Treatment for Her2/neu positive BC

[BBLady]

I'm 52, peri-menopausal and I was dx in April with invasive ductal adenocarcinoma.  Had a mastectomy May7.  My path report 4mm tumor with microcalcifications around it to 2cm. Grade 3 ER- and PR- but Her2/neu positive. But sentinel node biopsy showed no involvement (0/3).  My oncologist says I'm in a 'gray' area as to whether or not I need chemo and basically is leaving it up to me.  He got 2nd opinions from two other cancer centers and they recommend it.  I'm torn because I don't want to not do chemo and miss something, but I don't want to put my body through chemo unnecessarily.  Any advice would be helpful.  Especially anyone with similar stats that has not done chemo.

[Ray515]

Hi-
Our cancers are VERY similar.  I was also told I was in a 'gray' area.  I had no less than 9 doctors review my path report (ER/PR-;HER2+, no lymph involvement).  All agreed that I was, MOST LIKELY, cured.  Some said chemo probably wasn't necessary, some said definitely do the chemo, and some said, "you decide".  What?!!

The hormone status is bad in that it eliminates hormone blocking therapy.  The HER2+ status means that the cancer is more aggressive (as does the grade 3) and more likely to recur, also not good except that it opens you up to Herceptin which is a very good drug.

I am 43, active, and in good physical condition.  So, I started chemotherapy last month.  I will do 4 rounds of Cytoxan and Taxotere, 1 every three weeks, and will also take Herceptin once a week for a year.  I handled my first round very well and go for number two tomorrow.  I will be done in mid-July.  If you are in good health otherwise, consider the chemo.  I my cancer doesn't return, I will never know if it was because of the chemo or not.  But as of now I'm not regretting it at all.  Because you are HER2+ give it some thought.  Good luck.

[BBLady]

Thanks for replying!  My oncologist just called this evening and said he was recommending 4 rounds of Cytoxan and Taxotere just like you, but he did not recommend Herceptin - said they didn't think I needed it.?  I'm in pretty good health and am so glad to hear of someone else taking what was recommended for me.  I'm so glad to hear that your first round went well.  My doc is wanting me to start my first round within the next two weeks.  Chemo just really scares me - but of course, getting the diagnosis really scared me and the thought of if coming back is even worse.  So, I guess I'm leaning towards doing it just so I know that I've done everything I can.  (Tomorrow I may change my mind - again!)  I hope your 2nd treatment goes as good or better than the first.  I would really appreciate hearing how it goes.