Triple postive??

Hi Audrey - I'm so sorry you're terrified, but try to remain calm. My pathology is very similar to yours - stage 1, grade 1, .9cm - difference is I was 53 and post-menopausal when dx'd last January. My Oncotype DX score was 22 (intermediate) and at first, before my Fish results came in, my onc thought I could just get by on Arimidex. He was really shocked when my Fish report came back Her2+++ so he sent it out for a second opinion - the second one came back even higher at Her2++++!  

I was more depressed about having to get chemo than I was when I had the mastectomy. I opted for the mastectomy because I didn't want to deal with radiation and I wanted to treat this tumor as aggressively as possible. However my chemo tx was less aggressive than my surgical tx - my oncologist consulted with a group and said I would benefit from Herceptin given with a "light" chemo drug - Navelbine. It doesn't damage your heart - it didn't cause much hair loss - and the only bad side effect was diarrhea on the day of my infusion. I had two other oncologists give me the same opinion - that because my tumor was less than a centimeter and a Grade 1, the Herceptin would reduce my recurrence by 50% as long as it was given with ANY chemo. That said -  as similar as our dx's are - because of your young age Audrey, you need to follow your onc's advice. Maybe your Oncotype DX score will come in very low - and you won't need chemo after all. Just take it one day at a time - try not to anticipate problems that might never occur - and you'll be fine. Many women have gone through chemo and radiation and have continued working - I was so happy to return to work! It takes my mind off my health - makes my life feel more "normal" - and I truly love my job! So hang in there  and if you need any other questions answered, or if you just need a hug, just start a new thread and the wonderful women here will surround you with stories, inspiration, insights and love!

I think they will say chemo.  I had a bi-lateral for DCIS and they found IDC, small tumor .4cm and triple positive... nodes clear.  I just started chemo+ Herceptin.  They will be aggressive because of your age (I am 37), early diagnosis and HER2.  Herceptin is typically only given with chemo.  I was/am terrified too.  You will get through it.  I am taking Taxol/Herceptin weekly for 12 weeks and then keep the Herceptin every 3 weeks for a year.They didn't even do a Oncotype on me because he said ir would for sure come back high risk because of my age and Her2+ status.

Hey, nice to have company.  I am triple + as well, and got a shocking stge IV dx last January after a 9 year remission from stage !.  I am so grateful for Herceptin!  I had lung mets too numerous to count as well as some bone spots, and lymph nodes.  After 4 months of weekly Navelbine and Herceptin, we switched to Herceptin plus Lupern shots and Aromisin.  I have maintained stable disease so far (one lung nodule and a few bone spots) and feel so much better on this protocol.  I am hoping that Herceptin and endocrine tx hold my disease until there is a real cure!

Audreynyc,

 I have a similar diagnosis got 3 onc opinions and am only doing Taxol and Herceptin. I had a double mast by choice I was told by Sloan that I could get by with homone only but opted to join this trial. Very little information with small tumors and node negative HER 2+. Better to be safe than sorry. Good luck Happy Holidays 

I just found the posts regarding triple +. I am triple +.  I have IDC, Stage 1, 4mm, ER 90%, PR 90% and HER2 2.3. I am scheduled for bilateral mast w/recon next month.  My breast surgeon has not mentioned meds for after the mast or anything like that. Is that discussion something they bring up AFTER you have surgery? Should I ask her about that beforehand? Guess I figured with the mast I wouldn't have to worry so much anymore.

REKoz,

I am doing weekly Taxol+Herceptin and then Herceptin every 3 weeks for a year.  I get #10 out of 12 tomorrow.  I thought the weekly would be easier too and BOY it hit me after week #6,.  Maybe it is easier but I am having quite the time now.  I feel horrible.  Anyway, everyone is different so who knows.  My Onc told me TYPICALLY the weekly is easier on you as far as side effects go.  I am working full time and have only missed my treatment days; however, now, it is getting much tougher.  I am having nail and skin issues along with being so tired and feel like i have the flu.  Anyway, so I don't know how much difference there really is.  I am sure I could have it worse but right now it seems bad.  GOOD LUCK

Hi Mich1224,

If I can help with any questions about surgery please let me know. Honestly, compared to chemo, that wasn't that bad for me.  I have expanders in now and will have the exchange surgery in April.

I am guessing at the very least you will take Herceptin for a year since you are HER2+.  Unfortunately they typically give it with chemo.  My nodes were clear in surgery but unfortunately the IDC can also travel through your bloodstream.  My tumor was very small but the chemo is "just in case" something got away somewhere.  IDC + HER2 means it can be aggresive.  Then, they typically want you to be on another drug (hormone therapy) to supress the ER and PR since we are + for those.  I am also 37 (which they consider) an early diagnosis so another reason they want to be aggressive.

Ask your Onc what the follow up treatment will be whether you are node positive or negative.  There are lists of questions to ask on this website and on Komen if you want some guidance.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU!

I am triple pos too.