The effect of chemotherapy on her2/neu cancer

Hi,

I had a 1.5 tumor (infiltrating ductal carcinoma, er+/pr+, her2/neu+++, intermediate grade, Stage I (T1cN0Mx) removed via lumpectomy (I later had a mastectomy because of 'dirty' margins). My sentinel node was clean. My oncologist has recommended 4 treatments of A/C. I'm 37 and pre-menopausal.

Do her2/neu positive tumors respond well to chemotharapy? How do women with my profile fare when they refuse chemotherapy? Also, what are the long-term effects of A/C on my immune system, say, 20 years from now? Thanks so much for your answers.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear zooz:  Chemotherapy reduces the chance of recurrence by one third.  To determine the exact benefit to you, you should discuss with your doctor your risk for recurrence.  Her2/neu positive tumors do respond well to chemotherapy.  In fact, there is evidence that adriamycin works better in her2/neu positive women.  And, since her2/neu positive tumors tend to be more aggressive, chemotherapy would be strongly recommended.  I cannot speak to how women with your profile would do if they refuse chemotherapy, I do not know any who have refused.  It is impossible to predict how an individual will do, regardless.  There is a very slight risk of developing a blood disorder (or leukemia).  However, this and all side effects should be discussed with your doctor in terms of your specific risks versus benefits.

[wendywins]

I would strongly recommend chemo if you are her2-neu positive...especially +3. I have that myself and completed four rounds of Adriamycin/Cytoxin.  I weathered it well. I took plenty of nutritional supplements and took anti-nausea meds.I have had 2 lumpectomies and finally a mastectomy. The chemo eliminated detectable cancer that the lumpectomies left so it obviously hit any cancer cells elsewhere. It give you a better chance to survive. Why would you NOT do it? Life is worth it.
I am also going to get Taxol which supposedly increases survival rates by over 20% over just geting Adriamycin/Cytoxin alone, I believe. I am fignting to win over Cancer. You should too.

[haileypop]

A related discussion, her2 no hercipten was started.

[PRISSY8]

A related discussion, herceptin/with congestive heart failure was started.