vomiting, infusion reactions, diarrhea, infections, increased cough, headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, rash, low white and red blood cells, and muscle pain.

Because everyone is different, it is not possible to predict what side effects any one person will have. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, talk to your doctor.

Please see full prescribing information for Boxed WARNINGS and additional important safety information.

HERStory | Program Overview