Ask the expert: Early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer with Adrienne Waks, MD

Dr. Adrienne Waks addresses audience questions on symptoms, side effects, treatment options and more related to early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer.

[@aprilroseu]

I had… her2 positive my treatment was chemo, herceptin,surgery ,radiation and I am a year Cancer free

[@sevdarasdaras]

What a great news. How do you feel today?

[@vegas148]

..I had Her2, Stage 1A, ...had the same treatment plan. I am 9 years cancer free.

[@nancebb]

I’m Stage 1A, 3+ ER/PR positive, HER-2 positive. I had 4 sessions of chemo and will be having my 16th treatment out of 18th Targeted Treatment of Trastuzumab (Hertraz)

[@marlaberg-vivit4289]

how is it going?

[@carolwilson2713]

Thank you for this excellent presentation! Much appreciated.

[@roseharper2648]

Thank you for this video, it really helps us understand what the treatment means 👍🇬🇧

[@marlaberg-vivit4289]

Thank you for doing a study avoiding the chemo treatment.

[@do9138]

I've heard that the side effects for hormone treatment are so much worse than chemo side effects and last for up to ten years. The joint and bone pain is so bad that women can't stay in the same position for 20 minutes. I'm 67. That would mean that I would be in severe pain for most of the rest of my life. I'm not even sure I will do chemo, and I'm pretty sure I'm not going to do hormone therapy. Who wants to extend life if life is constant pain?

[@aprilroseu]

I had chemo herceptin and radiation with surgery I would do it all again anytime!!! Chemo is not as bad as you think , it’s like having the flu .and hair how’s back!!! It’s totally do able

[@skyrock8621]

chemo is NOT just like the flu😵‍💫

[@nelsonpascual1944]

[

[@LostinTranslationss]

I was stage 1A or Tmic high grade DCIS her2 3+ with micro invasion. Only lumpectomy and 20 sessions radiation.

[@godisgoodgodisgood8941]

No chemo or immunotherapy?

[@LostinTranslationss]

@@godisgoodgodisgood8941 not at all only lumpectomy & radiation

[@godisgoodgodisgood8941]

Good to know. Thank you so much for responding. Hope you continue to do w. Just starting my journey

[@LostinTranslationss]

@@godisgoodgodisgood8941 this too shall pass. Stay strong if you get radiation, keep hydration, it helps a lot. 👍🧡

[@whiteleopard1713]

Biosimilars are not to be confused with generic drugs that have to have the same active ingredient as original drugs and are usually produced with fillers and cheap preservatives. Biosimilars of herceptin are structurally different on molecular level from original medication which is very complex and studies on long term side effects are still ongoing. Herceptin has a lot of side effects and is expensive. How about its cheaper versions how safe are they really? If You bothered to read leaflet for the drug you will know you are also getting a large amount of preservatives for instance PEG in biosimilar called OGIVRI which in Europe is considered carcinogenic just to use on ones skin. So what is it doing in your IV?

[@lianeisme]

I don’t know how I could be diagnosed with stage for breast cancer last April I had stage 1b1 scamocell cervical cancer when through chemotherapy total hysterectomy and radiation plus bracky therapy. I October 2023 I was told I was cancer free it was all gone. 3 months later I have a pet scan and I’m told I have Her2 positive er and pr negative stage for Brest cancer after a biopsy. There is no cancer in my breast. It’s in my liver virginal wall stomach. They can’t find the primary what could have caused this. None of the cancers were more than 16mm. I have since had paclitaxel and trastuzumab pertuzumab in combination. I have been to,d I have to be on trastuzumab and pertuzumab for the rest of my life. My question is how could this happen. The second question is there a vaccine coming out for someone like me if so when.

[@LivingBeyondBC]

Thank you for your comment. It's difficult to hear that you may need to be in treatment for the rest of your life. Here is some additional information on coping that may be a comfort: www.lbbc.org/about-breast-cancer/emotional-health/emotional-stages-cancer-diagnosis Since we are unable to answer specific medical questions or provide medical consultation, we encourage you to speak to your team of providers to learn more about your option, including any vaccines currently in development, and to get answers based on your unique medical situation. Thanks again for your comment and we hope this information is helpful to you.

[@lianeisme]

@@LivingBeyondBC thank you so much

[@carolcoughlan1936]

Lam stage 2 have combo and mastectomy operation and the have found out l have her2 positive after my operation so I have to go on the drug for our year every 3-weeks will this kill the her2 positive please

[@patricias.6977]

Talk to your doctor. "kill"? Herceptin is the targeted treatment for Her2+.

[@briettasonlen1208]

How fast does Her2 positive spread? I felt a lump mid-November and could not get in for diagnostic treatment until January 3. HER 2 positive Stage III is my diagnosis. Also in the lymph nodes.

[@LivingBeyondBC]

Thank you for your comment. Here is a link to more information about HER2 positive breast cancer on our website: www.lbbc.org/about-breast-cancer/types-breast-cancer/her2-positive Since we are unable to answer specific medical questions or provide medical consultation, we encourage you to speak to your team of providers to learn more and to get answers based on your unique medical situation. Thanks again for your comment and we hope this information is helpful to you.