81 year old with HER2. Treatment opinions

Rhyman007

My mom was just diagnosed with grade 2 IDC. The tumor is about 2cm. She also is positive on ER and HER2/nue. She is planning a masectomy. The doctors will do a lymph node examination during the surgery. and stage the disease at that point.

There has been some discussion of chemo. A regime of 4-8 cycles of AT. followed by Herceptin for about a year.

 My questions are:

1) How tough is the chemo? My mom is 81. Is this something to worry about?

2) Is a treatment of Herceptin without the AT ever considered? It sounds like the AT has worse side effects than the Herceptin. Is that an option?

3) Support groups in Seattle area? She lives in Edmonds. Anyone there to connect with?

4) What else do I need to know? 

Nicole112

I'm sorry to hear of your mom's diagnosis... I am on the other side of the stick with the "age" thing. I am 37 years young and I went through the whole shabang! With this said, I want you to know that chemo is manageable... not fun... but manageable... and from what I know they gave me the most aggressive amount of chemo due to my age, so I think they will make it a lighter dose in consideration of your mom's age.

I would have her complete whatever options they have to offer, if she has an adverse side effect, you all can stop the treatments... also they take your blood work alot and are on top of your health. I hope this helps you a bit.

Rhyman007

Thanks Nicole

dee1961

Sorry to hear about you mom Rhyman,

Does your mother want to go through chemo? I would say to leave it up to her what she wants/can do. Blessings to you both!

Rhyman007

She is ready to do whatever her doctor says. I am looking to learn as much as I can. I know that there are options. and different doctors have different opinions.