hold my hand through understanding my path report

2bubbas

Okay, bear with me and my dumbness.  I did try to go above and read about understanding my path report, but it doesn't exactly correlate - therefore I need someone to explain it to me in childlike terms.  What I found online was overly technical.

 It clearly states that I'm ER/PR negative.  Simple enough.

Then it says: HER2 CEP 17 FISH   6.6 Amplified

So do I take the "amplified" to mean positive?  And why didn't my onc discuss this with me?  We went over the ER/PR part. 

Mind you, this is a year later.  At the time, I didn't even think to look at the HER2 part of the report, didn't know about it.

Also, does it even make a difference, seeing how I was stage 0, no pos. nodes plus mastectomy?  From what I was reading above, it seemed the herceptin is used if you have metastasized.

 Am I thinking along the right track or do I need to revisit the onc?  I may put in a call anyway, but I'd like to have some feedback from y'all. 

TIA.  And pardon me for just busting right in your group.  Have a nice weekend!

AlaskaAngel

Hi 2bubbas, welcome!

I was diagnosed 5 years ago and my onc never told me I was HER2 positive. It is quite important to know and discuss, in part if only because a lot of research is being focused on those who are HER2 positive and no matter what your other cancer characteristics are, you may benefit from some of that research at some point down the road.

There is a lot to take in at time of diagnosis, but it should be discussed with ANYONE who tests HER2 positive, and the standard would be to at least discuss the CHOICE to take Herceptin or not. You should be offered the choice in your situation.