Invasive Ductal, ER-positive, HER2-positive

Magnolia1

Found out recently I have breast cancer, still a week away from getting back into the oncologist to find out about surgery and treatment.  Anybody out there age 69 - I've read longevity is not good for my situation.

wabals

What do you mean

Magnolia1

I was wondering what the long term survival is for  others out there in my age bracket that are ER+/PR+, HER2+.  I'm in the very beginning of this, haven't even had surgery yet.  I'm 69 and have been reading the results of the clinical trials for Hercepton, and the long tern survival isn't good for my age bracket.

Tess111

Hi Magnolia, I was 63 when diagnosed. I know that there is at least one lady on the HER2 positive boards who is in her 70's and there are probably more. Your prognosis depends on your treatment plan, your stage, whether you are node positive or not. The recommended treatment plan for HER2 positive is a long one, which really overwhelmed me when my MO gave me "the plan."

I asked my MO if she thought someone my age could handle it, and she told me she had treated a woman in her 70's with my same treatment plan and she came through with flying colors. I'm not saying it is a piece of cake, but it is definitely doable. It's true that being triple positive did not have an especially good prognosis in the past but we have come a long way since those days. I just read somewhere that Stages I and II have close to the same prognosis as their Her2 negative sisters when we take Herceptin and Stage III's prognosis is as good or better than their Her2 negative counterparts when Herceptin is taken. (I need to find that article so I can start linking people to it.)

I know this is a lot to take in, but take a deep breath and work this one step at a time. I am sending gentle hugs your way.

Magnolia1

Thank you for sharing.  I am very concerned if there are permanent cardiac side effects from the Herceptin.  The doctors nurse said I would be on chemo for 6 mos, I don't know which one yet, then Herceptin for 1 year, then another med for the ER+ - Sounds like the next three years will be living with doctors and nurses.  I, also, am concerned if I can make it to the otherside since I am so sensitive to medications.   I haven't even spoken with the oncologist about the surgery as yet, but I've pretty much decided I would rather have a mastectomy rather than a lumpectomy because I am so small already.  Again, thank you  

DATNY

The mom of one of my doctors was treated for Her2+ cancer last year. She is in her 70. From what I know she is doing well. Not only she has done Herceptin and Perjeta, but also AC for chemo, known an the red devil.

Herceptin can cause trouble if heart cells have the same receptor that the medicine uses to attach to the cancer cells. At least this is my understanding. This happens very rarely, less than 2% of treated people have this. The doctors monitor the heart closely, and stop the Herceptin at the first sign of problem. The damage is reversible and everything goes back to normal after that.

I would be more a lot more worried about anti-hormonal medication than Herceptin. Best wishes with your treatments!

Magnolia1

So what should I be asking about the anti-hormonal meds?