Herceptin

Hi Lillly,  Happy that you had successful lumpectomy.  I think it is pretty common to give chemo with her Elton unless you are over 70.  Here is a link that may help to explain.

https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/targeted-therapy/herceptin
So much information.  I know herceptin is very important in Her2+ breast cancer. 
Barbara

In my post I made typo.  Suppose to be herceptin not her Elton!!

Hi my story is on profile  I’m Her2 + everyone is different with regards BC and treatment plan I had EC chemo x6 even tho age 70 yr followed by Herceptin .

It has to be your decision I had Herceptin infusion every three weeks  x 18 with minimal SE . You are given Heart echograms to make sure all ok .
I asked the question of why do I need it what does it achieve . The answer I was given was with Her2 there is a50% chance of recurrence within 3 yr after Herceptin it is reduced to 20% . 
There a quite a few people on here with her2 + that are still around up to  15 yr after diagnosis and Herceptin myself I’m 3yr gone July .I don’t have all facts and figures so you need to make a list and ask your team so you can make right choice for you .

take care 

Hi Lillly, triple positive here including HER2 positive.  I had to go on Herceptin x 18 for a year every 3 weeks.  However clinical trials have proven that Herceptin is only effective when combined with chemotherapy.  So I also am undergoing 12 weekly sessions Taxol chemotherapy.    Please note that the medics will not put you on chemotherapy unless it is of benefit to you.  HER2 positive makes the cancer like aggresive type and targerted Herceptin is required to minimise the regrowth and reoccurance. But Herceptin only works well with chemotherapy.

 I understand your frustations.  In my case because my tumour was small only 2cm in total and successfully removed by lumpectomy and clear lymph nodes, I would not have required chemo but for HER2 gene.   

Thanks margeret

Hi barbara, i am 70. This is all so confusing. Im seeing my consultant and oncologist again to clarify. Nurses advised not to take even the one chemo at this stage n i could always do it later if , i suppose , it did come back. I d decided just to take radiation and tamoxifen and had the appointment made n now im all confused again

Hi, thanks for replying. Ive read tho, that they will offer herceptin with chemo unles you are 70+ w⁷hich i am .in which case you dont have the chemo. Its so confusing but my consultant told me i didnt need it but had to have one dose just to tick the box. Oncologist said the same

I was at 70 HER2+ . I had chemo plus herceptin injections plus followed by mastectomy but no radio therapy. I can only my HER2 responded very well. Mastectomy tissue showed only a small remaining ET+ tumour for which I have exemestane. Chemo is horrible and can leave nasty after effects but it worked for me. See my profile.

Good luck x

Thank you for confirming your age.  I did not know. That makes sense now.  And its your choice essentially.  I agree at your age you have to balance the quality of life against benefits of chemo.  I  can only wish you all the best.  

Hi I am triple positive grade 2 mine to was 2cm and I had clear nodes. I would not have required chemo but was her2 positive. I have finished active treatment now and currently on anastrazole. Best wishes xx