I need an idea of what to expect

[BethSh]

I agree with Cheryl. If you do have to have chemo, it will probably be Taxol along with the Hercpetin. I am on treatment #7 out of 12 and am doing quite well. Minimum side effects, little achy, runing nose and tired, but I have not missed a day of work except for treatment afternoon. I was node positive, so I did the A/C first. That wasn't too fun, but got through just fine.

Good luck, you will get through it and it will go fast. I can't believe 6 months have gone by for me already.

Beth

[Hopeful]

Kriss,

Your diagnosis sounds incredibly similar to mine. I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcimoma (IDC) in June. I had a 1.3 cm tumor removed from just behind my nipple (my breast surgeon said she had enough clearance for margins to be able to leave the nipple, but it was close to the surface of the skin). I am ER+ (80%) and PR+ (50%). My sentinel node biopsy was clear, so I am Stage 1, grade 2. I saw three radiation oncologists and two oncologists to determine my treatment path. I did some research on the % of benefit of chemotherapy for ER+/PR+ strongly positive tumors and chose to decline chemo. I did, however, find an oncologist willing to give me Herceptin without chemo, so I am doing a year of that treatment, plus five years of an aromatase inhibitor (AI) as I was diagnosed post-menopause. I also had 7 weeks of radiation treatments that I did in conjunction with the Herceptin treatment, as Herceptin is supposed to make the radiation treatment more effective. I am also discussing with my oncologist the prospect of adding Tykerb to my treatment regimen, should it be approved by the FDA in the next two months.

From all that I have read both on this board and in the current medical literature, Her2+ breast cancer (bc), especially when diagnosed at an early stage, has a much improved prognosis than it did even 5 years ago. Much research has been done (and continues) on how to treat this particular form of the disease. There are many options and tools available to you for successful treatment. I know it is an agony waiting for your appointment to get additional information, but please take heart that you will hear many positive things when you finally get to see the doctor.

Best of luck to you with your treatment,

Hopeful

[KRISS]

It is so nice to get quick replys. Any info at this point is great. I am premenopausal at 42. I have read some women choose to have ovaries or uterus removed. Is this a good way to go at this stage and with the treatment I may get? Thanks again for helping me get adjusted

[KRISS]

Oh I forgot. I live in Indianapolis and believe we have a great breast center.

[Jean]

Hi Kriss,
Sorry that you were dx. with bc, but you found the best site for
current and accurate information on Her2 bc. In reply to your last question,
you may wish to check on this with Becky since she had this surgery and
is informed. I am er postive 90% and menapausal so I am taking Femara.
I wanted to welcome you and wish you luck with your treatments and to
also let know you have many friends on this site who are here for you.


Hugs,
Jean

[Sbacer]

Hi Kriss,

I lurk a lot post little, but live close to Indy and Dr there. I am Her2 posative, You are on right track by stopping in here. This board is wonderful. I have learned a lot and felt very alone when I first came. I was also DX as IDC, have finished chemo, except 1 yr Herceptin, had surg and now finished 33 radiations. Am now re-cooping and trying to get energy back and trying to work a little.

Take care

Sandy