how large does your tumor need to be to have herceptin?

[AlaskaAngel]

You're not the only one who wonders how this guessing game is supposed to be played. For starters, get a copy of your pathology report and take a look at the current national breast cancer guidelines, which were posted by Rhonda:

NCCN Practical Guidelines in Oncology= V 2.2006
http://www.nccn.org/professionals/p.../PDF/breast.pdf

Also, ask your onc to go over your risk using the online Adjuvant! website if she hasn't already done that with you as it can provide you with a rough idea.

Hopefully those with tumors under 1 cm or your age may also respond to you here. If you can add more info about your hormone receptors or your tumor grade that might help.

AlaskaAngel

[DeborahNC]

I'm 52, had bil. mastectomy for .7cm IDC and 1.3cm DCIS comedo, ER+(weakly)/PR-, no lymphatic invasion, Her2+++, grade 2, neg sentinel node (removed 3). My onc rec. 6 rounds Taxol, 1 year Herceptin, an AI after chemo. Am 1/2 through the chemo.

My onc feels the real sticker is my Her+++ status, hence the aggressive treatment.

oops! Sorry I left out info.
My tumor grade was 2 (scored 6 on SBR), er (weakly positive at 5%) and pr-, miotic count was 2/10 hpf for a total of 1. Thanks ladies you are a wealth of info.

[Michelle]

My tumor was relatively larger(1.9cm), but my onc did not feel I strongly needed taxol. I did Ac, and insisted on the taxol. Regardless my onc. felt herceptin was a must I'am 34 and her2+++. If you feel uncomfortable with your onc's decision a second opinion would not hurt.
Best wishes
Michelle

[suzan w]

I had a small tumor 7mm (invasive lobular), node neg. ER+,PR+,Her2+++ did 4 rounds A/C. And am doing arimidex, and Herceptin for a year-3 week intervals. (Had oncotype dx test done-predicted a high intermediate risk for recurrence ) Onc. said she would have done herceptin without chemo but with the oncotype dx results she felt strongly that the chemo was necessary.