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Lolly · 01-30-2008, 10:14 PM

When I was diagnosed Stage IIIB in '99, I didn't know the significance of being HER2+. My surgeon and oncologist were both enthusiatic about Herceptin being there for me if I needed it down the road, but I didn't do any research at that time. As soon as I recurred, my onc wasted no time in starting me on Herceptin, and at that time I began researching and found this site, and along the way have come to feel very fortunate that I'm HER2+, as being ER/PR- has closed off many options.

The on-going research into the HER gene is being translated into new discoveries for all cancers. I feel like a lucky guinea pig

01-30-2008, 10:14 PM	#26
Lolly Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,756	When I was diagnosed Stage IIIB in '99, I didn't know the significance of being HER2+. My surgeon and oncologist were both enthusiatic about Herceptin being there for me if I needed it down the road, but I didn't do any research at that time. As soon as I recurred, my onc wasted no time in starting me on Herceptin, and at that time I began researching and found this site, and along the way have come to feel very fortunate that I'm HER2+, as being ER/PR- has closed off many options. The on-going research into the HER gene is being translated into new discoveries for all cancers. I feel like a lucky guinea pig __________________ Sept.'99 - Dx.Stage IIIB, IDC ER/PR-, HER2+++ by IHC, confirmed '04 by FISH. Left MRM, AC x's 4, Taxol x's 4, 33 Rads, finishing Tx May 2000. Jan.'01 - local/regional recurrence, Stage IV. Herceptin/Navelbine weekly till NED August 2001, then maintenance Herceptin. Right Mast. April 2002. Local/Regional recurrence April '04, Herceptin plus/minus chemo until May '07. Gemzar added from Feb.'07-April '07; Tykerb/Abraxane until August '07, back on Herceptin plus Taxotere and Xeloda Sept. '07. Stopped T/X Nov. '07, stopped Herceptin Dec. '07, started Avastin/Taxol/Carboplatin Dec. '07. Progression in chest skin, stopped TAC March '03, started radiation. Herceptin has served as the "Backbone" of my treatment strategy for over 6 years, giving me great quality of life. In 2005, I was privileged to participate in the University of Washington/Seattle HER2 Vaccine Trial.