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jannie_
jannie_ Member Posts: 3
edited June 2014 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer

I am stage  3a her2+ What are  my chances of living 5 years. Has any one here  with this diagnosis surived this long or longer. Please answer. I  have a family and kids.

Thank you,

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  • KristyAnn
    KristyAnn Member Posts: 793
    edited June 2010

    Treatment with Herceptin has changed the prognosis with Her2 positives- I am a little over 2 years out and NED, talk to your onc about all your options and go after it aggressively would be my advice

    Kristy

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  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 2,101
    edited June 2010

    I am HER2+++  grade 3 and will be finishing my Herceptin only on July 21.  I have two children 11 and 15. 

    There have been amazing strides for HER2+ cancers with Herceptin and there are other trials with different adjacent therapies under way.   

    When I was feeling depressed and wondering what my chances are, I came across the Lifetime movie Living Proof on DVD with Harry Connick Jr.  It was tough to watch at first because I was right in the middle of chemo, but it gave me such hope.   Since Herceptin has only recently been approved for lower stage cancers (2006 I think) there is not alot of concrete data but there are some threads where women have chimed in with 5+ years NED.

    I agree with Kristy, talk to your doctors and go after it aggressively. 

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  • momto2angels
    momto2angels Member Posts: 289
    edited June 2010
    My oncologist told me yesterday that he has stage IV women who have been on Herceptin and have been NED for 6 years!  Stage IV!!! Smile 
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  • nobleanna007
    nobleanna007 Member Posts: 641
    edited June 2010

    I am triple positive for ER/PR/Her-2+++ Stage 111a, and although I have had it rough due to allergic reaction's to the drugs I am proud to say I am 2 1/2 yrs out. My gr. Aunt has been stage 4 for 4yrs with liver mets, and is on herceptin and is still doing great after 4yrs!!

    Their is hope now!!! My only worry is should we be taking Herceptin always, due to no data its hard for them too know!!!!

    Bridget

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  • marshamulvey
    marshamulvey Member Posts: 7
    edited June 2010

    I am Stage IV HER2 positive with lymph node, liver, bones, and skin involved.  Diagnosed on February 10, 2010 and started chemo on Feb 26th, just had my 16th consecutive treatment last Friday.  Taxol and Herceptin every week for 10 weeks, now 6 weeks have been H only.  I also get Zometa once each month, beginning with the first week.  Most recent scan showed "significant reduction in size" of the spots in my liver.  We already knew it was having a good effect in the breast (tumor was over 6 cm) and the lymph nodes.  The spots in the bones are being held in check.  I am very aware that my prognosis is "guarded" but I'm shooting for about 30 years.  Most recent Echocardiogram allows me to continue Herceptin, thank heaven!  I remain hopeful that with treatment we can fight-the-fight.  Stay strong and keep the courage!   MM 

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  • JeninMichigan
    JeninMichigan Member Posts: 2,974
    edited June 2010

    Jannie

    This is one of those times when you can be happy your are HER2+.   I am stage IV right from the start with multiple mets to my liver and bones and chest and para tracheal nodes.   I was diagnoses 2/22/08 and starting 5/1/08 had six rounds of Taxotere,Carboplatin and Herceptin.  After three rounds, no cancer could be founds.   That was over two years ago and I am still cancer free.    I continue with Herceptin and Aredia (for my bones) and all is well.   My quality of life is wonderful.    I too have children and am a single mom.   I am desperate to stay alive for five years but honestly I am counting on living beyond 10 years.      My oncologist has women on Herceptin only for 10 years and are still cancer free. 

    They are developing so many HER+ targeted drugs.     I took Tykerb for a year just as an extra insurance policy and it was totally doable. too.   

    If you are doing chemo with the Herceptin it is so worth a few months of feel bad to gain the benefits of Herceptin thereafter.    Really it is tolerable and you will be back to yourself quickly.    There is much hope for us HER2+ girls.

    Jennifer

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  • Ca1Ripken
    Ca1Ripken Member Posts: 1,254
    edited June 2010

    Hi.  I know this is all so scary.  I was just diagnosed less than 2 months ago.. Stage 3, 1+ lymph node... I plan on living a long time - have 3 children, the youngest is 3.  Go to this website and plug in your numbers, it's a recent one (a lot of google websites give you 'old' statistics). 

    http://www.lifemath.net/cancer/breastcancer/therapy/index.php

    ((HUGS))  Leanna

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  • Denny123
    Denny123 Member Posts: 1,886
    edited June 2010

    Hi Jannie,

    I posted on the Stage 4 Forum, that it has now been 6 years remission for me.  I was an immediate Stage 4 with liver mets.  Gemzar and Herceptin for 9 months kicked my liver mets' butts. I have remained on Herceptin every 3 weeks and will be on it for life.

    It is absolutely posible!

    Denise

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