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I was diagnosed Stage III, ER/PR-, HER2+++, grade 3 tumor, axillary node involvement. I went through neoadjunct chemo and am now scheduled for surgery next Thursday (June 8). After considering my strong family history of breast cancer, the fact that I have fibrocystic disease, and very dense breasts, I have opted to have a bilateral mastectomy even though all tests show no tumor in the left breast. It was a very difficult decision to make and I do not regret it. Since I have to have radiation after surgery I will have to wait for reconstruction. I am crossing each bridge as I come to it. If you are comfortable with your decision then you know it's right for you. Good luck to you.
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Kate
Stage IIIC Diagnosed Oct 25, 2005 (age 58)
ER/PR-, HER2+++, grade 3, Ploidy/DNA index: Aneuploid/1.61, S-phase: 24.2%
Neoadjunct chemo: 4 A/C; 4 Taxatore
Bilateral mastectomy June 8, 2006
14 of 26 nodes positive
Herceptin June 22, 2006 - April 20, 2007
Radiation (X35) July 24-September 11, 2006
BRCA1/BRCA2 negative
Stage IV lung mets July 13, 2007 - TCH
Single brain met - August 6, 2007 -CyberKnife
Oct 2007 - clear brain MRI and lung mets shrinking.
March 2008 lung met progression, brain still clear - begin Tykerb/Xeloda/Ixempra
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