BC TREATMENT

[catsvette]

I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma and focal duct carcinoma in July.Tumor small 0.8. After lumpectomy clear margins and lymph nodes ok. Radiation for 7 weeks is the treatment. I am HER2 Positive. Should this treatment include Chemothropy since I am her+.?

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear catsvette, Decisions about adjuvant chemotherapy or hormonal (antiestrogen) treatment are based on several factors including size of tumor, status of lymph nodes under the arm, the appearance of the cancer under the microscope, the presence or absence of hormone receptors for estrogen and/or progesterone, as well as HER2 status, the general health of the patient etc.  We can not make specific treatment recommendations for an individual in this forum. We can tell you that antiestrogen treatments are frequently given following surgery for ER-positive breast cancer to reduce the risk of recurrence in the form of metastatic disease. Chemotherapy may add an additional benefit that needs to be weighed against the potential side effects. You should discuss the options with your oncologist.

[lizziecee]

I had a 2 cm invasive ductal tumour as well as DCIS, both comedo and cribriform, 4/18 lymph nodes positive. ER+,  HER2 testing was not done when dx 4 yrs ago, but I had it done privately 1 yr ago and I was HER2-. I am taking Arimidex. You don't mention if you are ER+ or -. If + you should get tamoxifen if pre-menopausal, and Arimidex if post menopausal.

I had lumpectomy, then total axillary clearance a month later. I was told by my Onc that as my tumour was over 1 cm, and I had lymph node involvement, I needed chemo and rads. I had 6 x FEC and 25 rads. It does look as if your Onc is correct in the treatment advised so far. However, I would have thought being HER2+ you should be getting Herceptin.

Liz.

[catsvette]

HER2 positive by FISH ANALYSIS

[Twocapes]

Ask if your HER2 test was done by the FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) or just IHC (immunohistochemistry).  My IHC came back as 2+ but further testing with FISH was negative.  The guideline is that it should have been sent for FISH but didn't and I had to point it out to the doctor.