Her2neu, pregnancy, and odds

I am looking for 2 areas of information:


1-My tumor was 3+ on the IHC test. Since I am almost 3 years out from my diagnosis, would Herceptin be of any use to me? My doctors have said there is no research regarding someone in my position so they are not sure how it would benefit me. Is my recurrance rate higher due to the her2neu status?

2-Since my tumor was her2neu and ER+ (I take Tamoxifen already), it was a grade II with no node involvement, what are the odds that getting pregnant (now by going off Tamoxifen or waiting the full 5 years) would be possible and not increase my chance of recurrance?

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear samdah:  The research on herceptin has been done in two settings adjuvant (immediately following primary intervention after diagnosis) and at recurrence in HER 2 positive tumors.  There is no research and therefore no evidence that starting herceptin years from diagnosis in the absence of recurrence will have benefit.  HER 2 positive tumors tend to be more aggressive than tumors that are not HER 2 positive.  Also, hormone positive cancer is more favorable than hormone negative cancer.

In terms of pregnancy, this issue should be discussed with your oncologist and perhaps an obstetrician who has experience with pregnancy in breast cancer patients.  Your oncologist would be better equipped to discuss the risks as they pertain to your situation.  Hopefully, this discussion would give you the information you need to assist in your decision.