Forum Discussion
Nipple flat
Hi Everyone,
Regular mammogram test May 2015 - all clear. I found my nipple had gone flat in January 2016. GP sent me off again for mammogram and ultrasound in April 2016. Result of this found suspicious micro calcification with nipple retraction. In May 2016 had an ultrasound guided core biopsy + marker in right breast. Two days later I had a vacuum biopsy + marker. Another 2 days later my GP rang to confirm I had 2 cancers. (My GP rang me on Saturday night while we were getting ready to go to dinner for our 9th anniversary). In June I went to see my surgeon and got the full results. (1) Grade 2 infiltrating ductal carcinoma. 4mm ER and PR negative, HER2(3+) at 3 o'clock, 20 mm (2) DCIS High Grade, 3 o'clock, 80mm. (very early breast cancer)
Final decision was a lumpectomy with 2 hook wires, with removal of 3 sentinel nodes and radioactive dyes. Surgery was Wednesday 2nd August. The radioactive needle is a killer, then had 2 hook wires inserted and taped and then went to surgery. Had nothing to eat or drink since 6am. Surgery wasn't until 5 pm. Very dehydrated and the anaesthetist had trouble putting a drip in. Everything went well. stayed overnight in hospital. Its been a week now. Exercising my arm. It stings a bit under the arm, but no pain in breast.
Received a preliminary path test from surgeon. (1) 12mm Grade 2 Invasive ductal cancer, clear margins but a more aggressive type because no oestrogen receptors but has HER2 tumour gene. Sentinal node looking good so far (1st stain) waiting for 2nd stain. My need chemo and Herceptin. (this was not discussed earlier as cancer was only 4mm. only going to have radiotherapy)
(2) 10mm DCIS high grade, close to superior margin (all other margins well clear) but wants to take more breast tissue for better margin. Expecting to have Radiotherapy after Chemo if oncologist recommends it.
Next appointments 22nd August for Surgeon and oncologist. So now it the waiting game.
Thanks for listening.
12 Replies
Have just rechecked my pathology and my her2 is the same with a 3+ which means a definitive diagnosis...and should respond well to herceptin ??
Doesn't triple negative mean negative to estrogen, progesterone and her2?
Thanks Brenda,
Planning on taking all chemo and radiation offered.
Thanks Melinda,
Thanks Kath,
On my original mammogram/ultrasound results, this is were I read the HER2(3+). After getting prelim report from surgeon. I'm assuming it more aggressive then HER2+. But plan on asking surgeon next Wed 22 Aug.
I'll take your tip on board.
Thank you Mel.
Thanks Mira.
More surgery is a bummer but at least they are getting to the bottom of things. Take all the treatment of chemo and radiation offered. We want it dead in its tracks and gone!
Hi Christina,
Goodness, well I can say Ive had all that done too, and yes the radioactive needle is horrific uuugh!!! I had that done July last year.
From what you have said, being Her2 triple negative, as I have friends who have had that diagnosis too and they have had to do Chemo and then Herceptin. I had a recurrence last year and am ER+ but had a Grade 3 aggressive so did chemo, 5 yrs ago I had DCIS rads and tamoxifen for 4yrs, but it came back in my lumpectomy scar.
Sounds like you are in good hands! Step at a time, thinking of you.
Hugs
Melinda xo
Haven't heard of 3+ with her2 ...is that the grade? I had ES+ and Her2 + stage 1, grade 3 breast cancer and opted on a mastectomy and have also opted on chemo and herceptin (as well as hormone treatment) each choice giving me slightly better odds of no recurrence. No guarantees of course. Hope you have your next treatment plan soon so know what is ahead. My tip....we are not in control regardless if what we think, but get to make informed choices...as long as we read up and or ask questions. Take care. Kath x
