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Hi Jean...yes, my treatment could be considered agressive, invasive lobular carcinoma has a sneaky way of spreading, undetected. Everyone was shocked that it was picked up so early in a mammogram. Among all the screenings I had following surgery, I also requested the Oncotype DX test. This predicts recurrences. It can be a pricey test and some insurance co.s won't pay-I am currently battling my insurance co. to pay for it. Even though my 'prognosis'was good with a small tumor, node neg, etc. The oncotype test showed I was at a "high-intermediate" risk for recurrence. Those results convinced me to do the chemo. I live in the Seattle area, where alot of the Herceptin trials were held. My oncologist is a firm believer in herceptin and feels that if it had such good results for advanced stage breast cancers, then it would be wise to use it for early stage Her2+ cancers. I have very little side effects from the herceptin-runny nose, slight flu-like feeling for 2-3 days after infusion. Had severe joint pain from the Arimidex for the first 3 months (Oct-Jan), doubled up on glucosamine/chondroitin. I exercise regularly which helps. The joint pain has subsided-or maybe I am just getting used to it! Hope this helps!!!
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