Treatment for Her2+ breast cancer

I had HER2 (stage2) breast cancer. I followed all of the recommendations. I was given Paclitaxol and phesgo prior to my mastectomy and a year of herceptin and perjeta after. I faired quite well during treatment and i am 3 years post treatment with no issues

My understanding of HER2+ is that it's generally considered a more aggressive cancer. Stage 1 HER2+ is early, but you also need to also consider the level of HER2+ positivity, if there is hormone positivity, and the grade (1,2 or 3) of cancer cells. Do you have a KI-67 score? That may help inform your next steps. Treatment is always a personal choice. For myself I never questioned going forward with cancer chemo targeted therapy treatment, as the attributes of the tumor I had suggested a poorer prognosis if I did nothing.

I was diagnosed with stage 1, HER2+ (positivity 3), hormone negative, grade 3 breast cancer post mastectomy in January 2023. The surgery was for multi-focal DCIS in my left breast and localized DCIS in my right breast (those were diagnosed in October 2022, so no chemo prior to surgery). Once the HER2+ tumor stage 1 was found I made the choice to be treated with Kadcyla (TDM1), a chemo targeted drug, emtasine bound with herceptin. I was supposed to have 17 rounds, but had to stop at 13 due to increased liver enzymes not in scope of what's considered reasonable. I continued to work fulltime through treatment with the exception of an infusion day every 3 weeks. I did struggle some with fatigue. It's now been over a year and half since treatment ended and I am doing very well.

I am 83. I had Her2+ at 79. I had a lumpectomy, chemo with herceptin and 5 weeks of radiation every day. I refused hormone inhibetors. The oncologist finds no signs of cancer in my blood work.

Glad to hear that you didn’t take the hormone inhibitors,I start my 5 weeks of radiation tomorrow and I DO NOT WANT THE SO CALLED Hormone therapy.I want to continue with my HRT which I have used for 27 years with no issues until recently.I live in Italy and I think the wine caused the cancer.Stage 1b.

I was taking HRT right up to the time I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My oncologist said he couldn't say that's what caused my tumor. He felt that it could have been growing for up to 8 years.

Nice to hear from you! The 8 years sounds a bit fishy.Did you have annual mammograms and ultrasounds? I did them every year but accidently skipped 2024 because I had injured my right knee.I guess if one waits 2 years for a mammograms it is not a good idea.Are you still getting mammograms and ultrasounds.That is the only best way to go.I am planning on returning to my HRT after my radiation.I hope to get back to Italy as soon as possible.I usually stay in Florida for 3 months only but this year I am still here and anxious to go home!

Just for the record,I did not do Chemo.I had the results of the Oncotype DS and several other tests that said I didn’t need chemo.I was relieved !

I took the hormone inhibitor therapy and it's ruined my life. Had just about every unpleasant side effect and once I discontinued treatment (after 3 years) not 1 of the side effects went away. My bones and joint started really hurting from this therapy and now I can hardly walk and no one has been able to help me over the past 8 years, I just get worse and worse with no help in site. Just consider all options prior to taking this type of medicine

I’m so sorry to hear it’s terrible news. I only took them for six months and had to go off for the same reasons. My bones still ache and it’s been over a year. I did not do chemo and only at five sessions of radiation due to the size of The tumor. I paid it every minute being off of my hormones, but I understand and I will do my best at 74. Just have my second year. Great mammogram fingers crossed for many more.🙏🏻

Oh no, I had to get off of my HRT and now I’m gonna have to quit drinking wine! Now I’m really depressed. Hope you get completely well and live a long long life. I’m not giving up my wine😀