FISH Test for HER2+

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erynnectt
erynnectt Member Posts: 2
edited June 2014 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer

Hi,

I have never posted before although I have joined since 2 months ago after my beloved mom was diagnosed with IDC. She has since started treatment and has completed 3rd round of chemo today. She received her FISH Test results today with score 3+. My question is can someone enlighten me on how is FISH Test scoring system is like please? I searched on the internet and somehow what my mom got doesn't look like a FISH Test score to me. I would like to know so that I can gauge what is the level of HER2 is for her case. I want to speak to the onc who is treating her but the problem is I am currently at a different country from my mom and my mom isn't very knowledgeable in this which makes it difficult for her to ask.

I have been very down and near depression since my mom's diagnosis and have been researching like crazy to equip myself with all knowledge possible. I hope someone can advise me here.

Thanks. 

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited September 2011

    Have you checked here on BCO for information?  If you go to the home page, click on Symptoms, click on Screening & Testing, then click BC Tests, it will give you a list of tests.  You can click on individual tests and how they are done and what results mean.  There are several tests for Her2Neu status, some docs favor one over the other.  If she is Her2 positive is she receiving Herceptin with her chemo?

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  • erynnectt
    erynnectt Member Posts: 2
    edited September 2011

    Hi SpecialK, thanks for such speedy response! Yes, I have read the information on BCO which also makes me think that my mom actually did the IHC test instead of FISH. IHC test gives score from 0 to 3+ to indicate the amount of HER2+ and this scares the hell out of me because if what I am thinking is true, my mom has the highest score! :(

    Yes, she will be receiving Herceptin treatment. But I just feel so helpless right now. With such high HER2+, I am very very very scared and worried on recurrence. Her positive lymph nodes is quite high as well (7) and this doesn't help at all. My mom is still so young (49 yrs) and she has just became a grandma two weeks ago and I am getting married in Nov (not sure I am still in the mood now). She really doesn't deserve this right now with so much going on.  

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited September 2011

    erynnectt - I am sorry that you are so worried - I have a 22 year-old daughter and I know she worries about me too.  I am also Her2+++ as are many others on the triple positive thread.  It is not uncommon, but please know that Herceptin is a miracle drug.  I too think she had the IHC because it seems that the scoring method corresponds to the +'s. 

    Please go on living your life - get married and celebrate the joys in your life, and hers.  That is what she needs, trust me.  Know that you can only live for today - that is all anyone has, breast cancer or not.  It is very hard to control worry I know, but every minute you worry you are robbing yourself of happiness. 

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