HER2+ & hello

Hi I had Her2 positive and ER positive breast cancer. I was given the choice by surgeon whether surgery or chemo first. I had no clue then spoke to oncologist and my mind was made up to having chemo with targeted treatment first ( also after surgery due to residual cells ). Reason for chemo first was to reduce tumour down so that there would be less tissue to remove and also to allow plastic surgeon to give me good reconstruction which it has. I had lumpectomy with MICAP. The chemo first also allowed them to monitor the response. 

Hi Hmfm

I was diagnosed with Her2 positive and ER positive in April but wasnt given the choice of chemo first to shrink the tumor they just taken it out in may didnt get it all out so have just been in again for second surgery my tumor was 26mm plus what they have just taken what size is or was yours? 

Hi Angel123

as I had calcification near tumour they removed it all at same time and was approximately 34 mm I think they said. Got clear margins. I’m sure your treatment was right one for you as we are all different, you will be glad it’s all out now. Have they discussed your chemo plan yet ?

Hi Hmfm, thank you ... you're the second person I hear when given the choice chose chemo first for the reason you describe... wait and see what the MDT team says to me... 

I think there are pros and cons each way. If there’s a risk it has spread then systemic treatment targets cancer cells everywhere, gives them a chance to know whether the treatment is shrinking the primary tumour, and makes it possibly to just remove the lump if it is currently too big for that but it shrinks enough. Of course if you have treatment before surgery and it isn’t effective, the tumour carries on growing and potentially spreading. An input into the decision is likely to be size of tumour and whether there is any pre-surgical clinical evidence it is in your lymph nodes. 

Thanks Coddfish. It's complex...  have the exams , let's see what they decide.