[CPA]

Sounds like you are stage II (probably IIb).

I know waiting for your appointment can be really nerve-wracking. The anticipation and fear of the unknown always can be really tough. You are doing the right thing by researching and learning about your options. Always make sure to understand what your oncologist is saying... and why he/she is saying it. Whatever regimen you get is ultimately YOUR choice and you will have a greater peace of mind if you understand what and why the choice was made.

Here is my "take" on your situation.

Radiation: I agree with Kate; because you had MRM w/ clear margins, you will not likely be receiving radiation.

Chemo: You will probably be given a chemo regimen with herceptin. Because your cancer is essentially gone and you are being given chemo to keep it from coming back, it is called adjuvant chemotherapy. You will definately be receiving Taxotere or some similar formulation, along with either Carboplatin or an anthracycline. There has been a back/forth swing between the actual "in vogue" tx plan for triple positives. In any case, be prepared for at least 1 year of herceptin, administered either every week or every 3 weeks. The frequency will depend upon your oncologist and/or your reaction to the drug.

Hormones: Be ready to discuss this as you have options. Many believe that it is best to stop estrogen production completely either by removing ovaries by oopherectomy or cemically by using lupron shots. After this, you will be put on an oral aromatase inhibitor. This option is preferred by some because a percentage of HER2 patients do not respond as well to Tamoxifen. Others (our oncologist) still believe that stopping estrogen in younger women carries its own risks and that over the long period may not prove any more beneficial. Essentially, estrogen protects a women (bones, heart, etc...) and by removing it 10-15 years early, you are taking a short term gain at the risk of a long term loss. At 42, you are somewhat in-between.

Other: Do not be overly scared of chemo. It is tough, but survivable. Jill, for example, walked 2 laps at the relay for life just 2 weeks after her 6th round of chemo. Within 6 months, she was walking the track as much as she wanted! DO NOT be a martyr. Ask for anti-nausea meds if you need them. Zofran $$$ worked best for Jill - compazene made her woozy/dizzy.

Diet: You will see a lot about special anti-cancer diets discussed here and in other publications. During chemo, just eat healty foods. Chemo damages the muscles in your digestive tract and can cause constipation. Drink plenty of fluids, get lots of fiber and if you are really nauseous, eat whatever you can keep down just to keep your strength. Watch for foods that can carry bacteria. Your immune system will be stretched to the limit, so make sure to wash food well. We cooked almost everything (no raw vegetables) just as a precaution and avoided things like deli foods, salad bars and other foods that can sometimes be germ carriers. Your chemo nurses will probably review all of this with you.

Words of wisdom: Learn the terminology used by the nurses & docs, especially lab abbreviations & drug names. Do not be afraid to ask for a copy of your lab reports - you will probably have blood drawn each time you go for chemo. If you can talk to the nurses in "their language" they will tell you more. They will think that you actually understand what they are saying. Once your treatment decision is made, you will probably have more contact with the nurses than the doctors. Get to know them well - chemo will take up to 2-3 hours or possibly longer and it is nice to have somebody to talk to.