Any HER2+ That Didn't Respond Well to Neoadjuvent Chemo?

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Anonymous
Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376

Hi Ladies,

I'm looking for some positive outcomes. I had neoadjuvent chemo (TCH) and my HER2+ tumor didn't really respond too well. My tumors were at the 5:00 position. After my lumpectomy, I found a new lump at the 6:00 position. My surgeon thinks it may be a seroma and has ordered an ultrasound which isn't until Jan. 20th. The waiting is driving me insane. I'm trying to keep a positive attitude but I have to admit I'm a little concerned. My triple negative tumor responded very well to chemo. I was just curious if there are any long term survivors out there that didn't respond well to neoadjuvent chemo? Also for the ladies that didn't respond, what has been your outcome? I would appreciate any input. I apologize if there is already a thread on this. I searched but couldn't find anything.

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  • leftrightrepeat
    leftrightrepeat Member Posts: 33
    edited January 2014

    I am not necessarily a long-term survivor (diagnosed in February 2012, 5+ centimeter tumor, 6 positive nodes, triple positive). My surgery did not yield positive margins, and after neoadjuvent chemo, there were still many ER+ and Her2+ cells that survived the onslaught of AC x 4 + TH x 12. All is clear for me for now. I have zero symptoms of recurrence. So, there is a very strong possibility that all will be fine with you. Please keep us posted.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2014

    leftrightrepeat, I'm happy to hear you are doing well! Thanks for sharing your info. I've been reading so much about good outcomes with a complete pathological response, and was just curious about others. My new lump turned out to be B9. I've been cleared to have my radiation.

  • Girlstrong
    Girlstrong Member Posts: 438
    edited February 2014

    Slowdeepbreaths: I'm soooo happy for your benign results. Keep the faith and the best with rads; I will be starting hat too soon 

  • Annaanne
    Annaanne Member Posts: 190
    edited February 2014

    Hi Slow Deep Breaths:  I don't know if you'll even check this and I hardly read these boards anymore -- but wanted to add that I had a really disappointing (as in terrible) response to neo adjuvant chemo…almost 9 years ago!  I was stage 3, her pos (6cm tumor after chemo,) and here I am, totally healthy, no recurrence of any kind, many years down the road.  An onc told me that herceptin was the most important part of our treatment, and I guess she was right.

    Take care.  Annaanne.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2014

    Girlstrong, thanks for the response. Went to start rads today and unfortunately I have another lump. They bumped me back to ultrasound. Hoping to get that cleared and start soon. Good luck with your rads. Keep in touch and let me know how it's going.

    Annaanne, Thank you so much for that encouragement. It means so much, especially today. I'm thrilled to hear about your 9 years. Sounds like you're doing great!!

  • Faith316
    Faith316 Member Posts: 2,431
    edited February 2014

    When I was first dx (IDC and DCIS), I had lumpectomy, AC x 4 and Taxol and Herceptin and 30 rads treatments.  While I was still taking Herceptin and in the midst of the rads, I was dx with IBC.  Which means that none of those chemos did a thing for me.  

    But, they stopped Herceptin and switched me to Tykerb and Xeloda.  Within a month, there was a huge improvement and when I went for a mx 6 months later, the pathology came back as NED (no evidence of disease).  I continue to take Tykerb but have now been NED for 4-1/2 yrs.  

    Sometimes it takes time to find the right chemo combination.  So, if the first things don't do the trick, don't give up hope.  I am proof that it can still turn out ok!  Hope this helps you find some encouragement.  Keep the faith!

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2014

    Faith, I'm so glad to hear you had luck when switching from Herceptin. It's very encouraging to hear about positive outcomes. I had already started chemo when the Herceptin/Perjeta combo was approved. It makes me wonder if it would have responded better with the combo. I'll be on Herceptin until Aug. I also had a triple negative tumor that responded very well to the Taxotere and Carboplatin. The HER2+ tumor was a bit more stubborn. Thanks for sharing your info!

  • Vildanbt
    Vildanbt Member Posts: 32
    edited March 2016

    My mother also did not respond two cycle CAF and 2 cycle taxotere cyclophosphamide herceptin. So She had surgery. Now She is taking cisplatin taxol herceptin. We will see what will happen.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2016

    Vildanbt, I hope you're mother does well on the new combo. Keeping my fingers crossed!!

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