1. < Breast Cancer

Diagnosed with invasive ductal Carcinoma 2.2mm. Er/HER2 +3 positive

Posted by lnw @lnw, Apr 9 3:21pm

I was originally diagnosed with DCIS in two ducts. After lumpechtomy, the pathology report showed a 2.2mm tumor attached in one duct. It was diagnosed as invasive ductal Carcinoma-Estrogen positive, progesterone positive but weak & HER2 positive at a +3. All was removed and have clear margins. Had 2 lymph nodes removed, all negative. However, because of the tumor being HER2 positive and grade 3. The Oncologist is stating that I should consider chemotherapy for 3 months & then HER2 inhibitor infusions 1 year to increase the probability of the cancer returning. I am scared to death of chemo. He said if I chose not to have it, research shows a 80% life expectancy at 15 years. With chemo and the inhibitor it increases to 97% at 8 years. I want to give my self the best outcome but chemotherapy has so many bad side effects. Please I need advice from experienced survivors.

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freckle1 | @freckle1 | Apr 13 5:29pm
In reply to @bbhere "That's great, good for you! Excellent results. Can you hear when you have the cap on?..." + (show)
@bbhere

That's great, good for you! Excellent results. Can you hear when you have the cap on? I've been told my first treatment is at least 4 hrs infusion plus at least extra 3 hours in cap. Also did you wear a scarf or something? my hair with no blow drying or products of any kind for I guess 6 months? is not a good look for my job. Thank you for replying!

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One of the reasons I decided against the cold cap was that it would mean a very long tiring day at what I called the Poison Palace. And it's not guaranteed to work. My hair grew back quickly and is the same.

But I'm retired and don't care much about my appearance. If I were still working, might have made a different decision.

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cjs123172 | @cjs123172 | Apr 14 6:18am
In reply to @bbhere "That's great, good for you! Excellent results. Can you hear when you have the cap on?..." + (show)
@bbhere

That's great, good for you! Excellent results. Can you hear when you have the cap on? I've been told my first treatment is at least 4 hrs infusion plus at least extra 3 hours in cap. Also did you wear a scarf or something? my hair with no blow drying or products of any kind for I guess 6 months? is not a good look for my job. Thank you for replying!

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Yes I could hear with it on. I got used to messier hair. If it needed a refresh, I would put a little water on it after I got out of the shower. Mostly I tried not to fuss with it. Don't touch or comb it a lot.

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saraabrooks | @saraabrooks | Apr 14 7:34am
In reply to @freckle1 "Yes. About 14 years later. With a vengeance!" + (show)
@freckle1

Yes. About 14 years later. With a vengeance!

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After reading the stories and such helpful information, I have come to a conclusion for myself. When my operation comes up May 24th, I will go for the total double mastectomy. I never thought I'd say that but I don't do well on drugs at all. I don't want chemo, I don't want radiation, I don't want the ongoing fear of a return. I am 78 years old, what am I thinking about saving my breasts? Good grief, I've had a good run with these breasts. I nursed my two girls and I've had a hell of a good time. I haven't had a husband in over 40 years. I loved my boyfriends. I look them up now and hell, they show up in obituaries! So I have decided to do double mastectomy. I am feeling good about my decision. I am now going in at the end of April and they're going to check it the anestrasol that I was taking is still there and shrinking the tumors.

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4 replies
cmfranco11 | @cmfranco11 | Apr 14 8:28am
In reply to @freckle1 "Any credible evidence that the cold gloves and slippers work?" + (show)
@freckle1

Any credible evidence that the cold gloves and slippers work?

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Hi
I thought glutamine feeds cancer might want to research ! I just read about it but follow drs orders.
Prayers !!

