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Slsscs
Slsscs Member Posts: 3
edited March 2016 in Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results

After reading some of the posts here, i am more confused than ever. I recently had a core biopsy which show DCIS and IDC both. Surgeon said it was only stage 1. 7mm x 6mm x6mm. Not big at all.....she said probably lumpectomy with radiation. I'm scheduled for lumpectomy on 3/9. Pathology comes back hormone ER POS, PR POS, HER-2/neu 2+ equivocal. Apparently they did additional test now the surgeon tells me a year if chemo??? I haven't had and scans, blood work, genetic testing....are these done by oncologist after they remove the tumor? Can these results from the biopsy change when they check the tumor? How can she say stage 1 then? I'm confused! Not scared at all of the surgery and removal of lymph but upset at the prospect of chemo.....

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  • Italychick
    Italychick Member Posts: 2,343
    edited March 2016

    Sisscs, I suspect it is the Her2 component driving the chemo recommendation. I was a 2+, 2.4 I think, with amplification, and I don't think Herceptin is given without chemo, something about a synergistic effect. I was headed for chemo anyways with negative hormone receptors, but since you have positive ones, the Her2 is the only reason I can think of for chemo. And it probably isn't a year of chemo, but more like six months, and doing the Herceptin for an entire year, getting an infusion every three weeks for 18 treatments. Herceptin does have some side effects, but nothing like chemo.

    Hang in there. They will know more once the tumor is excised and pathology is done.

    Was there any mention of potentially doing chemo before surgery to see if you respond to the chemo?

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  • BlueHeron
    BlueHeron Member Posts: 154
    edited March 2016

    From my reading of your post, the HER2 came back equivocal is that correct? If so, they will send it for a more definitive test, the FISH, that will determine positive vs negative. That was my case: equivocal first, then negative per FISH.

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  • Slsscs
    Slsscs Member Posts: 3
    edited March 2016

    FISH test was positive. Triple positives...

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  • BlueHeron
    BlueHeron Member Posts: 154
    edited March 2016

    ah, ok, thanks for the clarification

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited March 2016

    Hi Slsscs, and welcome to Breastcancer.org, although we're sorry you've had to join us!

    You may be interested in checking out the main Breastcancer.org site's section for those newly diagnosed called Breastcancer 101. Hope you find the information you need.

    Wishing you the best!!!

    The Mods

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  • windingshores
    windingshores Member Posts: 704
    edited March 2016

    I had a positive IHC and FISH for Her2 after biopsy, but it was negative after surgery. Same tumor. The explanation I was given was that the biopsy may have had some DCIS mixed in with the IDC, and DCIS is Her2+.  I would wait for post surgery pathology results before making any decisions. I had already bought my scarves and was ready for Herceptin and chemo when my post surgery Her2 came back negative. I even had it retested.

    If you are in fact Her2- then you will want an Oncotype Dx test done to see if chemo is a good idea or if anti-estrogen treatment will be the best and only treatment.


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  • herb
    herb Member Posts: 51
    edited March 2016

    Stage is based of Tumor size and lymph involvement. the other test tell the make up of the cancer. They can tell what kind of Chemo and Drugs may be needed to kill any possible cells from the cancer that may have escaped into your blood and traveled some place else to set up shop. I'm on Hormone blockers for 10 years Mine was ER PR positive. The HER test takes time. there is a Chemo for that. They also have other genetic test they can run on the tumor pending on you cancers makeup. All of this will help you get the best treatment for your cancer cells. as not all cancer cells are alike.

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  • Slsscs
    Slsscs Member Posts: 3
    edited March 2016

    Okay so they re-run all the pathology after surgery and that HER2 can change.....help me Rhonda!!! This is so new to me.....I said to one of my friends today....your not in it until you are in it! Learning stuff every day! Thank you!

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  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited March 2016

    Sisscs,

    As Italychick noted, if you are HER2+, you will NOT get a year of chemo. You may get a year of Herceptin, but Herceptin is NOT chemo. It is targeted therapy. You may initially receive Herceptin with some chemo, maybe Taxol. But, that might just be a few months. Since the affected area is small, I doubt whether you'll get hardcore chemo.

    Triple positive cancer used to produce some of the worst outcomes. Herceptin leveled the playing field, and now triple positives have much better outcomes.

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