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StephN · 02-06-2006, 01:00 PM

Hi Merry -
Sorry to hear you are in our cancer boat now, but there are many compartments to this "boat."
I happen to be in the Stage IV with brain mets compartment - was also ER/PR-, and was treated before Herceptin was an option for adjuvent or early treatment. If I had been able to get the Herceptin, I feel that my disease would not have progressed so quickly (especially since it has worked well for me once I was Stage IV and could have it).
Thankfully I am on it now and have not needed any chemos for over 3.5 years. I feel that since my mets (2) to my brain came so late - 2 years after finishing chemo - that they would probably never have gotten there in the first place if I had ACCESS to Herceptin earlier. But cancer cells are sneaky and can lurk around for years before activating into a full blown tumor.

They know that Herceptin does not work for everyone and are finding out more about why this is.
Having your tumor analyzed (as was earlier suggested) for more markers and information will give a GOOD, up-to-date oncologist more to go on if you wish to pursue a less harsh treatment than chemos.
Ask around around and get a second opinion - I actually had three consults before I settled on the onc who has treated me so successfully for the past 6 years.

If I read your post right, your Bloom-Richardson score is 3. Meaning a low grade tumor (mine was high). But even low grade tumors can be put into gear by factors that are not yet assessed in your case.

I am curious as to a "year-long" chemo approach that was suggested to you. The chemos are normally for about a 6 month duration. With your mast they usually feel no need to radiate.

It is a lot to think about - but keep considering the alternatives keeping in mind that your earthly life is in your hands.

02-06-2006, 01:00 PM	#10
StephN Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Misty woods of WA State Posts: 4,128	Sneaky and unpredictable Hi Merry - Sorry to hear you are in our cancer boat now, but there are many compartments to this "boat." I happen to be in the Stage IV with brain mets compartment - was also ER/PR-, and was treated before Herceptin was an option for adjuvent or early treatment. If I had been able to get the Herceptin, I feel that my disease would not have progressed so quickly (especially since it has worked well for me once I was Stage IV and could have it). Thankfully I am on it now and have not needed any chemos for over 3.5 years. I feel that since my mets (2) to my brain came so late - 2 years after finishing chemo - that they would probably never have gotten there in the first place if I had ACCESS to Herceptin earlier. But cancer cells are sneaky and can lurk around for years before activating into a full blown tumor. They know that Herceptin does not work for everyone and are finding out more about why this is. Having your tumor analyzed (as was earlier suggested) for more markers and information will give a GOOD, up-to-date oncologist more to go on if you wish to pursue a less harsh treatment than chemos. Ask around around and get a second opinion - I actually had three consults before I settled on the onc who has treated me so successfully for the past 6 years. If I read your post right, your Bloom-Richardson score is 3. Meaning a low grade tumor (mine was high). But even low grade tumors can be put into gear by factors that are not yet assessed in your case. I am curious as to a "year-long" chemo approach that was suggested to you. The chemos are normally for about a 6 month duration. With your mast they usually feel no need to radiate. It is a lot to think about - but keep considering the alternatives keeping in mind that your earthly life is in your hands.