Terrified.......HER2 gene

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Tobyholicdeb
Tobyholicdeb Member Posts: 19
edited June 2014 in Just Diagnosed


I just got back from the Oncologist and I have the HER2 gene even though the surgeon said it didn't spread to my lymph nodes. I'm so afraid of all the drugs and chemo. Does anyone know anything about this?

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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited December 2013


    There are many women on this board who are HER2+. The good news is that you now have Herceptin available as a treatment.


    There is a whole forum on this board for HER2+ breast cancer. Start here:

    HER2/neu Positive Breast Cancer

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  • Tobyholicdeb
    Tobyholicdeb Member Posts: 19
    edited December 2013


    wow....thank you so much. I have no one to talk to and I think this website will be a great support for me.

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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited December 2013


    Yes, you will get a lot of support here. This is the one place where everyone understands what you are going through!


    (((Hugs)))

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2013


    I am Her2+ -- and I had cancer cells found in 5 lymph nodes.


    Mind you, that was more than NINE (9) years ago! I am now perfectly healthy, with no signs of cancer. Chemo & drugs are not easy, but they are certainly bearable --nothing we warriors can't deal with!


    Best wishes to you in your new cancer journey. Remember that the forum is here to help you along the way.

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  • mdg
    mdg Member Posts: 3,571
    edited December 2013

    So sorry you have to join us.  Lots of gals here have HER2....don't freak!  The good news is there are drugs like Herceptin and I believe another newer one to treat HER2.  Take a deep breath.......sending hugs! 

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  • Scandophile
    Scandophile Member Posts: 71
    edited December 2013

    I have Her2+ (as well as ER+) and there is a powerful duo called Herceptin and Perjeta for the Her2+ diagnosis. These were helping to keep the tumors stable. There are ladies that have had complete responses.

    So sorry that you have joined this new club but you are NOT alone!! Big hugs to you!

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  • Jelson
    Jelson Member Posts: 1,535
    edited December 2013


    An excess of HER2 is caused by a gene mutation of the cells. YOU do not have the genetic mutation, your cancerous cells do. You can not pass this on to your children AND if, (G-D forbid) you were to get another cancer, it might not necessarily be HER2 + . In addition to info on BCO, here is something from the MAYO Clinic - which confirms what the previous posters are saying - there are very effective and well-tolerated treatments for HER2- positive breast cancer.


    http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-cancer/AN00495

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  • lkc
    lkc Member Posts: 1,203
    edited December 2013


    Hi Honey. Just logged in and saw your post. Everyone ha the her2 gene. it's only when there is an increased number/ or amplification of these genes that it becomes an issue. The beauty is that there are many effective new treatments out there that cause very little side effects.


    Come here often for correct information and great support. Everything you need to know pretty much is here for you


    I as dxed Her2 positive BC, 12 pos. nodes ...over 8.5 years ago and I am fine now.


    Try to relax.. you will be ok.


    God Bless.

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  • kjsimpson
    kjsimpson Member Posts: 445
    edited December 2013

    Toby,

    You found a great place for information and support.  You can do this!

    It is terrifying at first, but you can do this.  I bolted out of the room in my first chemo session (before they hooked me up, fortunately), but I came back and now have completed 5 rounds of chemo and have my last round next week.   Yup, it is terrifying, but you can do this! 

    If I can do this, you can too!  You may need to do what I did and take it one step at a time. I couldn't think about the surgery at first because I was so overwhelmed with the thought of being freshly diagnosed and chemo.  Then, as chemo went along, I was able to start thinking about the surgery... in a few weeks, I'll be able to think about the radiation treatments. 

    Deep breaths, positive attitude... deep breaths, positive attitude... melt down... deep breaths, positive attitude...

    :-)

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