Stage 11A HER+ Just Diagnosed

Tdpzmom

I was diagnosed with IDC and have had a double mastectomy. I had no lymph node involvement and clear margins. My surgeon said that I had surgery had removed my cancer. He sent me to an oncologist anyway and they are suggesting chemo and a HER+ drug. I am trying to decide if I want chemo. I am 55 years old in relatively good health. Anyone have any experience with this? I am considering doing only the HER+ target drug. No chemotherapy. Thoughts?

ml143333

I would sit down with my doctor and see what the chances of recurrence are with and without chemo.  You didn't mention if you are ER/PR positive or not.  If you are, you can take medicine that will help counteract those affects and this will further reduce chances of local recurrence.

Chemo helps reduce the risk of recurrence outside of the breast.  Radation and Tamoxifen or AIs reduce the risk of local recurrence.

 

Stephmoen

her 2 positive usually means some sort of chemo I had tchp but there is a thread with another type of chemo therapy for those with smaller tumors the attempt trial I believe it's called you can search it on the forums

Moderators

Hi Tdpzmom, and welcome to Breastcancer.org,

In addition to the helpful advice from our other members here, we thought you might like to check out the main Breastcancer.org site's page on Who Gets Chemotherapy? to help explain who benefits from this type of treatment.

We hope this helps! Please keep us posted on your treatment decisions and if you need more help navigating your journey!

--The Mods

keepthefaith

There are a lot of factors to be considered. The tumor grade, stage, LVI, family history, current health, BRCA status, etc. I would suggest you make sure you have every piece of the puzzle and all questions answered, to your satisfaction, before making your decision. Best wishes moving forward. You can always seek another opinion as well.

Tdpzmom

Thanks for the input. I have an appointment tomorrow for a second opinion. I am both E & P negative. Talked to my surgeon today, he is on board for going untraditional. He said that I do not fit in the "cancer treatment box" and that I needed a MD who was willing to look outside the box for what fits my life and wishes. Felt much better about my thoughts once I spoke with him. Will see what the new MD says.

MANORAMA

S i also was diagnosed after masectomy as stage2 no lymph nodes .But my oncologist started chemo then after the fourth suggested to start herceptin .But i started herceptin after 8 chemos got over. Now around 7 herceptin over. ofcourse chemo was terrific severe bone pain.

husker

I was similar diagnosis, am 58. HER2+ it is my understanding that Herceptin cannot be given without an initial round of Chemo - at least that is the protocol but I am not an oncologist. This is only what my doctor told me.

strike3cc

I agree with husker, now there is another drug to go along with herceptin it's projeta. it helps the herceptin last longer. All given through iv

anniekaja11

Hi -

I have this same pathology, E/R- and HER2+. 2.4 cm tumor which is just passed the Stage 1 cut off at 2.0 cm. No lymph involvement. I meet with my MO again tomorrow but I'm set for TCH starting April 14th, 6 rounds of that. I'm encouraged by women that have worked through this regime and managed the SE. I'm hoping for that. Then 11 rounds of just the Perception. I'm asking about the Perjeta and would like to add that.

I've surrendered. I'm not a medical oncologist and the flat out data of life expectancy, recurrence rates etc are hard to hear. My BS got my attention when he told me that when he started in the field in the 70s, 40% of the women who got breast cancer died within 5 years. The treatments - surgery, chemo, and radiation work. There are also new breakthroughs like Herceptin that give those of us with bad pathologies a great chance. So I'll give up some well being now for a longer disease free future.

Its been hard for me because I am someone who has shirked away from Western medicine and thought "Out side of the box" and been involved with natural medicine all my life. I'm also really involved with the psychology of living in the present, mindfulness. So hurting now for something in the future unknown is hard. But I'm going to do it.

Peace with your decisions.

bagger

Hi,

I'm 51 and have similar pathology too. 2 tumors, biggest was 2.2cm, Her2+, DCIS at bottom of breast was very close to margin, though. Right breast mastectomy. There are a few reasons why I'm getting chemo (no choice), when your case may or may not. My very-close margin, plus some LVI in the breast are reasons that were mentioned to me.

That said, my MO is very keen on the TCHP regimen for Her2+ people. The Herceptin and the Perjeta, which are targeting drugs and not more chemo drugs, have (perhaps significantly) improved outcomes.

Good luck either way.

KateB79

I did a BMX, six rounds of TCHP (which ended in November), and chest-wall rads, thanks to HER2 and a "bad" pathology report. If anyone who is starting the regimen has any questions, feel free to let me know!

Here's the good news about "bad" pathology: high-grade cancers respond very well to chemo and targeted treatment. I'm putting that idea in the bank.

This is an older thread, but I'll put this out there: the mildest regimen approved for HER2+ BC is taxol+Herceptin, and that's only available to folks who are very, very early-stage. TCHP has become the gold standard; Herceptin and Perjeta--especially Herceptin--have been absolute game-changers for what used to be a terrible kind of BC to have. At the very least, it's leveled the field, so to speak; at best, it's improved overall survival for HER2+!

KateB79

kayb, you're absolutely right, and I'll edit the post to reflect that!

kindness

Hello ladies - I have already received 2 cycles of my chemo and due for third on Monday. I have, at the same time, wonder if anyone else has or has heard of this, 2 primary cancers. Breast ER/PR+ & Her2+, stage 2b, 4.9cm left breast. Will know exact stage after surgery, and Endometrial cancer, clear cell. Had laproscopic hysterectomy in Jan. No lymph node involvement or tubes or ovaries; thus, Stage 1. Due to clear cell, grade 3, being treated as ovarian.

Chemo is TCHP for 6 cycles every 3 wks.

Moderators

Dear kindness, Welcome to the BCO community. We are glad that you reached out here and hope that you will find support and information that will be helpful along the way. It sounds like you have had a lot to deal with these past few months. Keep us posted as to who your surgery goes and what you learn. Stay connected here. The Mods