Mom with ER/PR negative Her2/neu positive breast cancer

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S3K5
S3K5 Member Posts: 606
edited June 2014 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer

Hello,

I don't know if I am posting this in the correct forum. If not, please let me know where to post this - I need some input regarding my mom. She is 75 years old, diagnosed with stage II breast cancer, ER/PR negative, Her2/neu positive, with 2 positive lymph nodes. She had a mastectomy two weeks ago. She has atrial fibrillation and her heart function (LVEF) is 55%. Due to this, the oncologist in her home town has recommended not to do any chemo or herceptin, since this could be toxic to her heart.

A 2nd doctor said that, if we insist, she can get chemo + herceptin with constant monitoring of her heart function (not herceptin alone). We don't know what is the best course of action for her. If anyone has had any experience in this regard, please let me know your suggestions. I understand that each patient is different and the treatments are very customized. 

I feel that with the her2 positive breast cancer, the risk of recurrence is high. Has anyone had herceptin alone, without any chemo drugs? Would this be of any benefit for her? 

Thank you 

Desi.

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  • NinaW
    NinaW Member Posts: 110
    edited March 2014

    Hi there, Desi - 

    I'm so sorry to hear about your mom, but you've certainly arrived at a great place for answers and advice. My opinion is that since her LVEF is within normal range, she should go ahead and try chemo and Herceptin. The two positive nodes outweigh the potential heart involvement in my (unprofessional) book. And heart issues are certainly not a given with Herceptin OR chemo, merely a potential side effect. Does she have any other health concerns beyond the a-fib?

    If it were me, I'd be going with the oncologist who is willing to take a chance. I'm wishing her (and you!) strength and the best of good luck -

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  • dltnhm
    dltnhm Member Posts: 873
    edited March 2014

    Desi - 

    I am sorry that your Mom has this diagnosis. You have come to a good place.  And the odds are that there are others who have faced similar decisions with similar diagnosis and problems with their hearts. 

    If the Mods think this needs to be in another part of the forum, they will let you know & move it. It happened with my 1st post. 

    In the meantime, you could use the Discussion Board "search" feature to find hits for key words "Her2+, heart problem, chemotherapy, etc " .... Some combination should help you . Also, there are some areas with older posters who also might relate to your mom's situation & decisions that need to be made. 

    For the most part you're not going to run into too many doctors on the site, so we won't be offering medical advice with such a limited lay person's knowledge of your Mom's health history, her cardiac history & prognosis prior to her BC diagnosis, etc. and zero expertise as oncologists or cardiologists. 

    What a sweet, dear daughter you are to be researching for your Mom. 

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  • lkc
    lkc Member Posts: 1,203
    edited March 2014

    Hi There, Sorry to hear about your mom.

    My mom had significant heart issues when she was dxed with Mets at age 75. She had a thorough cardiac evaluation before she started her chemo. She did well. There are Chemo regimens that area bit easier on the heart, then then Anthracyclines .Also ejection fractions are checked regularly with Herceptin.

    She needs close followup, but should do ok.

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  • S3K5
    S3K5 Member Posts: 606
    edited April 2014

    Thank you all for wonderful support and advice. We are in the process of taking a couple of opinions from the oncologists. Hopefully, her treatment will put her in remission soon.

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