Well after a few weeks of not really knowing what my biopsy report said I finally decided to ask for a copy of it.
I think that I am now more confused than ever!
I am OR and PR negative andHER2 Positive 3+.
Im still not really sure what all that means but will now start to read more information on it.
Adrienne
Thanks for this Lisha. Will go and look for that info :)
Adrienne ??
Hi Adrienne
My first biopsy results said I was OR+ PR+ and HER2+
However after my surgery my pathology results showed I was still OR+ and PR+ but was now HER2- Which means that part of my treatment plan will be taking hormone suppressants as the O and P hormones may be feeding the cancer. If I was HER2+ I would have had a targeted treatment but that has changed for me now.
So what I'm saying is that the pathology after your surgery will probably determine better your upcoming course of treatment. Do you have the Guide for Women with Early Breast cancer? The chapter on Hormonal therapies on page 82 and then the chapter on Targeted therapies page 95 will help you understand a little better than I can explain.
Lisha xx
Thank you for this.
I have just been in touch with the Jayne McGrath nurse in Newcastle so will have a chat with her when Im admitted for surgery :)
Adrienne
This might be helpful.
https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/treatment/surgery/breast-cancer-pathology/
You will need your patholgy sheet. There are many more if you just google breast cancer pathology australia. It explains grading also.
My final pathology was written like this
T1N0M0
Which stage 1, no nodes or metastatic.
The type was written as
ES+PG- Her2-pos grade 3.
It also gave % which is confusing.
So if yours is a grade 3...like mine, even if small and no nodes, it is likely they may recommend chemotherapy as well as targeted therapy. This will be determined by the oncology team your best treatment plan.
Goodluck. And I agree...if you can speak with the cancer nurse she will clear up any confusion.
Kath
Hi Adrienne... My cancer was OR/PR positive HER2 negative...
OR = oestrogen
PR = progesterone
The HER2 gene makes HER2 proteins. HER2 proteins are receptors on breast cells. Normally, HER2 receptors help control how a healthy breast cell grows, divides, and repairs itself. But in about 25% of breast cancers, the HER2 gene doesn't work correctly and makes too many copies of itself (known as HER2 gene amplification). All these extra HER2 genes tell breast cells to make too many HER2 receptors (HER2 protein overexpression). This makes breast cells grow and divide in an uncontrolled way.
do you have a breast care nurse yet? They are excellent at dissecting and explaining everything to you... Otherwise always ask a million questions of your dr and oncologist! Ask until you are satisfied you understand .... Wishing you all the best xx
