CHEMO FOR HER2

With a 2.2 or a 2+ on the IHC test (often done first when your biopsy goes to the lab), they would go ahead and do another test called FISH to confirm whether or not you're HER2 positive.

Do you know if that was done?

3 or more on IHC is a definite positive, 2+ should get a FISH as far as I know.

I am HER2+ and my cancer did respond to the anti HER2 drugs - here's how it went with my biopsy results:

My needle biopsy was done at a free standing imaging center. My initial IHC test was 2.4 HER2 and the report said borderline. No FISH test was done. When I got to see the medical oncologist, she requested further testing from the hospital lab...they looked at my sample and said it was close enough to a 3 to be HER2+ and they turned out to be correct.

So - if they still aren't sure OR if they're saying you are negative, you need to ask for either a FISH test or a retesting of your sample to be sure.

edit - I think I see in your other post they are treating you as positive? So, that’s usually a good thing! Good luck with your treatment.

I also had to have the FISH done which came back as HER2+ amplified. I'm glad that I ended up HER2+ otherwise I would have been triple negative which would have meant a much harsher chemo treatment.

I don't know what stage you are but my cancer also responded well to treatment and one year out from the end of Herceptin, I'm NED. I hope the same for you

You’ve been given great explanations by everyone. For all the hormone, HER2, ER, and PR, it is not at all like being pregnant (you either are or you’re not). Your status can be expressed as a percentage. For instance, I am 95% ER +. I have forgotten my percentage of HER2 expression, but I am considered HER2 low. It is definitely not all or nothing. Take care.

Amy, I started getting heavy legs at 5 of 6 TCHP. After the sixth one, it was like my legs were made with lead. I was also very pale and fatigued. My platelets were at 102 before the sixth session, so they probably dropped quite a bit after, and RBC was a point and a half below the lowest threshold. I could barely lift my lower legs to walk upstairs, and the smallest inclines of the sidewalk would make me stop to catch my breath. I think it took me about a month to feel not so fatigued, and maybe a couple of more weeks to not feel off. Aside from some neuropathy now, 11 weeks after chemo, a couple weeks past surgery, and three HP in, I feel like I am almost myself again.

I get what you mean. I rarely if ever got sick before diagnosis, so every side effect is like oh no what now?!! I hope you feel better sooner than I did!