Reoccurence

angiebaby11

Had radical mastectomy with lymph node clearance at age 37 + 5 yrs tamoxifen.Reoccurence 15 yrs later,had surgery to remove 1.6cm grade 3 estrogen sensitive HER2-ve carcinoma offered chemo cocktail FEC but opted for monthly Zoladex implant.Wonder now if  I made the right decision.What does the grade 3 and HER2-ve really mean for me?

cookie97

So sorry I can't answer your questions and even sorrier to see that you have to join this forum. I'm hoping if I bump this up for you so that others may be of assistance.

My best to you,

Edie

Angelfalls

Hello Angie,



Sorry to read that you're having to go through this again. Was there any particular reason why you chose not to have the chemo offered, which may help us answer your question? I assume you had further scans to rule out any further spread before making this decision.



You mention Zoladex injections to shut down your ovaries, but are you taking any hormone therapy alongside them? If you don't want to do FEC or any other chemo, perhaps you might consider discussing an AI with your onc. Anti-hormonals can be very effective in preventing further recurrences and/or mets and I'm quite surprised that your onc hasn't prescribed one to be taken in conjunction with the Zoladex.



As for what your grade and HER-2 status mean for you, I personally think you should have that conversation with your onc. I hope others will be along to give you more information soon. Take care,

Angelfalls

CoolBreeze

Her+ or HER-?  I don't know what HER-ve means.  If it's negative, that's a good thing.  HER2+ is very aggressive, and combined with grade three, can make a lethal combination.  But, FEC isn't the typical treatment for HER2+ so I am guessing you are negative?

ER+ and HER2- is the easiest cancer to treat.  Grade 3, as you know, it's not so good.  It's possible you'll do just fine on a hormonal and if you fail, you can do chemo at that time.  Did you do an Oncotype test?

It's hard to say, you doctors should have explained the odds of recurrence with your treatment choices with you.  I would go back to him and ask him specifically.  

Chemo is not as bad as your imagination is making it out to be.  Most of us manage quite well.  I have worked throughout all my chemos.

None of us can tell you your specifics, only a doctor can do that.  Good luck.