Confused

[tlromero]

I actually posted in the Hi New members!! thread (post #31) but after reading more posts all I got was more confused.

My mom found a lump end of Aug 2005, mammogram end of Sept with biopsy a week later, mastectomy Oct 11.

Biopsy:
Final Diagnosis:
Grade 2 IDC (174.9)
several surgical margins are involved by infiltrating tumor
extensive high grade DC in SITU
Margins are involved by DCIS
Tumor size: 2.3 cm
Lymphvascular invasion identified
TNM pathologic tumor staging: pT2,NX,MX; stage grouping IIA
Estrogen receptor: pos, 95% pos nuclear staining
Progesterone receptor: borderline, 5% pos nuclear staining
Her2/neu protein expression: 2+ positive

Addendum Findings:
Her2 results by fish
Result: Amplified (the her2/cen 17 rotation = 2.8)



Mastectomy:
Final Diagnosis
minute focus of residual high grade DCIS, not seen in margin
no residual invasive tumor seen
no nipple or lymphatic involvement identified
one of 15 nodes contains metastatic ductal carcinoma
pathologic stage pT2, N1, MX



Onc said he wanted to do cytoxan with adiramycin for 4 treatments and taxotere for 4 treatments. After #4 add herceptin(for up to a year) and after all 8 treatments use anti-estrogen drug(?) for 5 years. Herceptin to be given every week or 3 weeks.

Ok Questions:
What does all of this mean?
What are 'mets'? I have been reading some other posts and see 'mets' mentioned often. Should we be concerned?
What are some posts that I could read that wouldn't be so confusing? My mom goes in on the 22 of Nov for the onc to see her again and if he feels satisfied with the healing will have chemo start then. Is this too soon?

I am sure that I have other questions, but at this time this is all I can think of. Any info would be GREAT!

Thanks!
Terena
Utah

[chrislmelb]

Not too soon to start chemo. Make sure she gets CT and bone scan to check for "mets" metastises(sp) that is when it has spread out of the nodes and breast to skin, other nodes, bones, liver, brain etc. BUT i am sure it hasn't! Good to check.

They had no residual cancer in margins after mastectomy so that is good. Anti estrogen drug-tamoxifen or AI such as Arimidex.

It is all so overwhelming at the start. Thank goodness your mum has you to find out for her. But, some people don't want to know. If you want to know, you have come to the right place.

Take care
Christine

PS I am in Australia so i don't understand your health system!

[jsattaw]

I know it's confusing and overwhelming and there are so many sources of information that you probably have information overload.

I've found the following book to be helpful:

Your Breast Cancer Treatment Handbook by Judy C. Kneece

You can order from:

EduCareInc.com
211 Medical Circle
West Columbia, SC 29169
803 796 6100
www.educareinc.com (http://www.educareinc.com)

It has a section on interpreting the pathology results, understanding treatments, etc. It's easy to read, understand and also has some worksheets to record your own information. You might even check to see if your library or a cancer center library has a copy.

Regarding your oncologist's recommendation of AC -- mine didn't want to use Adriamycin due to increased risk of cardiotoxity. If your Mom will be on Herceptin, this will expose her to an increased risk of heart toxicity too -- something to address with your physician.

Your Mom is lucky to have you as a resource and support person to assist with her care, treatment & recovery.

[tlromero]

Jill,
Thanks for your help! You have given me a place to begin! My mom had a chest x-ray and an echo recently. The onc wants her to have a bone density test, also. Is there anything else she needs or should have done?

Christine,
Thanks for the info on 'mets'. Is it something that we should be concerned with later on? The onc said if we did the treatment he recommended that she would have a 5% chance of cancer coming back. I was thinking that after treatment, then mom will be done, but that doesn't sound to be the case with what I have read here and what I saw on the news recently. So, what should we do after treatment is all finished?

Thanks so much for your help!

Terena
Utah

[chrislmelb]

Get your Mum through her treatment and during that time you will be able to research things. Then you will understand things better and can work through them.

All the best
Christine

[sassy]

This site has wonderful information. Another good site for information is

http://www.breastcancer.org

Sassy
________
Paradise Park condo Jomtien (http://pattayaluxurycondos.com)