Newly Diagnosed HER2+ Can I Delay Treatment?

CatWalk62

Hi there,

I'm a 53 year old female and had a core biopsy which confirmed Her2Neu + breast cancer.

My team is suggesting I begin with chemo, 4 drugs total, for 4-1/2 months, then consider mastectomy next May.

Why wouldn't they just do the mastectomy first?

I have my sentinel node biopsy on Thursday so haven't been officially "staged".

Also dealing with significant health insurance issues.

Started a new job 2 months ago, so may have to delay chemo and switch to a team within my insurance plan.

Any thoughts?

They say it's aggressive breast cancer, but does that mean I cant delay treatment for 3-4 weeks?

So scared!

Thanks!

ElaineTherese

I was also diagnosed with HER2+ cancer, and I did my chemo first. It allowed me to get Perjeta, the latest targeted therapy, which is approved for neoadjuvant use for early stage breast cancer. Also, neoadjuvant chemo can shrink your tumor and might give you the option of a lumpectomy. My chemo wiped out the active cancer in my breast and the affected lymph node, and I did end up getting a lumpectomy in January 2015.

No, I don't think that delaying treatment for 3 -- 4 weeks is a problem. I was diagnosed in late June 2014, and I didn't begin treatment until July 23. During the intervening weeks, I was busy getting a PET scan, a heart test, and having a port installed. I also went wig shopping to get ready for hair loss.

Best wishes! Hope you find a team that your insurance covers. It also doesn't hurt to get a second opinion if you're concerned about the treatment plan proposed for you.

Moderators

Hi CatWalk, we're sorry for what brings you here, but wanted to say welcome! Besides here, you may also be interested in posting here: HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer forum.

Please let us know how it goes tomorrow, we'll be thinking of you. And you'll see how this wonderful community is always here to support you.

Best wishes,

The Mods