Her-2 hereditary?

[luvmy3sons]

Hi everyone! This is my first time visiting the forum so I hope this is the right place to ask my questions. My name is Amy. I am a 29 year old mother of 3 boys and also an only child. My mother and best friend just lost her third battle with bc on October 3, 2006. I miss her terribly! She was the most Godly, beautiful, vibrant, unselfish and giving person I have ever known. My question concerns her third bout with bc. In 1995 she was first diagnosed. She had radiation and the lump removed. She was clear until 2003 when the same bc cells developed in a lymphnode in her throat. She took a pill (I can't remember the name) for treatment and was clear again until Feb. 2006. She was then diagnosed with metastatic tumors in her liver, lymphnode, and the c2 vertebrae. She received radiation and some other treatments but the cancer was spreading very quickly. Her numbers on her tests were doubling and tripling each time she had them done. Throughout this third battle she learned about the Her-2 gene and that she was Her-2+ I guess. I'm assuming this is the reason the cancer spread so quickly. I don't know very much about the gene but I am trying to learn. My ob/gyn said I have a 50/50 chance of having the Her-2 gene issue. Is there a way to be tested before being diagnosed with cancer? I would be interested if there is. Also, since I am just learning about this...is there a reason why mom didn't have a problem with the Her-2 gene the first 2 times but that is was so aggressive the 3rd time? Like I said, I am just starting to learn...so any help and info. is appreciated. Thank you all so much and have a blessed day!