What is a "multilobulated" tumor?

[Cathya]

I hadn't paid too much attention to my pathology report but reading the site had me looking at it this evening and I am confused about a couple of things. My tumor was described as "multilobulated fairly well defined firm tax with a few foci of necrosis and hemorrhage. There are also multiple pale tan streaks throughout the mass." Does anyone know what this means? My tumor was 3 cm and I had no positive nodes under the arms. However, following my lumpectomy the oncologist found a tumor in the supraclavicular nodes. He was also surprised to find out I was Her2 "borderline". He described this (and I'm not sure I remember the numbers correctly) as ...if you are under 20 you are negative and over 22 positive and I was 21 or something...therefore borderline. I am on Herceptin and pray it will work for me.....on the site I get the impression that it works best for those who are powerfully Her2 positive so I worry a bit about that. Thanks to this wonderful site I have applied to the U of W Vaccine study and am being considered....the forms are in the mail now and I am happy. By the way, did 4 AC and 4 Taxol, radiation and am now on Arimidex and Herceptin.

Thanks

Cathy

[Julie2]

Hi Cathya,

Are you going to participate in the vaccine trial while on Herceptin? Also How long will you be on Herceptin and when did you start it. I am also considering the vaccine trial but hesitating how will it interfere with the Herceptin.

regards,
Julie

[Cathya]

Julie;

I am hoping to participate in the trial while on Herceptin. I have been communicating with Patty Fintak via email. She has said that I am potentially eligible for one of the vaccine studies (Protocol 118: Her2 Vaccine http://depts.washington.edu/tumorvac/synopsis2.html
She is forwarding me the medical release forms so that she can obtain my medical records to further assess my eligibility. I will discuss this with my oncologist on November 2nd. I hope to stay on Herceptin indefinitely but my oncologist has indicated one year and we have not discussed a further timeframe. I figured that this would be very helpful in case I am cut off Herceptin after one year. I understand it doesn't interfere with these treatments. I started Herceptin June 22rd, 2005 in conjunction with my last Taxol treatment and take it every three weeks.

Cathy

[Julie2]

Hi Cathy,

Thanks for the response. The trial you have mentioned is for stage 4 people right? How are you able to participate in that? The trial I am being considered is
http://depts.washington.edu/tumorvac/synopsis1.html.

Thanks again for the quick reply.

Julie

[Cathya]

Julie;

I really don't know why that is the one....at first it kind of depressed me as I have been thinking of myself as stage 3. My own doctor has not really called me a particular stage but rather said I have metatastic cancer. She did say that I "am potentially eligible for one of our vaccine studies" so perhaps she just put one link instead of a few. What is the difference between the two trials I wonder? It looks like my link is for those who are currently on Herceptin...which I indicated to her I was. I will read over both trials more carefully over the next couple of days and hope that I understand.....lol

Cathy