anyone been diagnosed her2/neu positive?

Hey Pie
I am her2 pos. This is really a good thing because they have medication for this. It is called Herceptin. This will be done like chemo ( but it's not a chemo drug )through IV for 1 year. It is not bad at all. I started herceptin when I started Taxol. Both drugs were given to me at the same time. When I was done with Chemo I continued with herceptin. I would have my treatment every 3 weeks. I am still in treatment for this until September. Try not to be scared, this treatment is really pretty easy, long, but easy or at least is is for me.

Marsha Mulvey said:

PIE
Before starting on Herceptin I had to have an EKG and an Echocardiogram to make sure my heart was strong enough. Then every 3 months, in order to continue with it, they have to do another Echo or a Muga Scan. I've never had a heart problem but these tests are a part of the routine while on Herceptin.

I am HER2 positive with protein (not hormone) receptors. I had weekly Taxol and Herceptin for 10 weeks with Zometa every 4 weeks. Now I've had an equal number of weeks with just Herceptin and Zometa. Mine will be ongoing because I am Stage IV with mets to the lymph nodes, liver, bones, and skin. Hopefully your treatment won't be so long. Best wishes. MM

Pie
I am HER2 positive as well. I did not have heart problems before starting chemo or Herceptin--I am monitored every three months and sometimes more often depending on the echocardiogram. I have had to take vacations/breaks from the Herceptin to get the heart stronger--well worth it.
Your doctor may monitor you more closely.
I will finish my Herceptin treatment if everything goes well with my heart mid-October.

Margo

HER/new 2+
My initial pathology report was 2+ for this. I have been waiting 4 weeks (since surgery) for the FISH results. Finally, Friday I called Vanderbilt lab and they had no records of me. I called the surgeon's office and his nurse called back later in the day. She called Vanderbilt and they told her the lab they had sent the tissue to. The second lab said Vanderbilt had not sent enough tissue BUT the lab hadn't bothered to call anyone. The nurse called back today to tell me that more tissue was located at Vanderbilt and it had been sent to the lab. I go to the oncologist Monday. I talked to an oncologist before my surgery when I had the initial pathology report. He said he felt sure I would need the chemo. My lymph nodes were clear and the second breast was cancer free. I am not scared but I am really upset over this delay. I wanted to have everything in place before I started back to school. We begin school Aug. 2.

aysemari said:

Yes Pie, me
Pie, it's ok to be scared at the beginning but please don't let
fear rule your decision for treatment. I don't know how old you
are bur I am in my thirties and my doctor said it is more aggressive
in younger women.

You will get treated with Herceptin, it has proven great results.
We are lucky to have it. So please don't be too scared.

Ayse

Pie .. I too am Her2neu - Positive and like Kat11 and
Tolmassina .. Herceptin is given to me (now) 1 time every 3 weeks. Echo's are a must every 3 months.

Her2 is very aggressive in younger women, so hence the 1 year of Herceptin treatments. Side efforts are limited - NO HAIR LOSS -

Please take some time to read, research Her2 - positive ..


Vicki Sam