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Becky · 11-01-2009, 01:41 PM

Dear Mavis

Being over 5 yrs out is wonderful. I just got to 5 yrs myself but I am highly Her2+, moderately ER+ but PR negative.

I know it is hard to not worry. All of us worry and most with no cause. It is too late for chemo or Herceptin but you are still in a great place. Her2 cancers tend to recur earlier (2-3 yrs out or so). And you have done well with nothing but surgery, rads and Arimidex! It is one thing I have always said on this board, not everyone needs everything thrown at them, the problem is that no doctor can tell yet who needs chemo, herceptin or other things so they tend to give it to everybody.

If your tumor block is still around, you might be able to get your doctor to send a piece of it off for a FISH test. Remember though, the results could be positive for Her2 and that won't give you much relieve but it very well might be negative too. Only you will know if this will give your mind any relief or if it will only make you worry even more.

Remember, you are doing FANTASTIC with great results from the treatment you have received.

Big hugs to you.

11-01-2009, 01:41 PM	#2
Becky Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Stockton, NJ Posts: 4,179	Re: Found out too late? Dear Mavis Being over 5 yrs out is wonderful. I just got to 5 yrs myself but I am highly Her2+, moderately ER+ but PR negative. I know it is hard to not worry. All of us worry and most with no cause. It is too late for chemo or Herceptin but you are still in a great place. Her2 cancers tend to recur earlier (2-3 yrs out or so). And you have done well with nothing but surgery, rads and Arimidex! It is one thing I have always said on this board, not everyone needs everything thrown at them, the problem is that no doctor can tell yet who needs chemo, herceptin or other things so they tend to give it to everybody. If your tumor block is still around, you might be able to get your doctor to send a piece of it off for a FISH test. Remember though, the results could be positive for Her2 and that won't give you much relieve but it very well might be negative too. Only you will know if this will give your mind any relief or if it will only make you worry even more. Remember, you are doing FANTASTIC with great results from the treatment you have received. Big hugs to you. __________________ Kind regards Becky Found lump via BSE Diagnosed 8/04 at age 45 1.9cm tumor, ER+PR-, Her2 3+(rt side) 2 micromets to sentinel node Stage 2A left 3mm DCIS - low grade ER+PR+Her2 neg lumpectomies 9/7/04 4DD AC followed by 4 DD taxol Used Leukine instead of Neulasta 35 rads on right side only 4/05 started Tamoxifen Started Herceptin 4 months after last Taxol due to trial results and 2005 ASCO meeting & recommendations Oophorectomy 8/05 Started Arimidex 9/05 Finished Herceptin (16 months) 9/06 Arimidex Only Prolia every 6 months for osteopenia NED 18 years! Said Christopher Robin to Pooh: "You must remember this: You're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think"