Chemo and Perjeta before surgery for 71 year old?

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findmewdw
findmewdw Member Posts: 20
edited December 2014 in Just Diagnosed
Chemo and Perjeta before surgery for 71 year old?
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  • findmewdw
    findmewdw Member Posts: 20
    edited December 2014

    My 71 year old mother has been diagnosed with now invasive breast cancer that began as DCIS, ER+, strong HER2+, 3cm, stage IIA

    After consulting with surgeon, he recommended that she may be a candidate for receiving Perjeta before having surgery.  He told us about the wonderful success rates of the Perjeta being used first for HER2+ BC.  The surgeon acted as if the perjeta and chemo was too much for her that she could stop and then have surgery.  He referred us to an oncologist.  After seeing the oncologist today, he is suggesting that she should have surgery first.  She does have an immune disorder, Sarcoidosis, and arthritis issues. He thinks we shouldn't worry about getting the Perjeta since she wants to have a mastectomy anyway. He says she can worry about chemo and Herceptin after surgery.  She was dx Dec. 4th and feel that we need to begin treatment soon.  We are overwhelmed with information and want whatever is best for beating this.  I am trying to get an appt for a second opinion from an oncologist, but feel like we are wasting time and the tumor is growing while we are trying to decide.  Just feeling overwhelmed.  I have been researching this site and others furiously the last couple of weeks.  This is a wonderful site.  Thank you for any input.

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  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited December 2014

    So sorry you are having to deal with this. It is such a difficult thing to deal with when you are first starting out and not knowing what to expect. I am wondering if she has invasive BC plus DCIS or just DCIS? I think it will make a difference. I don't have an answer for you but wanted to assure you that someone will be along (it is a quiet few days because of the holiday) with more information hopefully. My impression is that you would have time for a second opinion and you might need it to feel confident about how to proceed. Take care.

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  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited December 2014

    I agree with wrenn's advice. If she has invasive bc, then it is more than DCIS, since DCIS is by definition, non-invasive. I know it seems like times a wasting, but do try to get a second opinion. Yes, there is a lot to learn and it can be overwhelming, but it sounds as if you and your family are wonderful supports for your mother.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited December 2014

    Findmedwd-

    First, we want to extend a warm welcome to you from all of us here at Breastcancer.org. We're so sorry for what you're going through with your mom, but we're glad you've found our site.

    Wrenn and Exbrnxgrl both have wonderful advice, especially about seeking a second opinion. We also wanted to direct you to our caretakers forum, which you might find helpful while navigating this for yourself and your mother: https://community.breastcancer.org/#category_5.

    We hope you'll continue coming here for advice and support. You're in our thoughts!

    The Mods

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  • findmewdw
    findmewdw Member Posts: 20
    edited December 2014

    Thank you for your replies and yes, some of the tumor is outside of the duct and is considered invasive BC.  Sorry that I didn't type that earlier in the post.  That is why the surgeon is very pro Perjeta if possible.  They are thinking she is at Stage IIA, from the MRI results.  MRI does not show that it is in the lymph nodes nor does either dr. feel any signs of it being there, although I know we won't know until after surgery.  The oncologist feels that Herceptin would be just as good as Perjeta for mom and that surgery first would be best. Yes, I will be trying to get a second opinion.  I know she is going to have a tough fight either way, but the oncologist acted like she may be able to take less chemo strength after surgery once she knows about lymph nodes and accurate details from surgery.  

    I truly wish I had a doctor in the family who could help me with these decisions! I've learned a lot in the last couple of weeks.  Thank you for the link for caregivers.  I will be reading through that tonight.

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