ER-/ PR- newly diagnosed. Caucasians HER2 negative

Anonymous

ER-/ PR- newly diagnosed. Caucasians HER2 negative

Beckyjansen

Hi, like everyone here I'm looking for information. My cancer was found in microcalcifcations 5x3 cm in left breast. Pathology says I am negative for both hormone receptors. Because I am white Iexpect I will be HER2 positive. I'm wondering about the chances I will be triple negative and I'm wondering if my hormone negative status means I will definitely need chemo.

I had a breast MRI yesterday. Tomorrow I see a surgeon. I have not met with an oncologist yet.

Any response will be appreciated.

SpecialK

Since you mentioned micro-calcifications, is your diagnosis DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) or invasive such as IDC or ILC? The reason I ask is if the cancer type is DCIS you may not be tested for Her2 status - it is not routinely done in cases where there is no invasive component. Chemo is not offered for DCIS, so this information does not affect treatment decisions. If your cancer is invasive and triple negative, or Her2+, you would definitely be offered chemo, and likely before surgery. Triple negative breast cancer is also associated with the BRCA1+ genetic mutation, so if TN I would definitely seek genetic testing. TNBC represents roughly up to 20% of new diagnoses (about the same as Her2+ with any arrangement of hormonal receptors), and while it is more prevalent among African American women, it certainly occurs in people of all races. Good luck, I know it is a lot to take in.

Beckyjansen

Thank you so much for the reply. As of now I’m believed to be DCIS. Spiculated masses were found in both breast. I had a MRI and I might get the results today. I see my surgeon for the first time tomorrow. Anxiety over chemo and radiation seem to be my hurdle at this time. Emotionally I’m fine with any possible surgery

SpecialK

If you remain diagnosed with pure DCIS chemo will not be part of your treatment. If you have an invasive component chemo would be likely to be recommended - regardless of whether you are Her2+ or Her2-. If Her2+ additional targeted therapy would also be recommended to accompany the chemo. If you remain diagnosed with pure DCIS, and it can be successfully removed with clear margins by mastectomy, radiation may not be needed. If you have an invasive component surgical recommendations may be different, and I mentioned testing for genetic mutation because it can be a factor in what type of surgery is recommended if the result is positive. Often Her2+ and TN cancers are treated with chemo prior to surgery, so the result of that treatment can determine whether radiation is recommended. If you have a lumpectomy, regardless of cancer type, radiation is recommended.