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mabrooks · 05-07-2007, 01:48 PM

Sheryl;
My case sounds similiar. I am 53 years old. Lumpectomy 3/29/07 - mammosite radiation for 5 days twice a day. DCIS with microinvasion - clear margins - sentinel node biopsy negative. Tumor was 5mm. ER+, PR+, Stage 1, Grade 2, Her2 Positive 3+.
Thought I was done after radiation. Saw the medical oncologist and he wants me to take an AI and Herception. I guess it is all good - being preventive. He said I would have the heart testing a few times at the start of Herceptin treatment (once every 3 weeks for 1 year) then less often if I do well on it. I am afraid of the Herceptin side effects more than anything. My oncologist feels that Tamoxifen is more appropriate for premenopausal women - he wants me on an AI - like Femara. My hot flashes are back with a venegence after stopping my HRT - my sleep is interupted and mood swings are common with me. I am meeting with the oncologist next week - after the test for high risk or low risk is completed. If he recommends the Herceptin I will give it a go. He also recommends bone density testing and a drug like Fossamex or Boniva and maybe an antidepressant to help with the side effects of the AI. Hope this helps........will post when I know what my treatment will be.
Good luck and God bless.

05-07-2007, 01:48 PM	#6
mabrooks Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 17	herception and care questions Sheryl; My case sounds similiar. I am 53 years old. Lumpectomy 3/29/07 - mammosite radiation for 5 days twice a day. DCIS with microinvasion - clear margins - sentinel node biopsy negative. Tumor was 5mm. ER+, PR+, Stage 1, Grade 2, Her2 Positive 3+. Thought I was done after radiation. Saw the medical oncologist and he wants me to take an AI and Herception. I guess it is all good - being preventive. He said I would have the heart testing a few times at the start of Herceptin treatment (once every 3 weeks for 1 year) then less often if I do well on it. I am afraid of the Herceptin side effects more than anything. My oncologist feels that Tamoxifen is more appropriate for premenopausal women - he wants me on an AI - like Femara. My hot flashes are back with a venegence after stopping my HRT - my sleep is interupted and mood swings are common with me. I am meeting with the oncologist next week - after the test for high risk or low risk is completed. If he recommends the Herceptin I will give it a go. He also recommends bone density testing and a drug like Fossamex or Boniva and maybe an antidepressant to help with the side effects of the AI. Hope this helps........will post when I know what my treatment will be. Good luck and God bless.