Stage 3 Her2+ ER/PR +

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kd01
kd01 Member Posts: 13
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

Hi everyone!

I was hoping someone could tell me abit about their journey with this disease.

My mom was diagnosed with Her2+ Stage 3 BC, ER PR+. She had a mastectomy in feb 2011 and is now on 3 different chemo drugs and then goes for radiotherypy after. She unfortunitly can not afford Herceptin, so she is not on that. I would like to know how long you have been free of this disease, have you had a recurrence, what drugs you were on and what type of medication you had, as well as how long ago you were dianosed.

I would love to know about others with the same characteristics as my mom, because the doctors dont have much hope for her- but i have heard their are many women who have this and live long!

Tumor size 5cm x 4cm

infiltrating ductal carcinoma grade II

lypmhovascular infiltration identified

tumor located at <0.5mm from resection margins

adenosis

fibrocystic change

metastatic ductal carcinoma in 8/24 lymph nodes

Please let me know as much as u can about yourself, and your experience...

I wish you girls all the best!!! oxoxo

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  • Pure
    Pure Member Posts: 1,796
    edited May 2011

    ummm. I would say it's critical to her success to get herceptin. That drug alone could save her life. I am confused..Insurance will pay for everything but herception? The drug that could save her life? She needs to get herceptin without a doubt. She could live with the disease NEVER coming back with good treatment. Herceptin would be a pretty critical part of that tx.

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  • jennyboog
    jennyboog Member Posts: 1,322
    edited May 2011

    I'm not Her+ but what I know about it, I agree with Pure, it is crucial that she gets all drugs possible to prevent a reacurrance.  If she does have a reaccurance she'll be automatically stage IV and none of us want that to happen.  ER/PR+ is a good thing and there are drugs that can help reaccurances b/c she is +, I'm on Aromasin and tolerate it very well.  I was on Arimidex and did ok but but had alot of body aches with it.  I was dx in July2010 and finished rads about a month ago...it was much easier than chemo.  I had 5 out of 16 nodes +, I'm doing a hysterectomy next b/c of the ER+ thing plus I'm BRCA+.  I'm doing good, staying active and trying to get use to my new normal life.  Bc is an emotional rollercoster ride and takes a toll on the entire family.  There is a +5 years forum with ladies who are doing great after many years so, you're mom could be one of them. Come here often, lots of info, take care.

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited May 2011

    Herceptin is critical in treating HER2+ cancers but not all HER2+ cancers will get mets… just more do than those that aren't HER2+

    Once mets are involved then Herceptin is critical in holding off the disease. 

    kd01 Are you from the US or another country. If you mom doesn't have the funds for Herceptin you should consider contacting the company that makes it. They may be able to provide some assistance.

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  • Bugs
    Bugs Member Posts: 1,719
    edited May 2011

    There is plenty of hope for your mother!  However, I do agree with the above posts that it is critical that she get herceptin in this treatment plan.

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  • kd01
    kd01 Member Posts: 13
    edited May 2011

    Hi, thanx for the reply.

    We are in Soth Africa, and i have contacted everyone and company i could. Roche (company that makes this drug) says they are not allowed to lower the price, give out samples, or anything. She went for her 3rd chemo yesterday, and the doctors told her yesterday again, that her chances arent good. The thing is, why do they make such a big deal over Herceptin, when so many of our women in this country and other countries are not able to get access to this drug because they CANT AFFORD it! this is very upsetting....

    Thanx anyway...

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  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited May 2011

    Hi kd01,

    I am sorry about your Mom's dx, but glad you found us.  Have you contacted any major cancer hospitals in SA?  I would think they would have some programs for women like your Mom. 

    Good luck,

    Sharon

    I just Googled Cancer Centers in South Africa and this was one of the links I found:

    www.canca.org.za

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  • kd01
    kd01 Member Posts: 13
    edited May 2011

    Hi pupfoster1,

    Yes i have contacted almost every place i could google! i also contacted companies in america and all over the world for clinical trials.but nothing....

     Thanx anyway... Smile

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  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited May 2011

    Ugh, I'll put some feelers out to see if there is anything I can find out for you............

    (((Hugs)))

    Sharon

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  • kd01
    kd01 Member Posts: 13
    edited May 2011

    Thanx Sharon

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