ER/PR+ HER2- invasive lobular
I’m a 47 yr old mum of one 6 yr old. I received my ER/PR+ HER2- invasive lobular cancer diagnosis this week. Due to strong family history (mum passed away at 62 in 2012 with triple negative BC- and her mother also passed away at similar age from BC type unknown as it was late 1970s) - my sister and I had started the process of having additional screening etc. My mammogram and Ultrasound in Jan this year was clear - MRI last month showed something- which following a core biopsy has revealed 3mm ER/PR+ HER2- invasive lobular cancer. As I was already under care of private breast surgeon due to wanting extra screening etc- I feel grateful to have already talked to her about surgery options and possible surgery week of 12th January. I went for genetic testing this week and now wait to see results. Am weighing up option of double mastectomy(and reconstruction) - though surgeon has advised its very early and very small so lumpectomy and sentinel node surgery is a very feasible option too. Followed by radiation therapy and tamoxifen. If I chose a mastectomy it may reduce my need for radiation and tamoxifen.
Herceptin treatment post-chemo
Hi there! I finished chemo for her2+ breast cancer 3 weeks ago and have just had a double mastectomy. I’m supposed to continue with herceptin every three weeks for a year. I’ve heard differing reports about whether this is an infusion or an injection. Does anyone have any experience of how this is given in Australia? Also, who can give this treatment? Is it only given at hospitals, or if it’s an injection can it be given by a GP or oncologist? My treatment up until now has been in France and I’m considering moving back to Australia during this year, but with doses every three weeks it’s a short turnaround for getting into the Australian medical system, so just trying to understand more about how this stage of treatment works. Thanks!
Learnt some new. Re HPV
I have been informed that my cervical cancer removed by cone biopsy 37 years ago has come back to life but not in the cervix of all places I never imagined appeared as pre cancerous changes to part of my anus. Through research since finding out is that being immune compromised can trigger the dormant virus to get moving. Didn't even know it could. I suppose if chicken pox can come back as shingles not so surprising. Just not talked about Seeing as my neutrophils rarely go above 1.3 not surprising I suppose. Here I was thinking it was a haemorrhoid. Probable minor surgery in February. Of course the specialist surgeon has to talk to oncologist glad they know each other well.
Already have implants
Just wondering if anybody is in the same boat as me? I already have breast implants and I am going to have a bilateral mastectomy. I will have these implants removed and still making a decision about what to do next. The only immediate thing I can have with my mastectomy is more implants, which would be done by the breast surgeon. I’m not sure that’s what I want long-term but it’s the only option if I want something straight away. Anybody in any similar situation? Just finding it stressful making decisions at this time.
Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hi all — I’ve been reading a recent research- esp. from the US, including the book Estrogen Matters, which questions the idea that women with breast cancer should automatically avoid Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), and how it can help with longevity etc. I’m planning to speak with my doctor about it, but I’m curious — has anyone here looked into this or discussed HRT after breast cancer with their team? Would love to hear your experiences or any studies/resources you found helpful.
Looking at the 3rd surgery in 1 month
Hi all, I have been diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer with two less than 2cm but fast growing grade 3 tumor in mid Sept and had the lumpectomy surgery to remove the tumor . however pathology report came back saying they found DCIS cells at the margin. So I quickly done a re-excision surgery in mid Oct. The second surgery hit me really hard for not only I felt more pain but also i felt way weaker. But this tues, the surgeon told me they find IDC cancer cells at another margin. Now the surgeon is saying you should do another lumpectomy re-excision surgery. Emotionally I am devastated. But I cannot understand why can't they do a MRI to double check the margin? Or is this newly grown mass? My surgeon was not very open in sharing information. I am now seeking 2nd opinion. But i am so worry it will delay my whole treatment process. Anyone has similar experience to go through multiple surgeries?
Oncotype DX and Ribociclib
The Oncotype DX test is highly effective at identifying the 70% of patients who can safely avoid chemotherapy and the 30% for whom chemotherapy is optimal. A sample of a tumour is sent to the US where the testing is done and I was told I needed to pay approx $5000. I have recently been told by my oncologist that I need to pay approx $75000 for my medication called Ribociclib. Some Australian women will be able to access this medication through the PBS however due to not having metastatic breast cancer etc I am not eligible. I can pay the $75000 in installments of $2100 per month via a financial agreement with the pharmaceutical company. How are women affording these treatments?. It doesn't make sense that these treatments are not funded for everyone. The financial pressure this puts my young family through is very difficult. Has anyone found a way around these costs? * please note: the percentages and costs listed above were advised by an oncologist and are approximates.Recommendations-North Brisbane -Public v Private- Surgeons
Hi Everyone, I do hope everyone is travelling as well as they can be. Was hoping to hear of experiences and recommendations about Public v Private -North Brisbane. My GP has advised if I choose to go private then I need to find surgeon and they can send referral. Not sure where to start…have rang some surgeons, am feeling like I am looking for a needle in a haystack. Has anyone had experiences with going private and having significant out of pocket expenses? Or going Public and what wait times/facilities are like, that they are comfortable in sharing. Preliminary advice is that it is likely treatment will be Chemotherapy then surgery, nothing confirmed until appointment with surgeon.Early HER2+
I understand what Early is and I am grateful that I found something at the same time as my breastscreen mammogram and it is not in lymph glands, PET was also clear but they need a new name for Early. My treatment is starting 9/10 and will be Chemo (abraxane) & hercepton then surgery and radiation. I thought I had choice after doing a lot of research on trusted websites, listening to great podcasts and asking questions of my MDT but although they say I do they highly recommend the above plan. I am resolved to losing my hair and looking forward to the freedom no hair should bring me, I am self employed so can regulate my hours, I am active and look forward to keeping that going, as I know how good it makes me feel and again research shows, it helps us through chemo and everything else. What I struggle with is seeing others reactions to the news and seeing my husband frustrated by the time it takes to have tests and get things started. I would delay treatment even longer if I could but know that is not a good decision as the HER2+ is a grade 3. With a name like Early people seem to think 🤔 I will have an easy run, and I certainly hope I do but have read enough to know that I may not. People also say oh that’s good it’s not urgent then and not that bad. For someone who limits toxins as much as one can this is testing my self control to the limits and then having people say and think 🤔 it is going to be an easy road does not sit well with me. I am babbling and that is certainly something that has happened since diagnosis. I spent 24 hours in denial and 24 hours in why and have decided to tell only positive supportive people going forward and focus on things I can control and leave the rest to my team. thankyou for letting me rant and thankyou for all your encouraging posts and links which I have loved. Let’s kick this tumours out of here x
