Another Status Update on the cancer

Well the pathology shows Stage 2 Grade 3. The cancer was HER2 positive and had spread to a couple of the lymph nodes. I also have/had Paget's Disease, which is cancer of the nipple! That is why the nipple was always so crusty and would bleed sometimes. I see the oncologist tomorrow to see when my chemo is going to begin. Dr. Martin, the surgeon, thinks I will probably have 4-6 months of chemo followed by other meds to control the HER2.

I looked up what HER2 means but I didn't really understand it. If anyone out here knows what that means, I would appreciate it.

The oncologist will probably explain it in layman's terms and tell you what it means for your treatment plan. Lots of for the chemo and recovery.

I don't know what it means either but I wish you the best of luck  while you're undergoing chemo.
 

I wish you all the best in your treatment and recovery. I am sure your doctor will answer all your questions.

I would think the doctor will explain everything to you, I wish you all the best with your treatments 

Keeping you in thought, hun. I do not know what HER2 means. Please let us know after you talk with your surgeon. Continuing prayers and vibes.

Catkiki said:

Well the pathology shows Stage 2 Grade 3. The cancer was HER2 positive and had spread to a couple of the lymph nodes. I also have/had Paget's Disease, which is cancer of the nipple! That is why the nipple was always so crusty and would bleed sometimes. I see the oncologist tomorrow to see when my chemo is going to begin. Dr. Martin, the surgeon, thinks I will probably have 4-6 months of chemo followed by other meds to control the HER2.

I looked up what HER2 means but I didn't really understand it. If anyone out here knows what that means, I would appreciate it.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the updates. It is nice to know your progress although we have never met face to face Stay strong.

dejolane

*puts on Nurse's teaching hat*

HER2-positive breast cancer is a breast cancer that tests positive for a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), which promotes the growth of cancer cells  Basically, the extra HER2 receptors stimulate the cancer cells to divide and grow.

In about 1 of every 5 breast cancers, the cancer cells make an excess of HER2 due to a gene mutation.  This gene mutation and the elevated levels of HER2 that it causes can occur in many types of cancer; not only breast cancer. This is a gene mutation that occurs only in the cancer cells and is not a type of mutation that you can inherit from a parent.

HER2-positive breast cancers tend to be more aggressive than other types of breast cancer. They're also less responsive to hormone treatment such as Tamoxifen or Letrozole, which are typically given for 5 years after chemo and radiation therapy has been completed.

However, there are treatments such as Herceptin that specifically target HER2. The Herceptin is given for 1 year after, usually after chemo and radiation treatments are done.

Herceptin works by 'targeting’ specific proteins (receptors) on the surface of cells. Herceptin locks onto the HER 2 protein. This blocks the receptor and stops the cells from dividing and growing.

Here is a YouTube video that explains that very well:



Some women have Herceptin in combination with a course of chemotherapy. 

Herceptin is given by IV once every three weeks for a year.  Side effects tend to be mild and include flu-like symptoms, diarrhea and headaches.

You’ll likely have a combination of two or three chemotherapy drugs.  The first 2 drugs are more toxic on the heart so Herceptin (also heart toxic) shouldn't be given at the same time.  The last two drugs are not as toxic, and Herceptin can usually be started at the same time as you are having the chemotherapy.

- Doxorubicin

- Epirubicin

- Paclitaxel (Taxol)  

- Docetaxel (Taxotere)

Prior to starting Chemo, you will have what is called a MUGA scan (heart ultra sound). You should also have this scan done before starting Herceptin.  Some people with a history of heart disease or uncontrolled high blood pressure may not be able to have Herceptin because it could lead to more heart damage.

Continued prayers!

Wow! Thanks for the info Natalie!!

Thanks for the info Nat. I went to the oncologist yesterday and before I have chemo, I need to have a PET/CT scan. It will take a couple of weeks for Medi-cal to approve the procedures and then I will go to an information class and start the chemo. I will also be getting meds for the HER2 for a year, so I am assuming that it will be Herceptin. I hate waiting, but that will give me a chance to heal even more from my surgery.

I am also frustrated by the hubby. He is being overly protective and refused to allow me to go to Bunco last night at the church. He didn't like it that I would be getting home after dark. I know it is because he loves me but I need to have time to be with the girls. I need some ME time. I am going stir crazy being in the house all day.

You're welcome.   I work at a cancercare agency with breast cancer patients. So I have access to a great deal of information.

When you find out what cemo medications you are going to be getting, go to this link and click on the "Patient Handout" PDF link.  It explains the medication and the side effects in plain English.

http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/HPI/ChemotherapyProtocols/Breast/default.htm#adjuvant

If you have access to a fax machine, I can also fax you information on Tuesday.  Monday is a holiday where I live.  Just send me a PM if you want me to fax you some information.
 

Keeping up the for you!

Natalie_ca said:

*puts on Nurse's teaching hat*

........
However, there are treatments such as Herceptin that specifically target HER2. The Herceptin is given for 1 year after, usually after chemo and radiation treatments are done.

Herceptin works by 'targeting’ specific proteins (receptors) on the surface of cells. Herceptin locks onto the HER 2 protein. This blocks the receptor and stops the cells from dividing and growing.

...........................
Some women have Herceptin in combination with a course of chemotherapy. 

Herceptin is given by IV once every three weeks for a year.  Side effects tend to be mild and include flu-like symptoms, diarrhea and headaches.

You’ll likely have a combination of two or three chemotherapy drugs.  The first 2 drugs are more toxic on the heart so Herceptin (also heart toxic) shouldn't be given at the same time.  The last two drugs are not as toxic, and Herceptin can usually be started at the same time as you are having the chemotherapy.

- Doxorubicin
- Epirubicin

- Paclitaxel (Taxol)  
- Docetaxel (Taxotere)

Prior to starting Chemo, you will have what is called a MUGA scan (heart ultra sound). You should also have this scan done before starting Herceptin.  Some people with a history of heart disease or uncontrolled high blood pressure may not be able to have Herceptin because it could lead to more heart damage.

Click to expand...

Ooh!!! Excellent info!!! When I was given Herceptin, it was in combination with my last course (Taxol, etc.) I had no side effects. I also had a few MUGAs during the course of treatment, so they could monitor my heart, and all was well. Once I finished the chemo and it was just the Herceptin for the rest of the year, every three weeks, I felt like I was really in the home stretch.