Serum HER-2/neu test result & news

[StephN]

Hello Everyone -

I received some more good news from my last round of complete surveillance labs and tests.

1. My Serum Her-2/neu blood test result came back once again well into the normal range at 7.2 (15 or higher is beyond normal range on this test).

With this result added to my other markers, blood analyses and scans, I feel more comfortable foregoing my "vitamin H" at this time.

The more ways we have to "see" into my microbiology that say cancer is not active, the more I can forge ahead with my life feeling unfettered.

2. My DEXA bone density scan was also stable from 2005 and 2007. It still says I have osteopenia in my hips (at the femoral necks), but that my spine is denser than normal for my age adjusted number. So, I see that I cannot slack on my weightbearing exercises and calcium/vit D intake. Again, we like "stable." (By the way, anyone else who tends to the side of smaller bones, will probably have a similar result, especially regarding the hips.)

[Barbara H.]

Great news, Stephanie. You are one of my HER2 heroes. It's a relief to hear some good news. Nevertheless, everyone on this site is a hero for taking the time to share their journey, even when it does not take the road they had planned.
I hope you have the opportunity to celebrate this great news.
Barbara H.

[chrisy]

Great news steph!

[Shobha]

Awesome news, Steph! You really are my inspiration.

I would very much like to know your daily routine as far as taking supplements and exercises etc., that is, if you are ok to share it... I have much to learn about this fight...

Hugs,
shobha

[schoolteacher]

Stephanie,

Glad to hear your good results. I hope to see you next week.

Amelia

[Lien]

Great news Steph! And an interesting thought: smaller bones may affect the bone density results. I'm 6 ft tall, but wear the same ring size my petite grandmother wore. My bones are very thin. I didn't know that this could affect bone density.

Love

Jacqueline

[caya]

Thanks for sharing your good news, Steph. Congrats.

all the best
caya

[Julie2]

Steph,

Congrats on your Her serum results. My normal serum reading is also around 7 and 8. It is really accurate in my case where as other tumor markers are not reliable or they follow the Her2 serum after 2 months. If it increases above 9 it is an alarming signal to me.

Enjoy.

Julie

[Chelee]

Hi Steph, That is truly wonderful news! Another big sigh of relief with such good results...onward into your summer you go. :) You are an inspriation to me...thanks for sharing your good news.

Chelee

[micheleu]

hi Steph!! you look sooo good in your picture!

[Rich66]

How often have you had the serum her2 done? My mom's dropped from 14 APril 1st to 8.4 after a few Herceptin rounds but was back up to 14.9 a few weeks ago. The normal level for the lab used (Quest diagnostics) is 12.8

[suzan w]

That is good news indeed!!! Good news, sunshine...doesn't get much better than this!

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Elated to hear your good news, Steph. As you know I totally understand the special thrill of good scans, TMs and serum bld test AFTER giving up your dependency on Vit H.

Always anxious w/such things, even after alllll these many yrs, since letting go of H, my separation anxiety seems to double my inscanity and such. We wait with baited breath, don't we all?!

So, Steph, a well-deserved HURRAY for you! Thanks for sharing... You give us all hope.

[AlaskaAngel]

Hi Steph, glad to hear that! Keep up the routine, you're on the right track!

Best to you,

AlaskaAngel

[juanita]

glad to hear something good! keep it up!

[StephN]

Thanks for the good wishes, friends!

Rich - I have had my HER2 serum checked 6 times since 2006. The reference range has always said 0-15 is normal.

I think it is Her-2/neu Siemans by ELISA method. Not sure if it is Quest or another lab doing the processing. Believe there is a Quest here. My number was 8.9 the first time and has been lower after that.

[ElaineM]

Way to go Steph ! Congratulations !!!!!!! You are a good role model for the rest of us.
Keep up the great work !!!!!!

[Believe51]

Superb hearing your words Steph and consider sharing these kind of things a wonderful perk in our friendship. I salute you and let you know that I could not be happier for you, for us. You have always been so inspiring and a pillar of strength and this is such well deserved news. Thanks for brightening up my morning.>>Believe51

[michka]

Hi Steph. I am so happy for you. Thank you for sharing this good news and explaining.
Michka

[Joan M]

Steph,

Great news on your Serum HER2/neu test!

Joan