Seeking Advice or Suggestions

[Terry]

I have 5 treatments remaining of Herceptin on the early stage trial (right breast lumpectomy). Completed AC, 12 weekly doses of Taxol and then radiation in October. In December I found a lump on my left breast and had a mammogram/sonogram that suggested a 4 cm cyst/non-malignant. A couple of weeks ago, I found another lump on my right breast and went for a sonogram yesterday. They list it as a palpable lump.

I am scheduled to see my breast surgeon tomorrow morning. I have so many questions. I feel if I simply have them biopsied(?) and they turn up non-malignant, then I will worry in the "wait and see" mode and I don't think I want to do that. Do I simply have the lumps removed from both breasts or should I consider mastectomy? Is it possible that the Herceptin is preventing the lumps from going malignant and I'm left wide open for malignancy when I complete the treatment in 5 weeks? I am also scheduled to have my port removed next week after 14 months.

Any advice or suggestions?

[Lolly]

Terry,
You have a lot of concerns, but I think we need more information about the patholgy done on the original tumor; What size, grade of tumor? ER/PR negative or positive? What stage are you?
Whether or not Herceptin is keeping any possible malignancies at bay remains to be seen, but
I feel a biopsy of both lumps could help determine what you're dealing with and if they're proven to be benign, that doesn't prevent you from deciding to have surgery done, whether lumpectomy or mastectomy; YOU are in the driver's seat, and if "wait and worry" is not your style, you CAN have surgery. Your insurance may not cover the procedures and any related reconstructive surgery if your risk factors aren't considered high enough to warrant the surgery, so that's possibly a concern.
If you're not sure about having your port removed just yet, this might be a good case for "wait and see", until you feel comfortable enough with your status that you are ready to part with your little friend; on the other hand maybe that time is now and you're ready to say goodby and good riddence! In that case, have it removed, you can always get another one if you need it. Hopefully NOT, but I'm on my third one so don't feel you have to keep it "just in case".
love, Lolly

[Steph N.]

You are in an unusual situation with finding "lumps" while in treatment. Not heard of that from anyone I know. They should be biopsied and if a needle biopsy does not tell enough have another kind that gets more tissue. This disease is VERY sneaky and you can't be too careful.
KEEP your port for a while. At least for a year after you finish the Herceptin. Especially if it is not bothering you in any way and is well healed.
I kept mine and indeed needed it again within a year for liver mets. Now that I am on maintenance Herceptin I am glad to keep it. It has been in for 4 years and working just fine.
Best wishes for a good meeting with your surgeon tomorrow!

[Terry]

Thanks for responding Lolly.

Background includes diagnosis in October, 2002. 2.2cm, 1/9 nodes, IDC, Grade III, Her2neu+++, ER+, PR+, Stage 2B. And as mentioned, I'm on treatment 46 (of 52) of Herceptin following chemo and radiation. Also on Tamoxifen (age 47).

I will need to make up my mind after speaking with her tomorrow as to whether I will have the port removed on Monday. HA, I WAS ready to say goodbye and good riddence.

Dowg gone, I thought I was coming up on a period of no doctor visits, no chemo, no port, etc. after 14 months of treatment. With all of the above said though, I'm thinking positive thoughts.

How are you doing? I think about you (many of you) every time I log on. I was devastated when I read your news of another recurrence, but yet you are always full of encouragement!

- Terry

[Steph N.]

Your numbers clinch my suspicions. I was also ready to get back to "normal" as you so rightly feel. But I was also a high grade, high risk for recurrance type. This is why I kept my port. One of those little still, small voices told me that it was no big deal and I should be ready in case - and I am glad I listened! An every-6 week port flush takes only minutes unless your clinic is far away.
When I had mets dx'd I had NO time to get another port - I went upstairs to start infusions that very hour! And they prefer to give Navelbine and some other chemos through a port.
One other idea. You may want to try to STAY on Herceptin after the trial, since you have the high risk numbers. Other women have posted here and told how they insisted and got it.
Seems you have all your ducks in a row for your doc visit.

[jessica]

Terry-
Just wishing you the best during such stressful time...and we're expected to make such pivotal choices under these circumstances!I agree w/the other ladiesAs suggested by the other ladies, have a biopsy done, the pathology report will hold alot of answers to your questions, and help guide you on your next step.
Re:one of your questions about Herceptin preventing benign lumps from turning malignant...I believe if the biopsy results of the current lumps in your breast are Her2-, then the Herceptin wouldn't have any effect on them, good or bad...The questions of surgery, assuming the lumps are benign, would be a question of your comfort level.If you'd rather not deal with the uncertainty of those lumps, maybe a mastectomy vs. a lumpectomy is your best choice.But no one can make that decision for you.Take your time, gather your info, ask questions, allow us to offer our input, if it's helpful.
Keep the faith & take good care!