Two different tumors, two different pathology

GmaNiki · April 2012

I have a ton of questions, but mainly concerened because I had two different tumors, that have totally different pathology. March 29 mx. One is IDC ER+/PR+ (93/95) HER2 +(1).. The other is DCIS ER-/PR- HER2+++. SLN (3) all negative.

My BS was not sure exactly how this would be treated, but she suspects it will be hormone therapy only, she did not go into details and I did not want to ask. I have an appointment with the onc on Wednesday, but I am so nervous about all this. How can I be sure all the cancer cells were removed for the DCIS, as it is the really agressive stuff, The IDC I understand is an easier treatment than chemo, but how certain is it that I wont have this again. She did tell me that the DCIS was very busy and did involve lots of area and included the lobes.

I have tried to read about the different types of chemo and/or hormone therapies, but I just do not understand enough about the different types. I am probably getting ahead of myself worrying about all this, but it just seems like I keep getting kicked when I think I can get up.

TheLadyGrey · April 2012

I can't imagine that chemo and Herceptin will not be recommended given the size, grade and HER+ status.

They grey area is HER+ tumors under 6 mm. Yours is substantially larger.

Most of us have been prescribed either 4 or 6 cycles of Taxotere, Carboplatin or Cytoxan and Herceptin, then Herceptin every three weeks for a year and Tamoxifin for 5 years if you aren't past or close to menopause.

I had DCIS plus two different types of IDC -- one area ER-PR-HER2+ and the other ER+PR+HER2- so I get it all. Lucky me. I don't think my oncologist considered the DCIS. Her focus was the HER2 +++.

Herceptin is something of a miracle drug for HER2+ cancers. I feel certain your oncologist will recommend it.

Two different tumors, two different pathology

Comments

Categories