her2+HR+ node +

elena1

Has anyone out there heard of anyone having more than 5 year survival before the cancer returns? I know theres no way to really tell..but I get the idea odds are really not good with this  Her2 thing.  I was considering reconstruction in a few months but that flap thing is a big deal and after what im going through with this chemo and radiation im not sure its worth it if im gonna be gone in a year or 2..Any information will help..also your thoughts please..Thanks Elena

TammyLou

Yup.

I'm not dead yet.

And, no, the odds are not good with this HER2 thing.

However, I would not count on being gone in a year or 2. 

Herceptin is changing outcomes and prolonging our lives.

Reconstruction is a big deal, and I would encourage you to wait.  You don't have to decide anything right now.

When I finally got out of treatment, taking the trash out was a big deal. 

Reconstruction requires a "committed" patient.

Right now, your job is to get well soon. 

xx

tl

Diagnosed January 2005, Stage 3C at age 40...not dead yet! 

elena1

  Tammy, Thanks so much for your response.We all like something to hang onto...Good advice about the reconstruction.Its been really rough. I seem to get ALL the side effects from this Taxotere..Need recovery time. My last Taxotere is Nov 24th...then just Herceptin and radiation.. God Bless...Elena

TammyLou

Hang in there.

As for your future long life....it ain't over 'til the fat lady sings. 

tl

1stnoel

I just started AG and am pos for these things she makes it sound so end like I have kids what are the reocuant rates? i AM SO SICK nOW MY HAIR GOING MY SON IS VERY UPSET EVEV THOUGH WE TALKED WITH HIMToday my ewhite cell count was so low we need to take antibiotic maybe have to stop that shot on the day after I thought I was going to ddye

lago

Herceptin had made the odds almost the same as those who aren't HER2+ for those who respond.That 5 years stat doesn't mean you will only live 5 years. It means the study only went up to 5 years.

I wouldn't rely on these stats 100% but it seemed pretty close to what my ocologist said to me. It gives stats for 10 and15 year. Just be sure to change to surval mode.

www.cancermath.net

ruthlaurent

I was diagnosed on Christmas Eve, 2008 and I thought my death was emminent; however, with more research, I discovered that Her 2 positive is really treatable and is now the better cancer to have, if we must have cancer.  I have completed all treatments, including surgery, chemo, radiation, and reconstruction surgery (tram).  I feel great and now look great!  I would definitely recommend the recon surgery, AFTER you have completed all treatments.  I am scheduled for stage 2 of my reconstruction on November 19.  I've told my ps to make the girls as perky as he can because this old lady is going out with a bang!!  I may die tomorrow, next week, next year, or 10 years from now, but while I am alive, I am going to LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST!  I didn't think I missed my breast before I had my recon, but since getting my new ones, I feel so much better!  STAY POSITIVE AND LIVE!!!

melania

That's a great board ,

I've been diagnosed 2 months ago , and I am doing chemo before surgery.

I was also very worried about being her2 + and i was wondering if its really good to be her2 + and have herceptin or be HER2-. I was scared of asking it from my oncologist because he is very open and is not one of those one who wants to make me happy . I was scared he will tell the truth and i will feel worse. Yesterday when I was doing chemo he came to visit me and I dared and askd and he told me her2 + with herceptin is as good as her2-.

So thats not bad ha ?

ruthlaurent

I have written about my experience starting with just after my mastectomy.  It details my feelings and reactions after each chemo and radiation treatment.  You can read it at http://www.carepages.com/carepages/ruthlaurent  You can also make your own website there to keep your friends and family updated on your care.  It's a great free site.

lkc

Ladies,

 I am here and NED, having been dxed in May 05. Her2 pos disease WAS a very poor pronosticator PRIOR to the advent of herceptin.  I was one of the first to go on for non met disease. Herceptin tx totally changed my prognosis  from poor to favorable

There is very much hope out there for us!

nora_az

Hi Everyone,

My brain is still sore from all the info I took in at the oncologist's office yesterday.

I am HER2+ 2 of 16 nodes were affected. My tumor was 1.7cm. I am still recovering from my DIEP procedure. I wanted immediate reconstruction and didn't really know much about HER2+ until yesterday and what it could mean. I am still learning a lot.

My doctor also is the type that will honestly answer any question I have without sugar coating it which I appreciate.  He said that even 8 years ago if I came to him with exactly what I have now he would not be positive with his prognosis for my long term survival. He said with the addition of Herceptin to their arsenal it greatly changes EVERYTHING. He told me after I successfully go through my chemo and a year of herceptin I have a 10% chance of it returning. I am 47 and healthy and sees no problem thinking I am going to live till I am 85 or so.

10% to me still scares me but as he said, just a little while back it would've been a very different talk we had in regards to my long term survival rate.

blondie45

nora_az - if I am correct the general population has a 1 out of 8 chance of getting bc, so if you are at 10% I would think that is pretty good actually.

elena1

Thanks everyone for the information and encouragement. her2 is scary but I surely know im not alone and only someone whos there knows the fear and traumatic things we go through..

good

Hang in there. I'm 6 years out with 5/20 nodes pos.  Herceptin is a godsend!!  Life for those of us her/2 gals is much, much  more positive because of it.

Jenna1961

 Hi Blondie45

the statistics of 1 out of 8 chance of getting bc for general population - it refers to the whole lifespan of the woman. To get bc at 47, there is a much smaller chance (also because of the higher risk later in life).

Jenna