new diagnosis

prv

i am 55 yo newly dx of invasive lobular ca. have had bilateral mastectomies with two positive nodes. i am awaiting scans to rule out meds (very scared). will met with oncologist and likely begin chemo next week - a/c 4 doses (1 every other week) followed by taxol and likely radiation to axillary area. would like to hear from survivors with similar findings. would also like your prayers. thanks.

Seabee

prv--What is your grade and Her2 status? If you have no mets and the tumor is Her2 negative and Grade 1 or 2,  you might consider taking the Oncotype DX test before starting chemo, particularly ddAC+T. If there is a history of heart disease in your family, you might also want to consider a chemo regimen which doesn't involve Adriamycin. The Oncotype test can help you determine which treatment is best.

HensonChi

Hi,

I am also stage 2B ILC with 1 lymph node.  My tumor was ER+/PR+ and HER+.  I had TCH as chemo...I just finished my year of herceptin last week.  I am also on Femara.  Not feeling like myself yet but hoping to be feeling better the longer away from the Herceptin that I am.  I am about 1 1/2 year out.   

dlb823

prv ~  So sorry you're here, but glad you've found us, and hope we can give you some reassurance and support.

Like Seabee, I would question not only the Adriamycin due to its known association with possible heart damage, but also the fact that you're slated for a dense dose (every 2 wks.).  The more common dose is every 3 weeks.  AC was recommended for me by a local oncologist.  But when I got a 2nd opinion at the breast center of a major university teaching hospital, that oncologist explained that there is a newer chemo regimen for bc that many oncs are switching to due to the heart issue -- TC (Taxotere & Cytoxin).  You might want to ask your current onc about it, and/or get a 2nd opinion -- just to be sure that you're getting the most aggressive tx you need, but not any more potential SEs than absolutely necessary. 

Do you have a scan scheduled?  I will be praying that it's totally clear, but if you let us know when it is, I'd like to pray for you when you're having it too.    Deanna

Gitane

I also have Stage IIb lobular breast cancer, diagnosed at 57 years old and had dose dense AC. I know others are talking about the advantages of TC, but I'm glad I got AC.  Hope your PET scan shows no mets.  Please keep in touch.  My fingers will be crossed for good news.

Survivor07

I started on Adriamycin (and something else) as soon as I was diagnosed--even before surgery.  My mass was so big (12 x 8 cm) that the doctors needed to "kick it's butt"  and it did!  After the 3rd treatment, the mass had shrunk to half the size.  Granted I was extremely sick...but I think it was well worth it.  I have routine Muga scans to check the heart...so far so good. BTW--I'm ER+ and Her2+.  Followed Adriamycin with Taxol and am now on my yearly (every 3 weeks) Herceptin.  (Mastectomy was May 11th).  After radiation, I start my Fermara.  Doc says that's better for Her2+ women who had postivie nodes (I had 3 positive).