Newly diagnosed and feeling very overwhelmed

Kellynew

I was was diagnosed 1/19/17 with invasive ductal carcinoma 2.7 cm her2 stage 2. My doctor is recommending starting chemo right away 30 weeks then surgery based on results of the genetic testing type of surgery will be determined then another round of chemo. My head is spinning this has all been so quick and from what I keep reading and hearing the treatment seems very strong. Any advice does this sound right? The doctor gave me great hope this was so common but what I hear is her2 not always successfully treated.

ElaineTherese

Hmm, neoadjuvant chemo (chemo before surgery) is becoming increasingly common for the treatment of HER2+ cancer. As you can see from my signature, I did Adriamycin + Cytoxan, and then Taxol + Herceptin + Perjeta, all before surgery. It should be noted that Herceptin and Perjeta are not chemo agents, but targeted therapies designed to attack HER2+ cancer. So, no, you won't be getting "another round of chemo" after surgery. Rather, you will be doing several months of Herceptin alone.

Before surgery or after surgery, it is standard practice for BC patients with HER2+ cancer to do chemo. That is because oncologists believe that the initial infusions of Herceptin work best when combined with a taxane chemo like Taxol or Taxotere.

One of the benefits of doing neoajuvant chemo in the U.S., is that Perjeta has been approved for neoadjuvant use for HER2+ tumors over 2 cm. Since your tumor is over 2 cm., you qualify to get the latest HER2+ targeted therapy.

I don't know what you mean by HER2+ cancer as "not always successfully treated." It doesn't matter what the type, some cancers do recur at some point. It should be noted that with the development of targeted therapies, the outcomes of HER2+ cancer have been significantly improved.

((Hugs)) and best wishes!

Moderators

Dear Kellynew - We're sorry that you have to join us here, but glad you found this site!

As well as ElaineTherese's excellent info and advice, the main Breastcancer.org site has a section on Treatments for HER2-positive breast cancer that you may find helpful.

Please keep us posted on how everything is going, we're thinking of you!

The Mods

Aaronj

hi,

Yes it can be overwhelming-i understand how you feel. I can tell you how my treatment went- started with chemo first (every three weeks x 6), surgery, radiation and continuation of Herceptin every 3 weeks(one year total).

Stage 2A hormone (-), HER+ nodes+, PCR at surgery

Diagnosed March 2016

Denise-G

Neoadjuvant  (before surgery) chemo is much more common now.  Five years ago, when I was diagnosed Stage 3a, a  6 cm tumor Her 2 positive, I had surgery first.

It is ALL overwhelming.  The treatment seems strong, it is strong, but you have to hit it hard.  When you are 5 years out like I am now, you will be so thankful you did it.

Sending all my best to you and your family!

Sassa

I just want to address your statement about HER2+ cancer and the success of treatment. I am 10 years out from diagnosis. At the time I had the standard procedure of surgery, chemo with AC and then one year of herceptin.

Her2+ cancer is now very successful treated because of herceptin and other drugs. I am proof - I am NED and hope to be that way forever.

NotHerToo

Thank you so much for that positive response....I'm hoping in 10 years I can post the same to others!!