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

I did not have any issues with Herceptin. They give you heart echos every month or so to ensure it is not affecting your health. The infusion is not long so it should not interfere too much in your day. I made sure to schedule mine the latest in the day so that I could leave work early for that day every week. It was the least distressing to me than the Abracane and Radiation treatments.

As I already mentioned, I've done very well after receving Hercepin .Before it became available, Her2+ was one of the worst cancers to survive, now it's very survivable.
The house my parents bought in 1946 alrady had perriwinkle growing (from which Herceptin is made). I moved some here and practicaly every sprout grew. I didn't know that someday it would save my life. I see it as a 'good friend' and am so thankful for it!

@raebaby So glad you had great results with herceptin. Thanks.

I too just turned 80. My diagnosis was similar to yours. I had 1.3 centimeter removed via lumpectomy followed by 12 weekly rounds of taxol/herceptin followed by 5 rounds of radiation.I was fortunate to receive a milder dose of chemo so I had no side effects . I am currently having herceptin infusion every 3 weeks for another 4 months. Every 3 mos I have an echo to check heart. So far so good🙏. Herceptin had been good . I have had zero side effects . I did have an unexpected under skin breakout under the skin in upper thighs from the generic herceptin. When changed to the name brand herceptin all is well. I am ok. It’s the hormone blockers that concern me now . I have been on Anastrozole for over a month and all the horrors I have read are of concern . I already suffer from severe arthritis in knees and hip . What is your concern . .? We are not old old ladies. I want to be here for my family and husband.

@jsparkle42 I decided to not take hormone blockers and so far, 4 years out, I am doing fine wthout them. There is no sign of cancer in my blood work.

@jsparkle42
My concern is side effects, since I still need to work, and want to have quality of life. I was on Anastrozole for a few months up until last week. I was having a lot of fatigue and hot flashes. New doctor took me off of it and I'm now on Tamoxifen, and feeling much better. Thanks for your input, and all the best to you.

I was on Anastrozole for six months, was having joints pain, neck pain, morning stiffness. I was more concerned about neck pain, could not get comfortable position at night to sleep. I have decided not to take any thing. I am feeling much better, no neck pain and just less pain in general. I am 80 years old, will trust in god and enjoy life as long as I can.

@caredwards33, have you heard about a specialty called cardio-oncology?

Mayo Clinic offers expertise in addressing heart problems (called cardio-oncology), potential or current issues. The Cardio-Oncology Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/cardio-oncology-clinic/overview/ovc-20442193) evaluates people prior to cancer treatment and patients who have experienced side effects due their treatment.

You might ask if they have cardio-oncology as a specialty where you receive care. Are you currently in the care of a cardiologist as well as your oncology team?

@colleenyoung
Thank you. I don't know about cardio- oncology, but will inquire. I recently got a new medical oncologist who has totally changed my treatment plan. On Tamoxifen instead of herceptin and Anastrozole.