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Louise,
Don't ever regret any decision you make regarding your treatment for breast cancer. I had a bi-lateral mastectomy -- both my surgeon and oncologist thought I would be okay with just a lumpectomy. The week before surgery the surgeon ordered an MRI of my left breast and low and behold an 8mm area showed up -- along with microcalcifications. Surgeon wanted to do a biopsy and I said why bother I'm having a bilateral anyway. I have no regrets about my decision and would do the same thing again.
HER2 cancer, no matter what stage or grade, is agressive and fast growing. If you can get Herceptin even if it has to be with chemo I would do it. Everyone reacts differently to chemo and also to Herceptin. For side effects of Herceptin you might want to view the post "Please post your two cents on Herceptin "side effects" real or perceived!"
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Kate
Stage IIIC Diagnosed Oct 25, 2005 (age 58)
ER/PR-, HER2+++, grade 3, Ploidy/DNA index: Aneuploid/1.61, S-phase: 24.2%
Neoadjunct chemo: 4 A/C; 4 Taxatore
Bilateral mastectomy June 8, 2006
14 of 26 nodes positive
Herceptin June 22, 2006 - April 20, 2007
Radiation (X35) July 24-September 11, 2006
BRCA1/BRCA2 negative
Stage IV lung mets July 13, 2007 - TCH
Single brain met - August 6, 2007 -CyberKnife
Oct 2007 - clear brain MRI and lung mets shrinking.
March 2008 lung met progression, brain still clear - begin Tykerb/Xeloda/Ixempra
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