Can we do a Her2 roll call?

Currently doing Herceptin till the end of Jan 09. Had a mast to the right side, done 4 dense dose a/c and taxol dense dose 4x. Having 25 rads 3 to go. So far all NED.

Just had chemo #4. TCH Two more to go,then rads

Big tumor, 2 nodes...still NED, coming up to three years.

Fists up!

July 5 - 2nd dose dense AC 7/3, neulasta yesterday.  Onco check before 2nd tx and tumor has SHRUNK 10% - confirmed by 3 doctors... WOO HOO.  I am doing pre surgery AC every 2 weeks X 4, then 12 weekly tx of Taxol and Herceptin.   Dr feels this is right on target and was delighted with the shrinking.   

During the tx, I became quite emotional (crying)  with my son there telling me of his honeymoon (just married 5/24) and the GOOD news of the shrinking - nurse added a small dose of Ativan and I fell asleep about 15 minutes later and a 3 hours nap when I got home.  

 I was widowed april 2003 and doing this "alone" is a bit of a strain.  My son and bride live about 20 minutes drive, but I hate to burden them  with too much.   Her parents took me for my first chemo on 6/19 and that was a good "get to know you better" visit.   They gave me a gift bag with a turban, lotion, chap stick, note pad and beautiful card then we went for a pasta dinner after.  

I am so happy to see the word NED and hope I will one day be able to say it.   HUGS, BLESSINGS, and thank you all for sharing with me.     Nancy   

Hi Everyone....

First DX...1991 lumpectomy,  0/23 nodes, stage 1, grade 3,  er/pre slightly pos., her negative,6 mos CMF, Rads, 2-1/2 years Tamox.

Second DX...2006 (opposite breast)  opted for bi-lateral mast, 0 nodes, stage 1, grade 3, ER+/PR- HER+++...NED in original bc breast.... 4AC/4Taxol, 1 year Herceptin, finished in Jan'08 now on Arimidex..... NED as of forever damnit!  I am NOT doing this again,,,it sucks!

I love to see the NEDS.    One of these days I hope to add that to my profile.   Thanks for the info and GOD BLESS.      Nancy

So interesting reading everyone's posts.  Congrats to all who are doing so well.  My Dx was Sept. 07, stage 2; chemo for 5 months, now Herceptin every three weeks until at least Jan 09 (if heart holds out) plus Femara for 5 years.  Not sure how it is all going, no tests yet to check.  One day at a time, right??  Great idea for this topic.

Sandy 

Modified Radical Mastectomy 2/12/08

Stage 3 grade3 13/15 pos er/pr neg her2+

Finished DD A/C in April

Now doing Taxol/Heceptin and scheduled for 6 wks of radiation.

I'm hoping NED will notice me and ask me to go steady.

Nancy,

     I am going thru the same course of treatment as you.  I am ER- PR- HER2+.  Had 5cm tumor left breast.  Dx in March, started chemo DD A/C in Apr, went for surgery and found my tumor had shrunk ALOT.  During surgery they removed 9 mm of tumor and margins of which all came out clear and did a Sentinal Node Bx which was also clear. Had to have NO reconstruction at all.  Am now doing DD of Taxol (total of 4 doses) then will start rads the end of Aug.  I have been getting Herceptin weekly until my chemo is done then will go every 3 weeks for the herceptin.  I think my rads will be for 33 visits.  Right now I have 2 Taxal treatments done, next one is this thursday. 

Good luck with your "shrinkage"  Stay positive, it really helps.

Deb

Diagnosed last May as triple negative, 

FEC+T then rapid rads, finished Feb 9th./ 08 

Genetic Counselling on May 28th, got my surgical path reports and they had a supplementary path report that was ignored for a year showing I was Ner2 path done by FISH

Had my Muga Scan last tuesday and just wondering what will happen if my MUGA is no good, is there anything else they could give.  And I'm hearing so much good about herceptim so why am I scared to death of it.  Can't get this out of my head wish I could I just have a baddd feeling about it  Hopefully it's just fear, but it's keeping me up at night.  What happens if you have a reaction and if you do does it usually happen right away or will it creep up on me while I'm sleeping or home alone.  Dammit need some counselling over this having bloody panic attacks over it. 

Thank you, I appreciate you telling me your story.  I think I'm just so absolutely sick of needles and treatment and I felt like I was almost there and then whoosh, the carpet flew out from under me.  I hear so much good about herceptin so I guess I"d better buck and shut up and just do it.

HI All:

Thai: The plan is a less invasive surgery, lump versus mast.  The idea of chemo before is that for me it has a 15% higher cure rate and my tumor continues to shrink.   I dont care all that much about what kind of surgery, but of course less is more appealing.   Herceptin will continue after surgery and we have not discussed rads yet.  

I have multiple drug allergies, including demerol, so I need to emphasize that when I start herceptin.  The muga scan will probably be the determining factor in herceptin tx.   Snowy, write down your questions and concerns, get detailed info at dr appointment to make an informed decision about what to do next.   do not be afraid to ask the "expert" -- your doctors.   They are the ones who know all the factors for YOU.   And, as you can see, this is different for each and every one of us, very individualized.

 Good luck to everyone, pamper yourself, you deserve it.   HUGSS,  nancy

What is NED?

I am not on herceptin just yet - begin aug 14.  Any suggestions or helpful hints?   I will have it weekly with taxol for 12 sessions pre surgery.  7/31 I finish up with # 4 DD a/c.  AND MY TUMOR KEEPS SHRINKING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HUgs, Nancy