I know there are no silly questions, but....

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LuvMyFam
LuvMyFam Member Posts: 101
edited June 2014 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer

Hi everyone, since I just got insurance, I am just starting the process.  I was diagnosed in March, but didn't have the insurance to do anything yet.  I have an appointment with MD Anderson, Houston on Monday and am nervous, but happy it's finally happening.

My question is, my pathology report says that my HER2 status is "Amplified 4.3".  What does that mean?  I've done so much research online, but can't really find anything.  I know I can find out Monday, but also know that you ladies are the biggest wealth of information out there!  

Thanks for your help!

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited July 2012
    This is from an article published by the American Society for Clinical Pathology pertaining to Her2neu testing.  My assumption from reading it is that your 4.3 result would be greater than the 4.0 mentioned below, thus positive, if that is what that number is representing on your report.Immunohistochemical results wereinterpreted as negative (0, 1+) or positive (2+, 3+). ForFISH analyses, a ratio for HER-2/chromosome 17 of 2.0or more (D-FISH) or an absolute HER-2 copy numberper nucleus of more than 4.0 (S-FISH) were interpretedas positive gene amplification.
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  • LuvMyFam
    LuvMyFam Member Posts: 101
    edited July 2012

    Thank you, SpecialK, for responding.  I keep reading things hoping that it won't be HER2+, but I kinda knew anyway, since it is growing so fast. 

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  • lilylady
    lilylady Member Posts: 1,079
    edited July 2012

    Dont feel so bad about your Her2 status. It is an aggressive cancer but we have new drugs-1 just approved June 6 and another hopefully by the end of the year. There are lots of exciting things going on for us.

      I hope your visit goes well-and I am glad you have insurance now

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  • LuvMyFam
    LuvMyFam Member Posts: 101
    edited July 2012

    Thank you, I feel better after reading more. And, you are all so supportive! What is a day of chemo like? Is it different for everyone?

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited July 2012

    luvmyfam - yes, chemo is different for everyone - for many reasons.  The regimen of drugs affects each person differently, although there are some side effects that are common for each combination.  I found that I did not suffer from much aching or nausea, but did have problems with fatigue.  I was fine the day of and the day after, but days 3-5 there was onset of malaise - just tired and bleh.  Then better but with some GI upset for a few more days, but basically felt OK!  For the 10 days -2 weeks prior to the next chemo I felt fine, a little more tired towards the last couple of treatments.  The anticipation prior to the start of chemo was worse than the actual experience, as was the anticipation of hair loss - once it happened I just adjusted to it.  There are things you can do to mitigate side effects and I would suggest that once you know if you will be receiving chemo, and what drug combo, check out the threads here that pertain to that specific regimen.  For me, the actual day of chemo was long - labs, then doc appt., then pre-meds and then 3 different drugs - an all day affair - but everyone was super-nice and since I received chemo in a communal room people chatted, worked on laptops, watched TV, etc. 

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