Anyone ER-/PR- and HER2- ?

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dmayes
dmayes Member Posts: 25
edited June 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

Hi ladies,

 I just got my final lab report today for the surgeon.  Can you help me understand exactly what these mean?  He mentioned that it means it is not genetic - but didnt go into the HER at all.  He said that is probably the "best" type of cancer you can get - if any one thinks those two words go together.

The copy of the pathology report he gave me seems to indicate that all three negative are not good -  and that there may be a possibility of basl-like invasive carcinoma - anyone know what this means?  Does this mean Chemo? Overwhelmed right now!

 D 

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  • smerf
    smerf Member Posts: 615
    edited April 2009

    Hi D,

    I know what you mean by overwhelmed, as I felt just that way too. I'm not sure why your doctor said this is the "best" type of cancer you can get. I'm sure I agree that those two words don't belong together at all.

    I too am what is called triple negative, as you can see below. It is so great to have no lymph nodes involved. Triple negative is usually basal, so don't let that get you down. It means there are no hormone receptors, so I am thinking that yes, you will need chemo. You would probably need it even if you were hormone positive, because of the size of the tumor. Chemo is usually the way to go if the tumor is larger than 1cm, even if hormone receptors are positive. For us triple negs there are many chemos available, and they tend to work better for us, so that is a plus. Drugs like tamoxifen will not work for us, so that is the big difference. Being her2 neg is actually a good thing, as that gets treated if positive.

    I did chemo and radiation, and it is very doable. Not pleasant, but I was so determined to do the most agressive treatment possible! There are wonderful women here who will help and support you through it, so I'm so glad you found this site. Now it has been three years from my dx, and I am very well. You will be too, just hang in there, and come back often to share with us. We care.

    Hugs, Pat

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  • shiny
    shiny Member Posts: 892
    edited April 2009

    Hi dmayes,

    I am sure people will be here soon to tell you what they can, but I don't think you really have enough info here to get any very specific insight into your individual case, no one would want to misinform you on the partial information.

     Sorry if that is not helpful! I just wanted to pipe in and say, that eventhough the period you are going through is scary and stressful, things will get better soon.

     Once you know what your options are and you have discussed these at lenght with your onc team and anyone else you want to discuss it with, you will have a sense of empowerment as you follow through with your treatment. I had FEC-T 100 chemo (top dose) x6 every three weeks and yes, it was tough at times, but it was TOTALLY DOABLE! So hang in there and do ask as many questions as you like. there is a great deal of good information to be gained from the great ladies on this forum.

    Make sure you ask all you want from your care team and never rush through something until you are happy you fully understand it.If you do chemo, just be aware of the side effects; I used to "tick" them off my check list as they happended, it made them feel less "spooky", just knowing that they were expected "normal" SE. You'll get quite good at managing them after a few rounds.

    Hang in there! Sorry I coudn't answer your specific Q's!

    Take care, Shiny

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  • shiny
    shiny Member Posts: 892
    edited April 2009

    Hi D,

    Just to say, you have had two posts from 2 tri negs and we both said that chemo was "doable",exactly those words, so must be true!

    A lot of positive things happened in my treatment year, just thought i'd point that out, as I am sure  you will find that too, that may sound like an odd comment, but just have faith and hang in there, you will see.  Best wishes,

    Shiny

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  • lexislove
    lexislove Member Posts: 2,645
    edited April 2009

    dmayes...

    If you click on forum index you can scroll down and find the triple negative page. There is alot of info there and if you post your question there, it might get answered faster..Good luck!

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  • smerf
    smerf Member Posts: 615
    edited April 2009

    I feel like Shiny too....lots of positive things happened during my tx year.

     And yes, there are lots of triple negs here, and there is a triple negative thread where you can find lots of info. You can also research on the bc.org site where there is good information about triple negative, and her2 negative specifically. 

    Next time you see your doctor, I would suggest maybe having a written list of questions. It is so hard to remember what you want to ask when you are overwhelmed by the dx, and all the new information they are giving you. Do you have an appointment with a medical oncologist yet? He or she will be able to tell you much more about your tx, and once you have a plan things will get a little easier. Honestly, they will, though it may not seem that way now.

    Hang in there, and sending you best wishes.

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