HER2 Positive Breast Cancer

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I was diagnosed with DCIS and IDC covering an area of 64x34mm. It is ER+, PR+ and HER2+. Before I got the HER2 result it was surgery, radiotherapy, hormone treatment. Then Chemo was mentioned but because the IDC is less than 2cms it would be after my LICAP procedure.

I am 5 weeks post operation and doing really well and I suppose I now have time to consider things whilst I am waiting for results. I am wondering why for cancer that is caught early, am I having so much treatment? Whilst I am grateful that I have options available, I am not keen on Herceptin and chemo because of some of the side effects. I have used the Predict tool and there is no marked improvement on survival rate. However, I am more interested in recurrence rates and I am finding it hard to find any statistics on this. I read somewhere that Her 2 positive cancer is more likely to recur within first 5 years and then beyond that the risk lessens. Is that true? If you are able to direct me to where I can find reliable information about recurrence I would be very grateful, as I want to make an informed choice about the best treatment for me. Thank you

Kirsty-Macmillan over 2 years ago

Hi Mrsmagoo,

I’m Kirsty one of the cancer information nurse specialists that work on the Macmillan support line.

Thanks for getting in touch. I can see you have joined our breast cancer forum and hope you are finding the support from others helpful.

I am glad to hear that you are recovering well post-surgery. As you rest and recover thoughts often jump to what lies ahead. This can be exhausting if you have yet to make an informed decision about your treatment plan.

Making a treatment decision is often difficult, but more so when the option being suggested, doesn’t feel right for you. Your consultant is suggesting treatment based on everything they know about your cancer, following a discussion within a multidisciplinary team meeting. They weigh up the benefit a treatment will bring, whilst also considering harmful side effects.

Any treatment suggested, is because the team agreed that there is a benefit for you. An added protection against cancer returning.

I can see from other posts that you have discussed this with your breast cancer nurse specialist. Please make another appointment with your consultant, to help you understand their decision better and to raise any concerns you have about treatment suggested.

You don’t mention the stage or grade of your cancer, only information regarding your breast cancer receptors. Both are important when considering treatment, along with your general health, research/evidence, and the experience of your cancer team.

To understand your potential recurrence risk, again please speak to your consultant. I have included a study around breast cancer recurrence, but this was based on those with invasive breast cancer and specific treatment plans are not mentioned.

I appreciate that having used the predict tool and no clear benefit being shown, this may have added to your dilemma. Please remember that your hospital team are there to help you make an informed decision and will support you if unsure.

Best wishes

Kirsty, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

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HER2 Positive Breast Cancer