HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - not to anger or scare anyone--just food for thought

Becky · 04-28-2007, 06:50 AM

This theory has been around forever and has some merit. The primary tumor exudes chemicals that inhibit the growth of micromets that may be somewhere in the body. The primary tumor does this so it can get all the nutrients the body has to offer versus having to share with other tumors that would be rapidly growing.

HOWEVER, this is offset by getting chemotherapy. This is why the oncs want you to start chemo or radiation quickly (3-4 weeks after surgery). Also, the risk is there but small - this is even stated in the study.

04-28-2007, 06:50 AM	#5
Becky Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Stockton, NJ Posts: 4,179	This theory has been around forever and has some merit. The primary tumor exudes chemicals that inhibit the growth of micromets that may be somewhere in the body. The primary tumor does this so it can get all the nutrients the body has to offer versus having to share with other tumors that would be rapidly growing. HOWEVER, this is offset by getting chemotherapy. This is why the oncs want you to start chemo or radiation quickly (3-4 weeks after surgery). Also, the risk is there but small - this is even stated in the study. __________________ Kind regards Becky Found lump via BSE Diagnosed 8/04 at age 45 1.9cm tumor, ER+PR-, Her2 3+(rt side) 2 micromets to sentinel node Stage 2A left 3mm DCIS - low grade ER+PR+Her2 neg lumpectomies 9/7/04 4DD AC followed by 4 DD taxol Used Leukine instead of Neulasta 35 rads on right side only 4/05 started Tamoxifen Started Herceptin 4 months after last Taxol due to trial results and 2005 ASCO meeting & recommendations Oophorectomy 8/05 Started Arimidex 9/05 Finished Herceptin (16 months) 9/06 Arimidex Only Prolia every 6 months for osteopenia NED 18 years! Said Christopher Robin to Pooh: "You must remember this: You're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think"