[madubois63]

The one thing I can tell you (from my experience) is that I am still here after 9 years and I am Her2+++. I am ER/PR+ and fought stage IV Inflammatory (the worst of the worst when it comes to breast cancer). It's been in my liver once and lungs twice (presently). Both times, I responded/am responding rather well to Herceptin.

Everyone's cancer is different, so do NOT listen to anyone of your well meaning friends/acquaintances that tell you about someone they know and how easy it was, how hard it was or how they died a gruesome death. That is not what you need to hear right now. what you do need is to ask the right questions of the right people in the right place (which you are doing)...And do NOT listen to statistics. They are usually five years old based on treatments that are five years old.

Since your on Herceptin, you probably had a MUGA (aka gated pool) scan of your heart. That should be repeated every 3 months. Herceptin (like some chemo's) can damage your heart. If your rating goes down, your onc may give you some time off from the Herceptin, recheck your heart with another MUGA and then start the Herceptin again. Many of us have had this experience. I had to take a break the first time I took Herceptin. After 3 months, my heart was stronger than ever, and I started the Herceptin again. If you haven't had a MUGA scan prior to starting Herceptin you need to get one immediately and question your onc as to why you didn't get this important test.

After 3 months on the Herceptin, your onc should order either a PET, CAT or a PET/CAT (one test that does both at the same time). This will be compared to prior tests (again, if you haven't had one done prior to starting chemo/Herceptin you need to question the onc and maybe consider getting a new onc). Ask for a copy - actually you should be getting copies of ALL your reports, including pathology from the original biopsy. I don't know your history (surgery), but if the bc is/was anywhere outside of the breast, the scan should answer your question whether the Herceptin is working. Tumor marker tests are not always accurate (never worked for me), but your onc should be running that test too. If there has been an increase or decrease, that could also determine whether the Herceptin is working too. Talk to your onc and ask which tests he/she is/will be using.

Keep asking all the questions you have...