Questions about her2 +

A gene mutation causes your type of cancer to overexpress a certain kind of growth factor, her2. No one knows what causes that gene mutation. I haven't read your earlier posts and don't know why you're opposed to chemo. But most women tolerate herceptin very well, and it has become literally a life saver for women diagnosed with this particular kind of cancer. I had no side effects from herceptin and felt strong and healthy throughout. Of course, it is more powerful when used in combination with chemo ...

 Good luck to you.

Herceptin can be given without chemo.  I just finished a year of treatment (every 3 wks). Few side effects: insomnia (more likely from the aromasin) and a little stiffness in fingers. I also lost 20 pounds. I was very worried about this but it was very gradual over the course of the year and has stabilized at 130!  Just in time for my son's wedding. 

Herceptin works with chemo - they are symbiotic.  It can be given without,  but the efficacy is not proven in early stage women and it's recommended that they be given together.  Your surgeon said you can do it without but many oncologists disagree.

You are against chemo because of personal experience with a few people you know?  You do tens of housands of women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and do chemo, right? And, that most of them go on to live normal lifespans because of chemo?  

Saying you don't want to do chemo because a couple of friends progressed is like saying that you once saw a Mercedes get in a car accident, so all Mercedes get into crashes.  It's just not true.

Did you think that maybe your immune system is not strong because cancer is growing in you?  Cancer takes a while to grow and get large enough to find - years, so you have had it the entire year and a half you've been sick  That's why many woman are so sleepy and don't feel well for a long time before they are diagnosed but don't really know what's wrong.  

During chemo, your immune system (white count) will be watched closely and boosted if necessary, and it's very possible you will end up feeling better than you thought.  

If you do get mouth sores and thrush again, you can be treated - and there are ways to prevent it -  and I think it's better than dying of cancer.  Chemo is a short experience - four months, and you'll be done.  Herceptin goes on for a year but that doesn't affect your immune system.  It will give you a runny nose though.

I did TCH and never got any nausea, mouth sores - anything.  I went to work and chaperoned my son's field trips and was fine.  I was tired at the end of the treatment but recovered quickly and felt great afterwards.  I am not alone and I am not rare.  Most people end up doing very well. 

I understand your fear of chemo - everybody has it.  But it's not anywhere near as hard as you are imagining.  It's very doable as we say, and there are lots of ways to make it easier.

The heart problems were when they gave herceptin with Andriamycin.  They don't give them at the same time anymore, and not only that, they often don't use that chemo anymore unless you are really young.  Odds are you'll be put on the TCH regimen, and there are few issues with that, and you can request it if you want.  You will be monitored closely and have a heart test every three months.  If you do develop heart problems, they are reversable.  You will see that hundreds of women who post here have done chemo and herceptin successfully.

There is no guarantee your cancer won't return - not for anybody.  But, you have a VERY good chance of living a long life since you are only Stage 1.  But, HER2+ is so aggressive that without treating it you are almost sure to have a metastatic recurrence.  I would strongly rethink my stance if I were you.  Read all the stories here, see how well most women do, read statistics of women who are treated.

Good luck to you, I hope you do well.   

Herceptin is a monoclonal antibody - it is not chemo and the SE's are as CoolBreeze said - a slight runny nose if that - a total breeze to have.

Hi Eve

I hear your reluctance to do Herceptin and respect your decision. Just want to share this with you so that you can make an informed decision about Herceptin. 

http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=50781&highlight=pertuzumab+herceptin+tykerb 

I also did the TCH regimen (taxotere, carboplatin and herceptin). there are some uncomfortable side effects, of course, with the chemo part of this, but you will only feel unwell for a few days every three weeks, if  you tolerate the drugs fairly well. I think most people do. The herceptin is a breeze for most people as well. I had a runny nose and a facial rash for a few days after the infusions, but the success of the treatment for most early stage cancers is well documented. also, they will monitor your heart regularly while you are on herceptin.

As others have said, Her2+++ is very aggressive and herceptin is your best bet IMO. 

hi, my situation is simular to yours and I am three wks away from finishing up Taxol while continuing the Herceptin. I was wondering what check-up regimen you had after completing chemo and while continuing Herceptin for one year?

I just want to add that I was one of those who was exhausted and sick so often before diagnosis. I, too, kept getting yeast infections and took probiotics to help, but that did not get me through it. I was so tired all the time and not keeping up with life. I kept getting colds almost monthly. I did 4 AC and 4 Taxol DD. I had a hard time with joint pain more than most of my MO's patients, but overall, I feel better than I have in years. My last treatment was 10-07-11. 

I would second ALK. I would make a list of your reasons for not doing chemo and take it to the MO. They certainly can give you sound medical reasoning to show you your odds on some of the SE's. Also, my MO did a muga scan for the heart every two treatments. This was very reassuring to me as there are lots of heart problems in my family. My daughter has a congenital heart problem as well. Tell them all of your concerns and they may find ways to help you do treatments that accomodate them. It is your life and you will never know if you don't go in with that list and a friend who can help listen with you.

I am not asking you to try a treatment that you don't want. I am saying that they may have options that you would be willing to try. I wish you all the best!!! 

Eve, I don't have any advice for you and don't have the knowledge to answer your questions, but I just wanted to welcome you back and wish you all the best for your Herceptin infusion on Monday.

((((Hugs)))). 

eve - some info for you, from Genentech's site.  Note the last paragraph:

Role of HER2 in Tumor Growth

In approximately 25 percent of women with breast cancer, there is a genetic alteration in the HER2 gene that produces an increased amount of the growth factor receptor protein on the tumor cell surface.

This overexpression can cause cells to divide, multiply, and grow more rapidly than normal. Research has shown that women with HER2-positive breast cancer have a more aggressive disease, greater likelihood of recurrence, poorer prognosis, and decreased survival compared to women with HER2-negative breast cancer.

It is important to understand that the HER2 gene abnormality is only present in the breast cancer cells, not in the rest of the cells in the body, and cannot be passed onto other family members.