Results for HER2 are semi-quantitative

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Kathie100
Kathie100 Member Posts: 108
edited June 2014 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer

Just diagnosed with IDC I got my results back today on my hormone receptors. (ER+PR+) when I ask about my HER2 results they said said they didn't matter cause I could take a pill for it. I ask again were they positive or negative. They said they were semi quantitative and they were going to do another test called a fish test. I ask what do I pray for + or - she again said it didn't matter because I could take a pill. That might all be true but I want to know what is the lesser of the 2 evils and why?? Someone please help.

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  • linn65
    linn65 Member Posts: 24
    edited May 2013

    I have an hour IV infusion of herceptin every 3 weeks, and I have never heard of just taking a pill for HER+..

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  • Kathie100
    Kathie100 Member Posts: 108
    edited May 2013

    I noticed you were diagnosed almost a year ago have you been doing this for almost a year? How long do you have to do?

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  • LizA17
    LizA17 Member Posts: 159
    edited May 2013

    I haven't heard anything about a pill for HerNeu either. I have an infusion of Herceptin every 3 weeks for it. It takes 90 minutes.

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  • fd1
    fd1 Member Posts: 239
    edited May 2013

    The do a test for HER2 that is less precise first.  You get either 0,1,2,3 as a result.  It is considered Her2- if it is 0,1 and Her2+ if it is 3.  If you get a 2 on the initial test, they send the tissue for a FISH test which is more precise.  The result of this will be another number which will indicate if you are Her2+ or -. 

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited May 2013

    I think there must be some confusion here - there is no pill to take for Her2+ - the treatment is chemotherapy and a Herceptin infusion every 3 weeks for several months, then continuing the Herceptin for the balance of the year.  I would think the pill mentioned is hormonal blocking or suppression, which does come in pill form, but that is for your ER+, not Her2.  You would want to be Her2- as that is less aggressive than a Her2+ cancer.  It is common for the Her2 testing to come back equivocal and need the additional FISH testing for a definitive answer.

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