Hi lovely people can anyone advise, I am having a wired lumpectomy and sentinel biopsy on the 24 of March then after that radiotherapy, my question is as my surgeon has not discussed it with me and maybe my oncologist will once they have my biopsy results back, I understand HER2 Positive is protein fed and mine is a 10 mm and 1mm close together lesions and that any size cancer of HER 2 Positive you HAVE to have targeted drugs is there anyone that has NOT had to have targeted drugs for small lesions ?? I do not need chemo I am a little scared thank you for taking the time to read my message. X
I had a lumpectomy in Jan, although was found to be HER2 -ve with hormone rather than protein led tumours.
I too was told my op would be followed by radiotherapy and pills for the next 10 years.
After the first surgery, it didn't take long to get back into the swing of things, however, I needed a second surgery in Feb as the first hadn't met the required margins.
To note, they can't exactly say what the margins are in advance of the surgery. Scans/MRI/biopsy can only provide a vague idea of the size of the tumours. I had 3 tumours, all of which were bigger than they first thought. I needed a "shave" to take extra tissue to ensure that I have clear margins.
I am now waiting my results, which include an "Onco" test which is done in the US. This will determine whether I need chemo.
Try to ask as many questions as you can, my 2nd surgeon asked if I worked in medicine - I do not - because I asked so many! Nothing is silly or out of bounds and often, more info comes out the more you ask.
I think the pills are a necessary rather than optional part of your care, but ask about alternatives and the pros and cons of taking them or not. Nothing is compulsory, but if you ask, they can explain why they're recommending them.
I hope all goes well with your surgery and you have a speedy recovery!!!
The short answer is, you need your biopsy results to know your treatment plan but. I had HER2 positive and oestrogen negative breast cancer. I needed chemo as it was in my lymph nodes and the phesgo/herceptin therapy but I didn’t need to be on the tablets as those with oestrogen positive BC do. My understanding is that if it is HER2 positive, you’ll need the targeted therapy. I had 18 cycles of Phesgo and it was very manageable, I worked in a physically demanding school job throughout if that helps. Once you have your results things will be so much clearer. Try not to worry about every eventuality now, it’s too overwhelming. All the best xx
