dazed and confused

Had surgery 5/7; Her2 +3; 7mm tumor; mostly clear margins -- anterior (next to skin) not so clear. Neg nodes. Go to onc yesterday who says -quote- forget about the Her2. It's irrelevant. You need one of the following; re-excision, radiation, arimidex or full mastectomy followed by arimidex. --end quote. Go to surgeon today who says..-quote- no, no, margins are fine, you need mamosite radiation then arimidex. Don't worry about Her2 until there's a recurrence - end quote. Radiologist says (two days ago) - quote - because of the Her2 and the intralobular carc. in situ I don't feel like you're a candidate for mamosite radiation, you need a med.onc. end quote. To say I am confused is an understatement. Any thoughts to add to this stew?

Wow, I would be confused to. It sounds like you need another opinion from another specialist. I know more confusion but who are you going to listen to if you don't? I think you need to get copies of all your reports and read them very carefully, and if you don't understand them then have a nurse or a medical person help you. I will pray that you get the guidance you need to make the right decision on what to do. Hugs, Sandy

Jane,
I think your radiologist is on the right track, but as Sandy says, be sure and get copies of all your reports. If you do decide to meet with a med onc, ask what his position is on Herceptin for early stage B.C. Some of our girls have been able to receive Herceptin for early stage, and some have been in trials and gotten it that way.

I have to be honest and say I think being Her2 positive IS relevant, even though you may never have a recurrence.

Be sure and find out where your tissue block is being stored, as if you do experience recurrence down the road, you will have it available for testing in the highly likely event that a new treatment may be available which might require a new test.

I hope this is helpful.

Love, Lolly

I know it may be a day long trip, but I would suggest getting a second opinion at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa.

They are rated as one of the 10 best Cancer Centers in the US.

MaryAnn

Hi,
I'm with the others on this one. Get a second opinion. The Her2 factor is very relevant, also, you have lobular cancer which is more aggressive than ductal and when you add in the her2 it just makes it even more aggressive. Give yourself a fighting chance and go to another dr.
el

You need to get a second opinion. I went to The Cancer Treatment Center of America located in Zion Illinois for mine. I decided to stay for treatment and was not disappointed. They will pay for your transportation to/from the facility. Call them today or visit their Website.