Looking for thoughts on my moms treatment options.

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mrscip78
mrscip78 Member Posts: 3
edited June 2014 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer

My mom had a lumpectomy 2 weeks ago. Her pathology report came back that she has ductal carcinoma, grade 2, she is HER2+ ER+ . Her tumor was 16mm with clear margins.

She is 63 yrs old and has had 3 heart attacks. She has an appointment with her oncologist next thursday to discuss treatment but have told her with her heart condition they would have to discuss the possibility of chemo and herceptin. Right now she is def going to be getting radiation and tamoxifen. (which i know does not treat/prevent HER2+)

I know we will know in a week what her options are but i cant help but worry that they wont offer her chemo and herceptin and what that will ultimately mean for her?? Any and all thoughts on this would be truly appreciated.

Thanks

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited April 2013

    You might ask for a consult with a cardiologist who has an oncology specialty.  This may be easier to find at a major cancer center (NCI designated) and might be worth traveling to find one.  I am sorry that your mom's treatment, and need for Herceptin - which has negative cardiac implications, potentially - is complicated by her cardiac history.  Hoping you can find a safe and efficacious solution.

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  • maryannecb
    maryannecb Member Posts: 1,453
    edited April 2013

    Good advice from SpecialK. It will be easier once you have a plan.

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  • orange1
    orange1 Member Posts: 930
    edited April 2013

    At Mayo, they treat the whole person.... they are really good at looking at patients with complex problems and thinking through a solution based on an individual's circumstances.  There,you can be sure that a cardiologist will be having in-depth conversation with her oncologist.  Plus they take regular insurance and it is suprising easly to get an appointment.  Just go to their website.

    I have multiple medical issues where the treatment decision is not straight-forward, and they did a great job of coming up with a solution that made sense.

    Best of luck to you and your mom!

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  • mrscip78
    mrscip78 Member Posts: 3
    edited April 2013

    Her oncologist told her yesterday that they will not be offering herceptin or chemo to her. They say the risk to her heart is too great. They have given her a 7% chance of dying from this cancer in the next 10 yrs and an over all survival rate of 79% which they say are better odds than going through treatment. Im trying hard to remain positive for her. i cant help feeling sad and scared about what the future may hold. Ive been telling myself that life is never guaranteed but she is only 63 yrs old and i always imagined her being her for many many yrs to come. Looks like i have to hand this one over to god! Thanks for all of your advice!

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  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited April 2013

    This must be a tough time for you and your family. Yes, chemo and Herceptin in particular are very hard on the heart. It sounds like you need a second opinion, if for nothing else than to confirm that this is the way to go. One question I do have is regarding tamoxifen. This is usually given to pre-menopausal women, though not always. Most post-menopausal women who are ER+ take a different type of drug called aromatase inhibitors (Arimidex, Femara, Aromasin). Have you asked about that? Wishing you and your mom the best.

    Caryn

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  • mrscip78
    mrscip78 Member Posts: 3
    edited April 2013

    Yes, my mum spoke to the doc about the aromatase inhibitor drug and they have said that they want her on tamoxifen for 2.5 yrs and then on that for 2.5 yrs. This again was decided because they believe this drug(im not sure which one they have decided on)  will be too hard on her heart. It pretty much all comes down to risk of heart issues.

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  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited April 2013

    I had a silent heart attack during Herceptin and still on chemo.  I think a wise decision was made even though it is difficult.

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