Beth

Your onc probably did not pursue on hormonal therapy initially only becase you are weakly ER+, maybe?? What is your ER+ status?

Every onc has a different perspective on the status of ER/PR. Late this summer, I went to a 2nd opinion about my recurrence, and this onc even suggested that I get off Faslodex, because he think hormonals are not working effectively enough (in my case, that is), and I should add another chemo to Herceptin. I am 40% ER+, 20% PR+.

I think that my primary onc believes in trying hormonals first before adding a new set of chemo guns (for ER/PR+ cancers, that is).

Confusing, huh? Agh!

I take Herceptin every three weeks which is new for me. I am currently NED for approx. 2 years. I am er/prpositive and her2+++. I am on Lupron shots (premeno) and Femara 2.5 mg. I have had only brain mets. I am managing well. My Dr. feels hormonal thereapy is equally as important for me as Herceptin. Each case is so different as we all know.

Beth, I'm er/pr-, but have been trying to learn about the hormone therapy angle. Good that your onc is addressing this aspect of your cancer, it's vital to hit it from every direction as hard as possible. Good luck with the new protocol, and keep us posted...

Love, Lolly

Thanks for sharing. So you were stage IV when dx'd? Wow - you sound so much at peace and not being mad about them not catching it earlier. Sounds like the herceptin has been doing it's job?

Prognosis is all relative. My prognosis grouping is "poor" on my path report and my odd are less than 50%. However, I have no right to complain - I think you're probably thinking "to me 50% sounds great" right? It's all perspective. I try to stay optimistic while still being realistic. Preparing for the worst while still hoping for the best. Does that make any sense? How do your kids handle all of this? If it weren't for mine, I think I could handle the prospects of what might happen so much better....