Both !! Triple negative and HER2 positive diagnosis in the same breast synchronous

CBridge

Hi
i have just had a left breast full mastectomy and sentinel node/s excision due to initial diagnosis of extensive high grade DCIS. I had DIEP flap reconstruction at the same time. Tests of the removed tissue indicate both Triple negative and HER2 positive cancers (early stage)  in the same breast at the same time. My surgeons are on leave. I have only received a partial summary report so far and don’t get full results or next steps for treatment til end of January. 

Is this unusual to have 2 types of BC at once? In the same breast?  Any others have similar experience. The half news and lack of next steps just now with all the specialists away is a psychological and emotional challenge. Advice appreciated 

thank you 🙏🏼 

Cath62

Hi @CBridge, I don't have your pathology but I have seen several people comment on here about different results in their pathology. Strange isn't it but it seems it actually does happen. Best wishes with your treatment.

CBridge

Thanks for the encouragement @Cath62

Cindi

Hi @CBridge, I just want to wish you good luck and let you know that everyone here understands the frustration of waiting .
 It's very hard.
Soon someone else will come on here with more info for you, people here are very supportive , good luck and fingers crossed xx

CBridge

Thanks @Cindi
I appreciate your understanding. 

Mareealso

Hi, I had two tumours in my right breast and when I queried about it, I was told it does happen. I asked what was the treatment plan going forward..Your case will go before an oncology team and a mix of treatment to suit each tumour appropriately would be discussed so several oncologists would have an input ...  My two tumours ended up with both estrogen positive (to varying degrees) so my chemo and follow up treatment is focused on that. Hope that eases your mind a little..

CBridge

Hi @Mareealso thanks for sharing. How are you going now can I ask? 

I understand that multiple tumors can occur in the same breast. I guess my question is more about the two different types of cancers they found in mine, multiple and extensive areas but two different types. Triple negative as one type and HER2 positive as the other type which I guess would each require different treatment approaches? I’m hoping to get done more clarity soon from
my team but waiting til they return from leave. 

I hope you’re doing well now. 

Mareealso

Just had my first chemo so relaxing in bed......from what I understood when I was questioning the treatment, they "create" a recipe of drugs that are effective against the tumour type so your recipe would be particular to you ..(and there are lots of different drugs!!!). These can be combined or staggered as a treatment plan. Must be so frustrating not having a definite answer...but keep in mind the answers can change the more the oncologists find out about your tumours and about you (fitness, allergies, medication you may be on ..) ..it's a steep learning curve but hang in there!

CBridge

Thanks Marrealso. That feels like a big step you’ve taken with your first chemo. Thanks for finding some time and energy to respond to my concerns. It really does help to share some of the experience. Rest up and hope it goes smoothly for you. 

SuzyS

@CBridge

My pathology after surgery showed two types of breast cancer in the same breast. Stage 1 mixed ICC ER+ PR+ HER2negative & Stage 2 DCIS. First Sentinel Lymph Node - Stage 2 DCIS. I've had radiotherapy and now on Letrozole.

CBridge

Hi @SuzyS
thanks for sharing. It’s helpful to understand more about how the BC shows up differently. How are you going now with Letrazole?