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Jean,
I recall in October of 2005 there was a thread about non-chemo Stage I's who instead were getting Herceptin. the thread had been started by "panicked911".
She opted for no chemo (I believe she had other health issues that would make her chemo dangerous).
By the way, one good argument for getting Herceptin is if your ER/PR is positive BUT LOW or all together negative. My ER is 15% pos and PR is totally neg. I know this was a factor in determining Herceptin due to Tamoxifen being of relatively low benefit (although I do take Tamoxifen for that miniscule benefit) Also, the fact that I was 41 with two young children at time of Dx.
You know Jean, at this stage of the treatment plan it would seem to me that there is an onc out there that is willing to give you the Herceptin with no chemo if you choose. I had to hunt around and around until I finally found a guy who offered it the moment I had my consult with him. Perhaps your quest for the the drug lies with another onc.
There was another thread I read around Oct that had another Stage I member that had no chemo with Herceptin that ended-up with mets.
Start another thread titled "Stage I's w/no chemo ??? "
For sure there will be a response more specific to your case. By and large, most Stage I's are node negative and have had small tumors and lumpectomies. At least it will broaden your information base...
I know it's not easy...
Maria
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