Hi to any other ladies that are HER2 positive, are you all having, been offered or considering chemo???
Julie xxxx
Hi Julie,
My tumour was HER2 positive and I have just finished my 6 cycles of chemo + Herceptin. I now have another 12 Herceptins to go.
Herceptin is the wonder drug to combat HER2 positive tumours. Sadly, it is only licensed in the UK for use in Primary BC cases when used with chemo, therefore it is compulsory to have chemo I’m afraid - unless of course you refuse, in which case you can’t have Herceptin!
Linda xx
Did you have EC chemo???
Julie xx
Hi Juliemb.
I was diagnosed in March this year and my tumour is HER2 positive. I have had 5 out of 6 cycles of FEC chemo to be followed by Herceptin (my last chemo is scheduled for 15th Aug) The chemo hasn’t been that bad really but as Lola65 says, Herceptin cannot be given in the UK without the chemo unfortunately!
Hi Juliemb,
I was diagnosed in March 2012 less than 1cm IDC Her2+++ and ER/PR+. I too was told that chemo is necessary for early stage breast cancer. I had EC x 4 and Tax x4, 18 Herceptin and am currently on tamoxifen for 5 years. My tumour was grade 3…can I ask what grade/size your tumour is?
KQ
xx
Hi Julie,
I opted for chemo + herceptin as I thought it would give me more peace of mind re the possibility of the cancer coming back. If the only reason you are having the chemo is to get the herceptin speak to your bc nurse and oncologist and ask them what they would do in the circumstances. Make sure you have all the facts before you make up your mind. I found it a very difficult decision and I’m not convinced I made the correct one as my tumour was small. The trouble is that your consultant has got to offer you the treatment as that’s what the guidelines recomend. Some patients will have a lower probability of a recurrence and therefore they can take a calculated risk not to opt for the treatment. I found the physical effects of the chemo ok but the emotional effect of having it very hard. Try to make the decision as what’s best for you. If it means having an extra couple of appointments talking to your consultant and nurse, do it. Good luck with your decision and all the best with your treatment.
Calyco
Hi Julie
I am HER2 positive and have been offered 3xFEC and then 3xTaxotere plus 12 x Herceptin all to kick off in circa 3 weeks. The Herceptin will start with the 1st Taxotere. My Onc mentioned that I could be offered a trial drug similar to Herceptin which will only need 6 cycles. I presume this offer will largely depend on how well I do with the FEC???
I have been informed I will be given an ‘Implantable Port’…a bit scarey
Hi Julie,
In answer to your question, I had 6 x TCH which is Tax and Carboplatin plus Herceptin. I tolerated it quite well and had few side effects, mainly fatigue.
My tumour was small, stage 1, but grade 3, and was removed by lumpectomy with clear margins, no vascular invasion, clear nodes, hormone negative, HER2 pos. My statistical percentage chance of survival after 5 and 10 years with chemo and Herceptin was significant enough for me for it to be a no-brainer.
I give any facts or figures for having the chemo they just assumed I would, I think I need to speak to someone to get all the info I can, thanks ladies xxxx
Hi kittyqueen, sorry for late, very late in fact reply, my lump was 12mm, grade 2, with clear margins, 3 lymph nodes removed also clear xxxx
I had 3xFEC + 3xTax plus a year of Herceptin commencing with the first Tax cycle.
My layperson’s understanding is that the chemo-Herceptin combination is much more effective than Herceptin by itself. Most of the trials which showed significant benefits from Herceptin involved combining it with chemo drugs and comparing the combination with the chemo drugs by themselves.