any help please? pregnancy

Georgie · 04-02-2007, 10:03 AM

Hi
I have posted this in newcomers but I am not sure now which is the correct one.

I am new to this site. Last year I was diagnosed with BC. I have had the surgery, chemo, radiotherapy and had just started Herceptin when I found out by a complete surprise I was pregnant. They stopped the herceptin straight away. They have agreed to restart after the baby has been born. I am worried about stopping herceptin. Can anybody help as to whether I am in a dangerous position? Or what position I am in regards a likelyhood of recurrence whilst being pregnant. Any help/advice is appreciated.Thanks

My history is as follows:
breast feeding my second child and found a lump under the arm -
Lumpectomy with no clear margins, then mastectomy L breast.
Biopsy results:
1st tumour 2.5cm (lumpectomy), 3 other tumours collectively amounting to 9.6cm (mastectomy).
All Grade 3, HER2+, ER negative
2 out of 8 nodes positive

Could I just add the following:
I was breast feeding my 8 month old son at the time of diagnosis. I am told that the cancer developed during either pregnancy or breast-feeding of my first born. Which could indicate that pregnancy or lactation had an influence??

MJo · 04-02-2007, 10:49 AM

Oh my. Life sure does happen. I don't even think your oncologist could predict whether or not you are in danger or whether you might recur while you're pregnant. It sounds like you got some aggressive treatment -- chemo and radiation. And a few Herceptin treatments are better than none. Hopefully the treatment mopped up any stray cells. But I agree that you should re-start herceptin ASAP after baby is born. No breastfeeding with this one. LOL. We all will keep our fingers crossed here for you. Healthy baby, healthy mom. Congratulations.

Sandy H · 04-02-2007, 11:08 AM

One good thing in your favor is you are ER negative so your cancer is not estrogen fed which by being pregnant would put you in more danger as estrogen is higher during pregnancy. Try to relax, take good care of yourself, eat well, get plenty of rest which may be hard to do with other children to take care of. You should do fine and this will be a very special baby! Easy for me to say this I am not in your shoes. No one can predict whether you will reocurr and hopefully, not in the 9 months you are pregnant. I am sure you will hear from others here as you are not the first one this has happened to. Sending you a big hug, Sandy

jessica · 04-02-2007, 11:15 AM

Hi Georgie~
While I don't have any specific advice or knowledge to offer, rest assured that someone here will!
I'm inclined to assume that an ER neg tumor during pregnancy (when hormone levels are surging) is actually a good thing...?
But like I said, I'm certainly no authority-just hold tight, one of the wonderfully wise women (& men) will post here to offer you insight you can feel confident about!
Nonetheless, congratulations to you & your family. What a lovely gift. I pray you're able to enjoy this pregnancy w/comfort & optimism.

Keep the Faith~

Audrey · 04-02-2007, 12:47 PM

Hi Georgie,
Just wanted to share that I remember reading about Stephanie Spielman (wife of football star Chris Spielman), who got pregnant while taking Herceptin and had a healthy baby girl (named Audrey!) --anyway, you can read about her story here" www.jamesline.com look for "Ask Stephanie" and you can e-mail her with questions about her experience. Best of luck to you!

Rozebud · 04-02-2007, 12:48 PM

Georgie:

Stephanie Speilman was on herceptin when she got pregnant with one of her children (her 3rd??). There isn't a lot of information, I know the vaccine trials want you to be sterile to qualify, but vaccines stay in your system a lot longer. Her baby was fine. You might go to this site and shoot her an email.

http://www.jamesline.com/waystogive/funds/spielman/

The story:
http://www.newsnet5.com/specialassig...47/detail.html

Also, there was a lady on the YSC site named Karen who hasn't been on for more than a year. She also was on herceptin when pregnant. You might try sending her an email or PM:
http://www.youngsurvival.org/blocks/...t=ST&f=6&t=207

Her son was also fine, just delivered early. I think the same thing happened with Stephanie. Hope that helps.

kim · 04-02-2007, 01:46 PM

Georgie,

I can't even imagine the stuggle it must be to be trying to find the right thing to do for both you and the baby. I would definitely think being er- would be in your favor.
As for the herceptin, are you sure it is off limits?
I am pretty sure I remember reading about Stefanie Spielman(nfl players wife) getting herceptin while she was pg a couple of years ago. However, she is stage 4, so your circumstances are different. I am pretty sure she was treated at the James Free Cancer Center in Columbus Ohio.
Also I see Dr Theriault at MD Anderson mentioned a lot in re to cancer and pg.

I am not sure who you see or where you live, but I am the queen of consults, so I would definitely pursue other opinions for more info on your cirucumstances.

Good Luck to you,
Kim

RobinP · 04-02-2007, 07:49 PM

Hi there,
I'm so sorry to hear that you're going through bc while pregnant. I think you should also post your question on the YSC Young survival coalition board website. Praying for you.

Shell · 04-03-2007, 06:51 AM

Georgie-

I'm sorry I don't have any helpful advice, but I did want to let you know we are thinking of you - what a wonderful joyful happening to look forward to...

Regards,

RobinP · 04-03-2007, 10:44 AM

Georgie,

I just wanted to add, make sure you go to a major cancer center, something like MD Anderson, Sloan Kettering, or Dana Farber Cancer center, for all of your cancer care as they are most likely to be on top on things.Best of luck to you.

RobinP · 04-03-2007, 10:44 AM

Georgie,

I just wanted to add, make sure you go to a major cancer center, something like MD Anderson, Memorail Sloan Kettering, or Dana Farber Cancer center, for all of your cancer care as they are most likely to be on top on things.Best of luck to you.

Andi · 04-03-2007, 10:52 AM

Georgie - I just wanted to pass on to you -- last summer when I met with my oncologist, he was telling me he just had a follow up visit with a patient of his - she was pregnant and found that she had b/c. She delivered her baby and that baby is now 17 years old - both mother and baby are doing well! Think positive thoughts that this will be your story, too. This baby is going to be an extra special gift.

Georgie · 04-04-2007, 02:04 AM

thanks for your words of support I really do appreciate it.

Rupali · 04-04-2007, 12:47 PM

I was asking my oncologist the other day about pregnancy. He mentioned that there is no study that can say that pregnancy is bad for reoccurence of bc.

In fact he said there is some data that suggests that pregnancy can be protective against recurrence. I would say, you should make sure you eat healthy and do all you can to keep your spirits high and deliver the baby.
Me and my husband have been also talking about it but havent been able to take the final step.
All the best to you.

Georgie · 04-26-2007, 12:26 PM

Hi to everyone

I thought that I would let you know that I have had my 12 weeks scan and everything is looking good. Heart beat strong and wriggling around a lot!! Seeing the scan has made me feel that this is fate. This baby wants to be born, it has gone through so much to even be at this stage and looking normal is no short of a miracle.

I will keep you posted with developments

once again thanks for the advice and support - both have been a real help to me xx

MJo · 04-26-2007, 01:39 PM

Congratulations on that strong little wiggler.