ER 1%-13%, PR-, HER2neu -/+...weird

wrsmith2x

I know it sounds confusing. So I had a second opinion today.  It was with my former oncologist.  He told me something that I did not know.  It appears that my biopsy had two different labs test it.  One lab found ER 1% +, PR-, and Her2-.  The other lab found ER 13%+, PR-, and Her2+.  He said that happens sometimes.  So what he wants to do is to go ahead with the surgery and then afterwards, unless they find positive nodes, he wants to forego chemo but start Femara and possibly Herceptin. So I guess I'm no longer in the TriNeg group...so weird how things can change.  I asked him if this was a new primary and he said probably.  Maybe little guys from last tumor but histologically speaking they are different. So I'm going to pack my little bags and move to the Her2+ group.  I'm going to pray that God gives me the strength to deal with all this AGAIN, and I'm going to live my life the best way I know how. I continue to pray for the cure.

So I guess I need side effects of Femara and Herceptin.  Please chime in.

Maja2213

have you had an oncotype dx test performed?  I was only stage 1 but triple positive.  The fact that I was Her2 pos meant that I had chemotherapy.   In fact, an oncologist often won't do an Oncotype dx test if they are certain about the Her2+ because these days it almost always means chemotherapy.

Anyway, I did Herceptin with Taxol for 12 weeks, every Friday.  After that I continued on Herceptin for 9 months, every 3 weeks.  Herceptin was pretty easy.  I would feel pretty bloated and had a mildly runny nose all of the time.  During the last 2 or so months of treatment, I definitely felt an energy drain. 

Also, during the 9 months of Herceptin I was on Tamoxifen so I don't know how my side effects might differ with someone on Femara.  I think the joint aches I have been experiencing (just finished herceptin 1 month ago) are from the Tamoxifen.

good luck with your treatment.