HER2/neu

I would like to hear from someone that is non hormone receptive but HER2/neu positive  as I have not come in contact with anyone who has this.   My chemo is 6 rounds one every 3 weeks, labs permitting.  I am on taxotere, herceptin, and carboplatin.  We are coming to the final round of this and am seeing a gynecologis-oncologist regarding an ovarian cyst and possible hysterectomy.  Would like comments.  Radiation is supposed to be the next course of action, and herceptin for the rest of 48 weeks.  I had a 1 cm breast lump removed with no lymph node involvement, stage 1.  

[bonniebug1436]

I have exactly the same thing node negative, stage 1, HER2/neu positive, grade III.  0.9 cm lump, and 0.5 cm lump. Am taking taxotere, cytoxan 4 rounds.  Herceptin at same time and continuting weekley for 52 weeks.  Radiation to follow.  Had segmental resection with other breast "done" at the same time for symmetry. Age 65. From what I've been reading, it all seems to be a very dismal prognosis.  I don't think my Oncologist is being up front, probably to keep me positive.  I am very scared at this point, because recurrence seems to be high with this diagnosis.

[bluebutterfly2222]

True, this is one of the more aggressive types of BC, but fortunately: you both caught it early, had fairly small tumors, no node involvement, and are hitting it with the whole arsenal of treatments, so please don't conclude your prospects are "dismal."  

Moreover, there are always new discoveries and new treatments on the horizon.

Your oncologist is probably trying to help you stay positive, since attitude is very important, but I would question whether s/he is really "not being up front with you," if for no other reason than that doctors know we can find out about everything now on the Internet, and that it would better for the facts to come from them.

All the best to both of you, and please keep us posted in regard to how you're doing.

[rk713]

This was my exact diaogonis.  I had IDC, 1 cm, no lymph node involvement, hormone neg but Her2 positive,   6 rounds one every 3 weeks, labs permitting.  taxotere, herceptin, and carboplatin, with the herceptin to continue for the rest of the year.  I have completed 2 with 4 more to go.   I had a bilateral mastectomy with diep reconstrution 11 weeks ago.  No radiation since I did have DCIS 8 years ago in the same breast and has radiation then.  I think we are doing everything we can to have a positive outcome. I refuse to think that my future is dismal.  A positive attitude must get us through the next 20+ years.  I will be here to see my grandchildren grow up.
Rosalie

[SueYoung55]

Yeah Rosalie!!! You go girl! You inspire me woman!