Just diagnosed...Help understanding the reports

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spradhan
spradhan Member Posts: 7
Hi everyone:
My mother was recently diagnosed of Stage 3, IDC, Grade 3 with multiple axillary lymph nodes involved. Her reports suggest ER/PR negative and HER-2-neu 1+ staining (negative). I do not understand the part of the report about HER2. Does it mean that it is only slightly positive so it can be considered negative and only work with chemo, or will HER2 positive drugs work for her. Also, her doctors are performing another test to reconfirm her HER2 status.
Any information regarding this and possible treatment suggestion would be highly appreciated.

Regards,
Spradhan

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  • debbie6122
    debbie6122 Member Posts: 5,161
    edited August 2010

    Dear Spadhan, I see that you have posted several times and didnt get an answer, on the first couple of them, then deanna replyed to your post and i dont think you saw it, i will try to post her reply to you or you can go to just diagnosed thread- Im so sorry your mom is dealing with this, including you and your family- She is lucky to have such a caring daughter.

    I know you are worried about her, just a reminder cancer treatments have come a long long ways and woman are who are years out are doing great, they come up with new things all the time, You being there to help and support her is what she needs,

    Some times the posts get so busy here that some get overlooked, there are wonderful, caring supportive woman here who will help you to help her get thru this, weekends seem to be a little slower but it is only a mistake you got overlooked, for that im sorry. ((((((((hugs))))))))

    Just so you know you can only post up to 5 posts a day untill you reach some where around 50 not sure the exact but you can click on any ones name and send a private message to us at any time as much as you want-  i will try to find deannas post for you and paste it, as always she gives great advice and she had some links for you to look at. I will keep your mom and your family in my prayers- She can beat this and will!!!

    Gentle hugs

    Debbie

  • debbie6122
    debbie6122 Member Posts: 5,161
    edited August 2010
    10 hours ago dlb823 wrote:

    Spradhan ~ I'm sorry about your mother's recent diagnosis.  Here are a couple of links that give good explanations of exactly what Her2 status means:

    http://www.healthcentral.com/breast-cancer/c/question/42950/61081

    http://breastcancer.about.com/od/diagnosis/p/her2_diagnosis.htm

    If it's determined that all of her receptors (ER, PR & Her2) are negative, that's referred to as Triple Negative (TN) breast cancer.  If you click on Forum Index above, it will take you to a long list of topics, including that one.  The women with TNBC will be your best resources for questions about treatment options.  But, so far, it sounds like your mother's doctors are doing everything right in terms of pinning down her exact Her2 status, which is critical in determining which chemo regimen she will get. 

    Hope this helps, and I hope you'll suggest to your Mother that she joins BCO for support.  And in the mean time, I think it's great that you're helping her wade through and understand her pathology report.     Deanna 

  • spradhan
    spradhan Member Posts: 7
    edited August 2010

    Thanks a lot Debbie, for your reply and concern. I will definitely go through those website and see what information I can get. My mom is actually being treated in Delhi, India and the doctors there are amazing. I constantly get saddened by the fact that I cannot be with her since I am studying here in America.

    Also, a small correction..my mother is lucky to have a SON like me :)

    I will keep you updated with my mother's diagnosis and treatment and should I have any question I shall PM you as well.

    Thank you very much!

    Spradhan 

  • debbie6122
    debbie6122 Member Posts: 5,161
    edited August 2010

    Spradham, oh, i stand corrected haha, i guess i shouldnt just assume (smiles) yes she is lucky to have a caring son like you. male and female are always welcome here.

    Yes. please keep us updated on how she is doing and dont hesitate to ask any questions you have. Im glad she has good doctors there,

    Warm hugs,

    Debboe

  • spradhan
    spradhan Member Posts: 7
    edited August 2010

    My mom just had her second AC chemo and during the pre chemo tests they found that her sugar levels were a little high. Is this normal due to use of steroids during chemo? I am a little confused. From what little knowledge I have, I kind of understood that high sugar is not good at all. 

    Little more info on this would be very very appreciated

    Hugs,
    Spradhan 

  • debbie6122
    debbie6122 Member Posts: 5,161
    edited August 2010

    Hi spradham, glad to see you are back and updateing on your mom she has been in my thoughts and prayers. A lot of things can cause sugar levels to rise, steriods does cause it to rise, i take steroids and my levles always go up the more i take, also, stress which im sure she has been very stressful lately, eating carbohydrates right before testing, a lot of things can make it rise- when i was in the hospital they had to prick my finger every time i ate because it was always elevated but never had a problem after finishing surgery, and chemo. There is also a possiblilty she could be hyperglacemic, im sure they will keeep an eye on it and make sure she is not diabetic and give her the right meds for this, but hopefully its just stress and steroids and maybe what she has been eating, I hope this helps, How how she been handling the AC? Its rough but it is doable hopefully she is doing ok, take care and keep us posted

    hugs

    Debbie

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