Her2 Positive - Herceptin?

[Sheryl H]

I was diagnosed with DCIS and IDC in December of 2006. Had a lumpectomy - left breast and sentinel node biopsy. 1 mm clear margin, 5 nodes removed, all clear. They didn't think at first the chemo would benefit me, so I started with radiation treatments. Almost finished with those - one more week doing the boost. After having the Onco Type DX test done, my oncologist said he thought I would need chemo - 4 treatments of A/C, three weeks apart. I'll wait a couple of weeks after chemo before starting this.

I am er and pr positive. He talked about Tamoxifen. (Sorry if the spelling is wrong.) I am also her2 positive, and, if I understood him correctly, since there was no lymph node involvement, he won't be prescribing herceptin. I see him Thursday, so I will clarify this. I am concerned about it, if that is what he meant.

Can someone tell me if herceptin is not prescribed if you have no lymph node involvement?

[mekasan]

Herceptin is given based upon HER2 status, which is a characteristic of the type of cancer. Lymphnode testing to done to determine how far the cancer has potentially spread. I did not have lymphnode involvement and had both IDC and DCIS. I received Herceptin b/c I was her2 positive. It would follow that you should be getting Herceptin if you are Her2 positive.

I have not been following Tykerb as closely, but it is similar to Herceptin in that it attacks Her2 cancers. I am not sure, according to protocol, who is eligible for Tykerb, however, I believe it is used for more advanced cancers at this time.

Ask you onc what your Her2 status is again, in case there was a miscommunication. You may want a copy of your pathology report if you do not have it already.
- Shannon

[suzan w]

I had no lymph node involvement and had a year of herceptin (every 3 weeks) following 4 rounds of A/C.

[AlaskaAngel]

You can also ask if you qualify for the TEACH trial.

AlaskaAngel

[MJo]

I've read that aromatase inhibitors work better for Her2 cancers than tamoxifan. I had 1/2 centimeter tumor and neg. nodes and I took Herceptin. My oncotype was 32, the beginning of high risk, and my doc agreed to Herceptin. I know DCIS hasn't gone beyond the duct, but you also said you were IDC. Does that mean you had a tumor? How small was the tumor?

[KRISS]

I am IDC and node negative but positve for her2. I just finished 4 rounds of DD AC and start Taxol and a year of Herceptin. I was only going to do radiation until they found out about her2 and my oncotype is 47. I would most certainly persue the herceptin.

[caya]

I am ER+PR+, HER 2+. 16 nodes tested all negative. I am on FEC-T- FEC for three rounds, then T (Taxotere) for 3 rounds and then I will be getting Herceptin for a year, once every three weeks.

I would definitely pursue the Herceptin.

All the best
Caya

[Hopeful]

I am ER+PR+ Her2+ no nodes, stage 1. I had lumpectomy and radiation, and declined chemo. I chose my onc because he was willing to give me Herceptin without the chemo (started during radiation). I was postmenopausal at diagnosis so I am on an AI. Although the current standard care for early bc is chemo + Herceptin, my onc (and his consulting onc at a major cancer center) both said I should absolutely have Herceptin, chemo or no. I would ask for a full explanation from your doctor as to why he thinks Herceptin is not indicated, then get a second opinion.

Hopeful