HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post

caya · 09-12-2008, 11:22 AM

Hello Gamma Lu,

Welcome to our board, if you have HER2+ BC this is the best place to be. You will find lots of information here.

Herceptin is basically the magic potion for Her2+ - especially as you are at stage 1, with no node involvement, same as me. In the "olden days",Her2+ BC was considered "more aggressive" and had a "poorer prognosis." This was before Hercpetin, and also before the addition of the Taxane chemos - taxol and taxotere. Most of the statisitics you will read about Her2+ are before these treatments - Herceptin was only approved for early stage BC in the States in Nov. 2006 - not even 2 years ago.

Most oncs. recommend chemo/Herceptin for Her 2+ BC because Her 2+ is sneaky - and you will want to fight the beast with everything you've got. Chemo is very doable, and Herceptin is a "walk in the park" compared to it. I would get a second opinion from an oncologist who specializes in breast cancer, if you can. Most of them are on top of the latest treatments and stats for Her2+.

I'm nearly 2 years out - I'm sure many others who have been out for many years will chime in to reassure you.

all the best
caya

09-12-2008, 11:22 AM	#4
caya Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Thornhill, Ontario Canada Posts: 2,320	Hello Gamma Lu, Welcome to our board, if you have HER2+ BC this is the best place to be. You will find lots of information here. Herceptin is basically the magic potion for Her2+ - especially as you are at stage 1, with no node involvement, same as me. In the "olden days",Her2+ BC was considered "more aggressive" and had a "poorer prognosis." This was before Hercpetin, and also before the addition of the Taxane chemos - taxol and taxotere. Most of the statisitics you will read about Her2+ are before these treatments - Herceptin was only approved for early stage BC in the States in Nov. 2006 - not even 2 years ago. Most oncs. recommend chemo/Herceptin for Her 2+ BC because Her 2+ is sneaky - and you will want to fight the beast with everything you've got. Chemo is very doable, and Herceptin is a "walk in the park" compared to it. I would get a second opinion from an oncologist who specializes in breast cancer, if you can. Most of them are on top of the latest treatments and stats for Her2+. I'm nearly 2 years out - I'm sure many others who have been out for many years will chime in to reassure you. all the best caya __________________ ER90%+/PR 50%+/HER 2+ 1.7 cm and 1.0 cm. Stage 1, grade 2, Node Negative (16 nodes tested) MRM Dec.18/06 3 x FEC, 3 x Taxotere Herceptin - every 3 weeks for a year, finished May 8/08 Tamoxifen - 2 1/2 years Femara - Jan. 1, 2010 - July 18, 2012 BRCA1/BRCA2 Negative Dignosed 10/16/06, age 48 , premenopausal Mild lymphedema diagnosed June 2009 - breast surgeon and lymph. therapist think it's completely reversible - hope so. Reclast infusion January 2012 Oopherectomy October 2013 15 Years NED!!