worried
 

Hi, everyone. I am so glad I found this site. I ask my doctor alot of questions but answers are always the same. I had bilateral mastecomy in late June of 2008. No chemo or radiation. I am er+pr+ and Her2+++++. When I asked for Herceptin as told not without chemo and adding chemo would only up survial by 3% not really good considering side affects. I had a bone scan. I need to take boniva. I feel like a ticking bomb. I am taking arimidex, but feel there is more out there. Help.

Have you gotten a 2nd opinion?

While I don't know all your details, I'd get a second opinion. Herceptin is important for those of us that are Her2+.

I agree about getting a second opinion. It would help if we had more information too. Did they tell you what stage you were? Did you have lymph node biopsies?
Keep us posted.

Bonnie thank you for answering. I am stage 1 node neg. high grade dcis with microinvasive pattern. I have seen two doctors both in the same office. You are right about seeing another doctor. When I asked the last one what I should do now. His answer was to make sure I have annual mammograph. When I told him I had bilateral mactomey which I thought he should have already known. He laughted and said well I guess you won't have one anymore. I had to fight to get a bone scan. I have read about a knew drug that helps with bone lost and helps to prevent breast cancer.

Liz, if you look at the signature on my post you can see that we seem to have alot in common. I sought 3 opinions and each one was different! But they really helped me clarify things actually. One onc at City of Hope said I did not need any further treatment, just as you have been told. Someone recommended Herceptin alone. But then I had a Oncotype test done on the tissue. And then the pathologist also found more cancer than he originally thought. So these considerations made me decide to do chemo (4 doses) and Herceptin (one year). One really needs information on which to base a decision and choice.
Regarding the annual mammogram, I will still have them...now an "axillary mammogram" which is an ultrasound.
There are many members here who are more knowledgble than I and I'm sure they will be helping you in coming days when the holiday has passed. You have come to the right place. I am glad you did. Keep the faith.
Bonnie

finding a doctor
 

HI, to everyone. I live in northeast Oregon. I am wondering if anyone has a suggestion on a doctor that I could see. I am thinking of going to the Boise area. The doctors I have seen in Walla Walla Washington, suggest only arimidex as my only treatment. I am stage 1 node neg. I had bilateral mastectomy in late June of 2008. I am er+pr+Her2+++. They feel there is no reason to do chemo. and will not give me hercetin without. Thanks for your help.

Hi Lizocean,
I went to Cancer Care NW in Spokane for my treatment. I too am triple positive, stage 1, and nod neg. I did 4 rounds of chemo and one year of Herceptin. PM me if you like more on drs in this area.