What are the effects of Herceptin for HER2 positive? Not doing chemo

Posted by caredwards33 @caredwards33, Mar 1 7:52pm

I recently had a partial mastectomy for 2 invasive carcinomas, 1.5 cm and 1.4cm. I both are hormone positive, and one is HER2 positive. I am 80 years old, and have declined chemo, since Stage 1 and need quality of life to continue to work for financial reasons. I had been told I need radiation, which I was planning to do, but now told I need Herceptin treatments. I am concerned about affects to heart, and also being sick after the infusions. What kind of symptoms did you have?

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jmab | @jmab | Mar 3 11:53am

In reply to @caredwards33 "I don't have an oncotype score. It is all so confusing. Thanks." + (show)

@caredwards33 an oncotype score is one tool that is often used in determining whether or not chemo will be beneficial. But some doctors consider it unreliable. An oncotype test doesn't take into consideration the size of the tumor, for example. It only tests the genetic components. But it can add insight into what treatments will best help you. Ask your doctor if this test might be useful in your case.

raebaby | @raebaby | Mar 3 12:32pm

I was hormone positive and HER2 positive. with a 2cc tumor. At the time I was 79. Now I am 84. I had taxol and herceptin, plus chemo, radiation and a lumpectomy. I have no sign of cancer now according to my oncologist when lookng at blood work. Herceptn has been a game changer making Her2+ survivable. It had no affect on my heart. In fact at my last check up my GP did an EEG and was astounded at the results. He came in to show me. I had no skipped beats at all.
I travel all over the countryby plane alone and live a wonderful lfe alone on 22 acres in CA. I did get neuropathy from the chemo and I can't drive. I decided not to bother with getting hand controls so I could go back to driving since I woud have to drive on a steep, windy road to leave my property.

caredwards33 | @caredwards33 | Mar 3 12:57pm

In reply to @angele2times "I haven't started infusions for herceptin. The biggest side effect is your heart muscle are they..." + (show)

@angele2times
Thank you. Because of my age, and already having some heart issues, I am concerned about taking Herceptin. Also, it looks like it makes you nauseous?

caredwards33 | @caredwards33 | Mar 3 1:03pm

In reply to @raebaby "I was hormone positive and HER2 positive. with a 2cc tumor. At the time I was..." + (show)

@raebaby
So glad you are doing well! And glad to hear herceptin didn't affect your heart! Thanks

caredwards33 | @caredwards33 | Mar 3 2:57pm

In reply to @angele2times "@caredwards33 Herceptin does attack muscles and since your heart is a muscle that pumps that blood..." + (show)

@angele2times
Thank goodness I am on Medicare, and hopefully an echo cardiogram will alert if it is a problem since I already have heart issues. Thank you!

angele2times | @angele2times | Mar 4 11:10am

herceptin and ECHO every 3 months! YOU GO GIRL!

vivig | @vivig | Mar 8 6:59am

I did her herceptin for one year. The side affects are not bad considering chemo was horrible. You may be tired but that’s about it. I think herceptin saved my life besides my Lord and savior Jesus! I would try it and see how you do. Best of luck.

myoga | @myoga | Mar 9 6:27pm

In reply to @caredwards33 "I don't have an oncotype score. It is all so confusing. Thanks." + (show)

@caredwards33
My understanding is that oncotype is only for early stage of breast cancer, ER+, HER2-
Your cancer is HER2+, so chemo is recommended. Have you decided on the treatments yet? Best wishes.

myoga | @myoga | Mar 9 6:29pm

In reply to @myoga "@caredwards33 My understanding is that oncotype is only for early stage of breast cancer, ER+, HER2-..." + (show)

@myoga
BTW, I found this article explaining oncotype testing. Hope it helps.
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/oncotype-dx

cjs123172 | @cjs123172 | Mar 10 5:01am

Without herceptin, the chance of HER positive recurring is high, even a small tumor. If you want to decline chemo, I would still consider herceptin. I had it for one year with few side effects. It's the most effective breast cancer drug of the past 25 years.