Her-2/neu 2+ Borderline

Roxi1

Rec'd my path report yesterday. Its not complete yet, as I still need a SNB on 1/25, and.......here is my question: As the Her-2/neu is 2+, another lab test called a FISH will be done. I am hoping that the positive Her-2/neu was an error, and this will be discovered when they do the FISH. I am also Estrogen/Progesterone positive, and have heard, that if you are E/P positive, than more than likely you are not also Her-2/neu positive.
Does anyone have more information on this subject that I do?
Also, if I am Her-2/neu Positive, than does that make it more likely that my cancer has spread to the axillary lymph nodes (I am 1.2 cm invasive ductal carcinoma, lumpectomy 1/5, Histology was Grade 2.
Thank you for any information you can give me.
Roxanne

mssue

Hi Roxanne,

When I read your post,It made me think back-I can only tell You that after so much time passes,things begin to fade away,so I went back up to the top of the page and put her2nu in the search box to pull up other discussions on this subject.Just thought this might help give you some information on others experiences from some who may not be logging in as much,but I'm sure there's alot more that may be of help.

For me It brought back alot of memories and questions.My thoughts and prayers are with You.You will get through this and don't be afraid to ask questions-If you never ask You'll never know.

God Bless You
Sue

SusanAnne

Hi Roxanne,

I can only speak from my experience. I am HER2 positive and ER-, but PR+. It is true that most HER2+ cancers are hormone negative but not always. Also, just being HER2+ I wouldn't say makes it more likely that it's spread to the nodes. You very likely caught it early enough that it hasn't. I was dx'd at a much later stage than you, IIIa, with an 8cm tumor and it had only invaded one lymph node.

Try not to worry too much about what might be. Concentrate on recovering from your surgery and taking care of yourself. It sounds like you have a good handle on things so far. Good luck and keep asking questions!
Susan

Roxi1

SusanAnne said:

Hi Roxanne,

I can only speak from my experience. I am HER2 positive and ER-, but PR+. It is true that most HER2+ cancers are hormone negative but not always. Also, just being HER2+ I wouldn't say makes it more likely that it's spread to the nodes. You very likely caught it early enough that it hasn't. I was dx'd at a much later stage than you, IIIa, with an 8cm tumor and it had only invaded one lymph node.

Try not to worry too much about what might be. Concentrate on recovering from your surgery and taking care of yourself. It sounds like you have a good handle on things so far. Good luck and keep asking questions!
Susan

Thank you Susan and Sue for your encouragement.
Sue, I did do the 'search' and did find out a number of responses. Thank you for that idea. By tomorrow, I should know via the FISH about my Her2 status. And, in about one week, will know about the sentinel nodes.
It feels so odd, that this disease, is so unlike other diseases, in that there seems to be these periods of invasive procedures or diagnostic tests, and then long waits in between. Really is anxiety provoking, even for the most 'calm' mind. I have a new found respect for all those who have been through this.
Thank you again,
Roxanne

mssue

Hi Roxanne,

Today is Tuesday-did You get Your results-were they able to answer all of Your questions?

While You are going through all of this try to keep a journal--recording your appointments and any and all questions that You may think of so that when You go in for Your blood work or Dr.'s appointments-You'll be prepared.

Keep us posted
You are in my Prayers,
Sue

Roxi1

mssue said:

Hi Roxanne,

Today is Tuesday-did You get Your results-were they able to answer all of Your questions?

While You are going through all of this try to keep a journal--recording your appointments and any and all questions that You may think of so that when You go in for Your blood work or Dr.'s appointments-You'll be prepared.

Keep us posted
You are in my Prayers,
Sue

Hi Sue,
I went to the Doctor's office on Tuesday to get my results. I called first, to make sure that the results were there, and was assured they were. I actually got nauseated while driving to the office thinking of what I would soon learn. (I even had this rather melodramatic image of myself, opening the envelope which contained the result, and fainting right in the middle of the waiting room........laughing; nothing like a little fantasizing to make everything better .
The office staff were very efficient and when I checked in, they handed me the envelope. Ok, I took a big breath and swallowed hard and opened the envelope. There was nothing there!
Seems like the doctor is on a vacation and will not be back until the day of my surgery next Tuesday (SNB, to evaluate if CA spread). Seems like I had talked to someone earlier by phone that had not really understood my question (duh!!!!). Seems like they also have 'protocols' that state no results are to be given to any patient until the doctor has seen them and documented that this has occurred.
Sooooo, I am now just trying to calm myself, and think positively....
It would have been really nice to know the results prior to my surgery. But guess something are just not meant to be.
I am so pleasantly surprised that you thought of me. Thank you so much for your interest and your support.
It really means a lot
Roxanne

mssue

Hi!

I'm glad You have a good sense of humor-it helps get You through and time passes a little faster when You're not watching the clock.

It's really hard waiting for test results ,I think we've all been there.Keep You're chin up ,You're spirits high and remember You are not alone.

God Bless You,
Sue

Roxi1

mssue said:

Hi!

I'm glad You have a good sense of humor-it helps get You through and time passes a little faster when You're not watching the clock.

It's really hard waiting for test results ,I think we've all been there.Keep You're chin up ,You're spirits high and remember You are not alone.

God Bless You,
Sue

Hi Sue
The Surgeon's nurse called yesterday. She said she had been thinking of me, so asked another doctor to read the report. It was 'NEGATIVE". I applauded, laughed, cried etc.
So, now all I have is the sentinel node biopsy, and if that is negative (hoping and praying) I go on to Radiation.
Next to many of the other ladies on this forum, my situation is easy (although, is BC ever easy?); so for this, I am very thankful.
Roxanne

AMPS

Hello Roxi1,

I am also HER-2/ neu positive and I am attempting to get additional answers. It appears that from the thread messages we (you and I) are at the early stage of of breast cancer.

Keep your spirits up because there has been some tremendous advances in medicine over the pass few years.