Port placement for Chemo / Chemo before DMX

Wow , thanks for all the information. The BS said that if she just went with surgery first that she felt it would be neglectful because of the size. She said the oncologist will want to get the size down before her mastectomy. She believes it will be all but gone after chemo although says because of her age the chances of reoccurrence are more.

We don't know the ER or PR results yet. Is this something the biopsy pathology results tells us or something else? We do know that she is HER-. I don't understand the HER as it's all new & confusing to me. From what I read I believe it's a good sign but when I read more I believe all negatives are also the highest risk of coming back.

If someone could clear this up for us, we'd appreciate it it greatly.

Thanks so much.

@SpecialK, I just went through everything we have a copy of so far and nothing on the path report but, it did say "Breast Cancer and prognostic Studies are requested at this time" so I am sure they'll be an addendum as the HER2 results were separate and they faxed them to us today.

It's so frustrating awaiting it all to come in and at different times, no less. I guess I am just wanting to be able to make heads or tales of it so we have the big picture already.

Although Staging is not conclusive since she's almost definitely going to have chemo before her surgery. I am assuming all the pathology tests will be in by Thursday when she meets with her oncologist. The MRI picked up other areas in left breast and referred to them as multicentric. The measurement of main mass was 4.3cm width x 3.6cm height and in left upper outer quadrant. The additional area that lit up were scattered throughout including medial breast, the central breast, the far posterior medial breast and lower outer quadrant, while the right breast looked okay and the nodes were not mentioned at all. (We're assuming it's not in lymph nodes from this and the BS). However, it does say also "No suspicious internal mammary or axillary adenopathy is detected and the other visualized soft tissues are unremarkable. Noting that the current study WAS NOT protocoled to optimally assess the introthoractic and intra-abdominal anatomy." Whew that's a lot to type on IPhone.

Just seems like the tests besides initial one identifying the IDC would come back together. Ughhhh

PS: Just wanted to add this from Pathology report. "The tumor shows a predominance of cord-like infiltrative growth. However, the E-Cadherin stain said it was strongly positive. No definite ductal carcinoma in situ is identified."

Help! What does this even mean if you know

@SpecialK, thanks that's what I thought it meant just wasn't sure. So frustrating that the ER and PR test aren't already in. Seems odd if HER2 was in already. I believe I actually asked them when I spoke to the surgeon's office yesterday when they faxed the HER2 results.

I've been put on antidepressants once a day and something for extreme anxiety (as needed). When I've taken the anxiety meds I definitely lose short term memory to a degree. I don't like meds especially like those. But have had take from time to time when extremely upset

The surgeon said that she'd get Heather set up on the Patient Portal so we can get all results as they come in. That will be so great. I'm going to ask her about the receptor tests Tuesday. I think it's odd as well.

Thank you so much for everything

SpecialK- We meet with oncologist Thursday to discuss plan and what chemo etc. She just now actually got into recovery from the po placement and we're about to speak with the surgeon

Thank you. It's been really tough. No matter how old my girls get or independent they'll always be my babies

@MtWoman

As well as expected I guess. They're definitely doing chemo first. He's ordering a PET scan and echocardiogram and will then set up the treatments. Here's what we know so far.

A/C every other week x 4;

Taxol once a week x 12

Then will evaluate if radiation is necessary;

Then double mastectomy (she wants to go ahead and do both regardless of Myriad test);

Then the 5 year once a day medication (TBD)

The staff is so great. She has the same team as my mother that was just diagnosed with lung cancer in May and going through treatment so they were looking for Heather when we arrived and smothering her with care and love. Which was so nice.

The Oncologist is the same as my mom's too. Very serious but very kind and informative and answers any questions in as much detail as he can.

Heather did great today, actually. The nurses really soothed her nerves. They also gave her her first knitted cap she got to chose from and a cushioned knitted seatbelt sleeve to help the port not get irritated which is something I didn't even think of. So she was thrilled.

They needed to draw some blood and Heather's first reaction was to hold her arm out. We giggled and they told her the port is there for all that now. It was really tender because she just got it Tuesday and has done too much. One nurse was holding her hand while the other nurse was drawing the blood. She wanted to to a video because she'd seen one that helped her and she wanted to be strong and help others. She glitches and eked a little bit and we laughed again because they were just using a swab to clean it first. I said maybe a video is t a good idea. But then she didn't even feel the needle go in and they drew the blood without her even realizing it.

I had a small breakdown and my heart is aching for her. I'd give absolutely anything to be going through this and what's coming for her though. That's what breaks me the most. I feel helpless.

Thanks for checking in with me and asking about her. I really appreciate it.

Blessings always.🙏🏼❤️