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1 reply
cmfranco11 | @cmfranco11 | Apr 14 8:31am
In reply to @saraabrooks "After reading the stories and such helpful information, I have come to a conclusion for myself...." + (show)
@saraabrooks

After reading the stories and such helpful information, I have come to a conclusion for myself. When my operation comes up May 24th, I will go for the total double mastectomy. I never thought I'd say that but I don't do well on drugs at all. I don't want chemo, I don't want radiation, I don't want the ongoing fear of a return. I am 78 years old, what am I thinking about saving my breasts? Good grief, I've had a good run with these breasts. I nursed my two girls and I've had a hell of a good time. I haven't had a husband in over 40 years. I loved my boyfriends. I look them up now and hell, they show up in obituaries! So I have decided to do double mastectomy. I am feeling good about my decision. I am now going in at the end of April and they're going to check it the anestrasol that I was taking is still there and shrinking the tumors.

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Si you refused chemo and radiation . I wish in oils do the same I just want mastectomies . But tumor needs to shrink !! Sad

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lnw | @lnw | Apr 14 2:02pm
In reply to @saraabrooks "After reading the stories and such helpful information, I have come to a conclusion for myself...." + (show)
@saraabrooks

After reading the stories and such helpful information, I have come to a conclusion for myself. When my operation comes up May 24th, I will go for the total double mastectomy. I never thought I'd say that but I don't do well on drugs at all. I don't want chemo, I don't want radiation, I don't want the ongoing fear of a return. I am 78 years old, what am I thinking about saving my breasts? Good grief, I've had a good run with these breasts. I nursed my two girls and I've had a hell of a good time. I haven't had a husband in over 40 years. I loved my boyfriends. I look them up now and hell, they show up in obituaries! So I have decided to do double mastectomy. I am feeling good about my decision. I am now going in at the end of April and they're going to check it the anestrasol that I was taking is still there and shrinking the tumors.

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Good luck! We all have to make the best decision for ourselves. I totally understand your reasoning. I pray that your tumors shrink and you have a successful surgery and quick recovery!

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freckle1 | @freckle1 | Apr 14 6:36pm
In reply to @saraabrooks "After reading the stories and such helpful information, I have come to a conclusion for myself...." + (show)
@saraabrooks

After reading the stories and such helpful information, I have come to a conclusion for myself. When my operation comes up May 24th, I will go for the total double mastectomy. I never thought I'd say that but I don't do well on drugs at all. I don't want chemo, I don't want radiation, I don't want the ongoing fear of a return. I am 78 years old, what am I thinking about saving my breasts? Good grief, I've had a good run with these breasts. I nursed my two girls and I've had a hell of a good time. I haven't had a husband in over 40 years. I loved my boyfriends. I look them up now and hell, they show up in obituaries! So I have decided to do double mastectomy. I am feeling good about my decision. I am now going in at the end of April and they're going to check it the anestrasol that I was taking is still there and shrinking the tumors.

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There's a "go flat" movement in Australia. Women who've had double mastectomies who don't bother with falsies. I'm a sort of part time member.

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freckle1 | @freckle1 | Apr 15 2:12am
In reply to @saraabrooks "After reading the stories and such helpful information, I have come to a conclusion for myself...." + (show)
@saraabrooks

After reading the stories and such helpful information, I have come to a conclusion for myself. When my operation comes up May 24th, I will go for the total double mastectomy. I never thought I'd say that but I don't do well on drugs at all. I don't want chemo, I don't want radiation, I don't want the ongoing fear of a return. I am 78 years old, what am I thinking about saving my breasts? Good grief, I've had a good run with these breasts. I nursed my two girls and I've had a hell of a good time. I haven't had a husband in over 40 years. I loved my boyfriends. I look them up now and hell, they show up in obituaries! So I have decided to do double mastectomy. I am feeling good about my decision. I am now going in at the end of April and they're going to check it the anestrasol that I was taking is still there and shrinking the tumors.

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You won't be able to do much for yourself for some time after a double mastectomy. You'll need help managing the drains, for starters. But with luck you'll bounce back fairly quickly.

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1 reply
saraabrooks | @saraabrooks | Apr 15 7:43am
In reply to @freckle1 "You won't be able to do much for yourself for some time after a double mastectomy...." + (show)
@freckle1

You won't be able to do much for yourself for some time after a double mastectomy. You'll need help managing the drains, for starters. But with luck you'll bounce back fairly quickly.

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Thanks. I forgot about the drains that will be there.

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