Hi ! New member---recur is HER2 positive--?

[Robyn]

Hi All,

I have been reading some posts on here and was directed from another site to come here!

A little hx--
I was dx'd Sept 02---Stage 2a, no nodes, MRM, FEC chemo, Er/Pr neg...was not tested for her2 status at that time (Canada).

Recur found a month ago....to mast. scar. Surgically removed, clear margins, didn't invade into the chest....considered local recur. (well, scans still to determine spread). This time they tested her2, as we in Canada are using Herceptin as a standard tx for bc with/without mets. (you all probably know this...sorry) Anyway, I have done research on this gene and bc, so I am familiar with the use and the affects etc....

Still is waiting mode...scans I guess will determine chemo?? I will have rads to chest wall.....just not sure if the scans show no mets does one still do chemo or just herceptin?? Or even with mets, can one start out with herceptin to see if it works alone and keep other chemos as part of an "arsenal"?? I have my appt. with the chemo doc soon and want to educate myself as much as possible, and yet I am not sure if blasting myself with chemo is necessary to start?? I have a Family (young kids) and I really want QOL as well in treatment....It is funny how one reacts the second time around with this....don't get me wrong, I want to do anything to be in remmission if this has spread.....I guess I am confused??

Anyway...since I don't have definitive answers....it's hard to make total plans!

Great website....
Robyn

[Ginger]

Robyn,
I don't really know the answer to your question but am also Stage IIA with neg nodes, 2 yrs from treatment almost. You might want to go to the HER2 Group Message Board on this site and do a search or just look thru the postings. I would think that chemotherapy would be something your doctor would recommend but not sure if you had it the first time around like I did after my masectomy. I was IHC+2 for the HER2 and ER+/PR+.

[Lolly]

Robyn, I first recurred to skin in scar area, PLUS supraclavicular lymph...DIDN'T do more rads(had a full course as part of primary treatment) but did start Herceptin/Navelbine which wiped out the skin mets totally, they've never come back. I was then NED for 2 +1/2 years while being maintained on Herceptin. I since have had 2 more recurrences to lymph nodes and have been on/off chemo several times but am on Herceptin continually. I have been able to maintain excellent QOL, even when on chemo. Something to remember is that treatment for mets is much less harsh than treatment for primary disease, as the goal IS good quality of life while keeping the disease stable or in remission; in my case it's treated as a chronic condition and the treatments are very tolerable.

<3 Lolly

[tammymarie1971]

Hi Robyn, It's Tammy from Webmd. I'm glad you came to check out the site. Just because you're new doesn't mean you can only post on the Newcomers section. Please try your post in the her2 group. You will get alot more info and replies..This newcomers section is new to all of us!Tammy