Hi there, I have just been diagnosed with my second Her 2 cancer after 6 years NED, however this time it was hormone negative DCIS. Does anyone know if you can have Herceptin for DCIS?

@a0rei @Blossom1961 In 2017 I was ER+PR+ and Her2+ Stage 1 Grade 3 no nodes, had lumpectomy, Taxol, radiation, Herceptin and Tamoxifen for 5 years. This time I had DCIS ER-PR-Her 2 + ve and needed only a mastectomy.I think that cancer is multifactorial but stress does play apart.

I believe the official stance is that stress can escalate things but not actually cause it. Most people are under some kind of stress so I don't believe we cause ourselves to get cancer, otherwise everyone would have it, but worrying about it doesn't help. Try not to worry about it, this won't change the outcome.

I strongly believe that the pain of the stress I was under significantly contributed to my cancer diagnosis. Some people who are under a lot of emotional pain perhaps end up with a complete breakdown. If we forget our past we may be more likely to repeat the same mistakes. I don't believe we cause our cancer, but making changes that contribute to a healthier way emotionally and physically can benefit our overall health.

I’m not shocked I got it either. I know why I did. I was under immense stress and had also suffered traumatic events. This intensity of anxiety and stress can cause the immune system to weak and all sorts of turmoil in the body. It’s actually also been scientifically proven that it can be not only a strong contributing factor, but the actual cause. There’s ways to avoid this kind of stress to prevent recurrence etc.

@au0rei I completely agree with you. That’s exactly what happened with me. Mine was hormone positive and I believe my hormones did go berserk due to the negative effects of too much cortisol. I also strongly agree that the causes can be multi factorial. It does depend on the type of cancer and the lifestyle and environment of the individual. Lots of things to consider. Reflection is good to help us understand why we got it, and therefore fix the root cause. This is an unpopular opinion but I’ll say it anyway: I believe we get illness due to lifestyle and other external causes, and no, I don’t think we intentionally do things to get it. It’s ridiculous to even have to say I don’t think that, as no one wants illness. But it is because of either lifestyle, diet, external toxins etc. This is a good thing because it means we have the power to change those things, heal, and prevent recurrence. I don’t like the idea that I was ‘just unlucky’. That doesn’t go down well with me. I like knowing I can change what I think caused it to be healthier and happier in future. There’s actual science to back this up. Not ‘quacks’, but reputable and highly qualified and experienced cancer specialists. This is why I think reflection is good. Anyway, I just hope we each find our way and not have to deal with this ever again.

Her 2 for the second time | Online Network

Keeping_positiv
Member
3 years ago
I had one tumor that was DCIS and ER/PR positive, and the other tumor in the other breast was not DCIS, and ER/PR negative, but HER2.... so yes, I had the chemo for that tumor and Herceptin. I hope that helps answer your question. Sorry, you have this diagnosis again. Best wishes and I hope you find this forum as supportive as I have. xx
au0rei
Member
3 years ago

Perks said:

Hi there, I have just been diagnosed with my second Her 2 cancer after 6 years NED, however this time it was hormone negative DCIS. Does anyone know if you can have Herceptin for DCIS?

@Perks I am so sorry to hear this :( I had a hormone negative but Her2+ diagnosis in 2016. Yes herceptin was used. I am sure you will get herceptin as long as it is her2+. Did you have a lumpectomy or mastectomy at all? Is it localised? This cancer thing is so frustrating!
Blossom1961
Member
3 years ago
My Original 2018 BC report says Her2+, ER/PR-, in situ. In 2022 I was diagnosed with the same thing except mets in my bones and lymph nodes. I am on Herceptin, Perjeta and Zoledronic acid.
au0rei
Member
3 years ago

Blossom1961 said:

My Original 2018 BC report says Her2+, ER/PR-, in situ. In 2022 I was diagnosed with the same thing except mets in my bones and lymph nodes. I am on Herceptin, Perjeta and Zoledronic acid.

I am so sorry @Blossom1961 :( I was also diagnosed with the same type of cancer in 2016. How do you get diagnosed? Were there some symptoms that make you see the doctor? And Petscan done? Sometimes I get anxious about my health. :|
Blossom1961
Member
3 years ago
@au0rei I had ongoing breast cysts which always turned out to be safe. Until one didn't in 2018 and turned out there were three plus a haze of cancer (found under MRI). Mets was found during my ongoing yearly scan in 2022. Petscans are now done three monthly to make sure the treatment is working.
Blossom1961
Member
2 years ago
@Perks How are you? Have you started any treatment?
Perks
Member
2 years ago

au0rei said:

Perks said:

Hi there, I have just been diagnosed with my second Her 2 cancer after 6 years NED, however this time it was hormone negative DCIS. Does anyone know if you can have Herceptin for DCIS?

@Perks I am so sorry to hear this :( I had a hormone negative but Her2+ diagnosis in 2016. Yes herceptin was used. I am sure you will get herceptin as long as it is her2+. Did you have a lumpectomy or mastectomy at all? Is it localised? This cancer thing is so frustrating!
Perks
Member
2 years ago
@auOrei I ended up having a mastectomy and because it was DCIS they did not offer any further treatment. So I am now pursuing reconstruction.
Perks
Member
2 years ago

Blossom1961 said:

@Perks How are you? Have you started any treatment?
Perks
Member
2 years ago
@Blossom1961I have had a mastectomy but as it was DCIS no further treatment is required, just annual MRI's.