Confused about her2 positive

[Tracy]

Hi, I am a little confused, I don't understand and it is making me crazy. My doctor said I was her2 positive er/pr neg. When you are her2 positive does that mean it has spread outside the breast to other body organs? I am so scared. I will see the onc today for the first time, I can't sleep, I can barely breathe. This all happened so fast. Thanks you for any help.

[Joe]

Tracy,
Being HER2 positive means that you overexpresses a gene called HER2/neu. This is found in approximately 25 to 30% of all breast cancers. This also means that you are eligable to be treated with the drug Herceptin.

Recent studies have shown that when given Herceptin in an adjuvant setting, your chances of having a recurrence (spread) is reduced by about 50%

To learn more about the HER2/neu gene visit our HER2 section on this website:

http://www.her2support.org/her2.html


Warmest Regards
Joe

[mamacze]

Tracy,
In addition to the much needed facts, I would like to extend a warm welcome. Take a deep breath and stay with us; you will find friends, survivors and good laughs on this site.
Love Kim from CT

[Jodykb]

Tracy is right. Having a great group to be with makes it a little easy to travel the Big "C" road.

"I cannot tailor-make the situations in my life but I can tailor-make my attitudes to fit those situations"

[Pray]

Welcome Tracy, You will find answers, support and friendship here! Gods blessings to you on this journey!

[Candy Jacobson]

Tracy,
Hang in there, it is a worry for most of us, but her2nu positive is treatable with Herceptin. I too was scared when I first found out, now after 2 years of being on Herceptin, which just ended my last treatment in early January, I am doing just great.
As you can see it by the definitions here, it is a protien that over expresses itself in one's body. Why it goes crazy, no one is really sure, there has been no research done on that.
Stay close to us, we will hold you up. God bless you, and you are in my daily prayers now.
Candy

[ElaineM]

Her 2 is a protein in the body. Some people have a malfunction that causes the her 2 protein to over produce. It does not neccessarily mean the cancer has spread beyond the breasts. Contact Genetech Drug company, the maker of Herceptin. That company can send you some literature about the her 2 protein. There might also be some literature on the herceptin website.
I think the address is www.herceptin.com (http://www.herceptin.com)
Your doctor can also explain more about the her 2 protein. In fact it is your doctor's job to help you understand.
All the best to you. Blessings