HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - To treat or not to treat VERY early stage HER2 IDC

musicmama · 03-02-2011, 05:28 PM

Hi Brenda,

Funny you should mention Dr. Cliff Hudis. I just saw him yesterday. He was very clear that he saw absolutely no reason to treat such a small cancer (HER2+ or not). He said that the risk of recurrence is "medically trivial" (not emotionally trivial however) and that the small percentage of benefit that chemo and herceptin would bring would not be enough to justify the risk of heart problems, neuropathy, or other adverse reactions to the chemo.

I'm still trying to settle the voices inside me that want me to do something to keep this thing at bay. Maybe the surgery + Tamoxifen is enough. I don't know.

I'm also waiting for a second opinion on my HER2 status. If that comes back negative I think I'll have a much easier time accepting no treatment.

Thanks to everyone for your input!!!

Rebecca

03-02-2011, 05:28 PM	#44
musicmama Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 12	Re: To treat or not to treat VERY early stage HER2 IDC Hi Brenda, Funny you should mention Dr. Cliff Hudis. I just saw him yesterday. He was very clear that he saw absolutely no reason to treat such a small cancer (HER2+ or not). He said that the risk of recurrence is "medically trivial" (not emotionally trivial however) and that the small percentage of benefit that chemo and herceptin would bring would not be enough to justify the risk of heart problems, neuropathy, or other adverse reactions to the chemo. I'm still trying to settle the voices inside me that want me to do something to keep this thing at bay. Maybe the surgery + Tamoxifen is enough. I don't know. I'm also waiting for a second opinion on my HER2 status. If that comes back negative I think I'll have a much easier time accepting no treatment. Thanks to everyone for your input!!! Rebecca __________________ DX 1/14/11 DCIS grade 2 + IDC grade 3 ER+/PR+ HER2+ 0/5 N age 48. Stage T1a (approx.2mm) Bilateral mastectomy with immediate DIEP reconstruction 2/4/11(very cystic breasts and didn't want to deal with the stress of constant biopsies).