Falling Apart Today - Need some positive outlook

HI .... my name is Janice; I was diagnosed with her 2 neu+ breast cancer end of June 2010; I am almost done with chemo, have 2 more tx. I will continue with herceptin until Aug 2011. Wondering if I read your resonse correctly; sounds as though you had a mastectomy on (R) breast? I will have one in Jan; then radiation. I'm trying to figure out whether to do reconstruction or not. DId you? So many thoughts running through my head; wondering whether it's worth it, longer process, $$ and pain. Do you mind sharing your experience and choice? 

Thanks so much!

Janice 

Hi Hope,

I didn't ask for specificities, but I'll put it on my list to ask him next visit.  I know that he was reserved but hopeful with me prior to receiving those results (Her2) but positively beaming and telling me this was "very good, very good news".

Hello- I have been diagnosed in March with stage 1 HER2 Neu +++ grade 3 - no nodes - and I was pleased to see your oncoligist didnt believe in any herceptin for you.  My oncologist wanted Herceptin but I chose not to get it - since I was stage 1.  After 6 months of a major diet change and really watching it - I went to my doctor today and all looked normal where I had the lumpectomy. But she freaked me out because she thought I may have made a mistake not getting herceptin?  Do you still feel positive that you didnt take herceptin?  I think that everyone is different and if it hasnt spread and you completely detox - chances are it wont come back . What do you think?

I agree with mmm5, I would get more opinions. I think any herceptin you can get is a good thing.

LLL-6500 - where in Wisconsin are you being treated?  With  your MUGA scores still above 50 they had to stop or not give you the herceptin? I realize that MUGA scores may run differently than echos for ejection fraction, etc but my onc said anything above 50 is good and a go for herceptin. I was back up to 43 at my last check in July and he said I could go back on it. In discussions with my cardioligist, onc, and myself we decided after 6 months I had enough. I keep praying that that is the case.

Heather, I can understand what you feel. Every morning when I woke up, I pray, to any mighty powerful force that controls the universe and life, I want to live to see my little girl grow up and be there for her!

Blondie45...

Thanks for the reply.  You got me thinking a bit...  about second opinion, etc.  But,my thought is the protocol may have changed.  You were dx in 2009?  And, My baseline MUGA was 77 and it dropped to 55.  Yes, still "normal".. but a very significant drop for me and there is a percentage that they go by as far as how much it can drop before they stop and when they start again.   I haven't seen a cardiologist yet, but that would be the next step if my next MUGA isn't back up.  I might call and see if I can get an ECHO done and speed this process up.  I am enjoying my break from Herceptin, but want to get as much benefit as I can from every angle to not get this again!!!   Did you get a year of Herceptin?  How are you feeling?  

Thanks.  Have a great week everyone.