Hi everyone.My name is Toni and I'm fairly new to this breast cancer journey. Diagnosed about 4 weeks ago with a Grade 3 stage 2A invasive DCIS. Lump about 3.3cm which is a tumor. (Area 1). There were also calcifications in another area of my breast that were not invasive but definitely DCIS.(area 2) I'm recovering from a mastectomy and breast reconstruction. I'm just confused with the type of BC I have. The core biopsies of both areas showed that the tumor (area 1) was ER 25% +, PR 2%+ and HER - and Area 2 (calcifications) tested 80%+, PR 60%+ and HER-. The biopsy of the tumor post mastectomy came back as triple negative. Not sure if area 2 was tested for these receptors. Just wondering if any other members have had a similar diagnosis? Where the core biopsies tested + for ER/PR but later became negative? Will I be treated as a triple negative breast cancer or given hormone tablets later? Im still waiting to see my oncologist. Not sure when chemo will start. Any replies will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Hi Toni, I am sitting in hospital at the moment recovering from a mastectomy on the right side and an immediate reconstruction with an implant, this is my third operation following a lumpectomy and another op to remove my nipple in regards to DCIS. I was diagnosed with an early stage grade three aggressive tumour in April with DCIS and had six cycles of chemo first up to shrink the tumour. My initial core biopsy showed a weak positive to PR but negative to ER and HER2 and my medical onc suggested hormone blockers even though it was a weak reading. He went on to explain though that if at the time of surgery there were still cancer cells in the tumour to test it could possibly be a different result as they only take such a small sample in the core biopsy. For me there were cancer cells still present and I retested triple negative. i hope this helps explain it a bit and I haven't confused you. I hope you are recovering well. Good luck with the next step. Vicki

Just to add I had invasive DCIS as well and as I understand it if triple negative there is no need for hormone blockers. ?? Best wishes Vicki

Thanks Vicki. Seems a little clearer. Wishing you all the best with your recovery.

Thanks Toni I am going well today moving about unaided and pain minimal.

I was diagnosed in July with early stage, grade 3 breast cancer that tested triple negative. I'm 34 years old and they explained my chemo treatment would be hard hitting. Triple negative is not responsive to hormone blockers I believe. I have just finished 4 cycles of AC chemo and now have weekly taxol chemo for 12 weeks. I hope you get your answers soon so you know what's happening. I wish you a speedy recovery and try and keep positive. Big hugs.

Confused about type of BC. ? Discrepancy in biopsy results.

12 Replies

TeeTee
Member
10 years ago
Just an update for those interested. Met my oncologist a few days ago and she is organising for the biopsy tests to be checked or re-run (second opinion). She did warn me that the results could still be the same but thought it would be worthwhile as it affects chemo treatment plan and ongoing management after chemo.
Vicki_Anne
Member
10 years ago
I am not too sure if the cold cap is available everywhere but it was an option where I had treatment. It is also called scalp cooling, I had heard most women didn't like it but I found it not a problem and even though you will still lose some hair it grows back more quickly. Either way there are some great hats and scarves out there. I bought some lovely cloche hats as I went through chemo in winter. I think you just have to embrace it.
TeeTee
Member
10 years ago
Thank you Ann-Marie.
TeeTee
Member
10 years ago
Never even heard of a cold cap. I'll definitely ask about it.

These online forums are so good. Get so much good information from people who have walked this journey before me.

Thank you Vicki and all the best with your recovery too.
Ann-Marie
Member
10 years ago
Hi Toni,

My name is Ann-Marie, I am the Online Community Coordinator for BCNA and I wanted to welcome you to the Online Network.

I have just added some links to a few groups you may be interested in joining - The "Breast Reconstruction" group, The "Triple Negative" group and our "Getting started" group. Just click on the group name and you will be taken straight to their pages.

Please let me know if you need any help.

~ Ann-Marie x
Vicki_Anne
Member
10 years ago
Keep an open mind and don't be afraid of chemo, everybody is different. I had FEC then Docitaxol and handled them better than I had imagined. My medical oncologist gave me maintenance drugs to control any side effects and I never experienced any nausea or vomiting. I did feel very tired especially after the Docitaxol so just be kind to yourself and listen to your body. I think a positive attitude helps as well.

Do you have the option of using the cold cap? I used it and even though my hair did thin I didn't lose too much. The eyebrows and eyelashes went though but are starting to grow again hopefully better than they were before! Well I can hope at least!

Good luck and best wishes. Vicki
TeeTee
Member
10 years ago
Thanks for your reply. I'm actually more scared of chemo than the surgery!

Wishing you all the best with the rest of your treatment.
Beck34
Member
10 years ago
I was diagnosed in July with early stage, grade 3 breast cancer that tested triple negative. I'm 34 years old and they explained my chemo treatment would be hard hitting. Triple negative is not responsive to hormone blockers I believe. I have just finished 4 cycles of AC chemo and now have weekly taxol chemo for 12 weeks. I hope you get your answers soon so you know what's happening. I wish you a speedy recovery and try and keep positive. Big hugs.
Vicki_Anne
Member
10 years ago
Thanks Toni I am going well today moving about unaided and pain minimal.
TeeTee
Member
10 years ago
Thanks Vicki.

Seems a little clearer. Wishing you all the best with your recovery.