Sister has been diagnosed....

[Barb]

Hello Group. I'm an "old" member of this group, but haven't been very
actively posting recently. My breast cancer was diagnosed 25 years
ago and was treated with modified radical mastectomy and a year of CMF
chemo. Back then Drs. weren't testing for HER2Neu so I don't know if
I had the overexpression of that protein or not. Anyway, my dear
sister was diagnosed last week with early stage (1) breast cancer,
with ER-Pr-, HER2 Neu positive. She had a lumpectomy and is waiting
for her next appointment. There was mention of her receiving
radiation twice a day for five days, rather than the six week (5 days
a week) regimen. She doesn't know about the need for chemo or
Herceptin just yet, but I'm finding, in my search for info, that both
are used for early stage bc, with her tumor's characteristics. Anyone
on the group have any experience with this? Thanks.

Barb

[Tim Jackson]

Barb wrote:
> Hello Group. I'm an "old" member of this group, but haven't been very
> actively posting recently. My breast cancer was diagnosed 25 years
> ago and was treated with modified radical mastectomy and a year of CMF
> chemo. Back then Drs. weren't testing for HER2Neu so I don't know if
> I had the overexpression of that protein or not. Anyway, my dear
> sister was diagnosed last week with early stage (1) breast cancer,
> with ER-Pr-, HER2 Neu positive. She had a lumpectomy and is waiting
> for her next appointment. There was mention of her receiving
> radiation twice a day for five days, rather than the six week (5 days
> a week) regimen. She doesn't know about the need for chemo or
> Herceptin just yet, but I'm finding, in my search for info, that both
> are used for early stage bc, with her tumor's characteristics. Anyone
> on the group have any experience with this? Thanks.
>
> Barb

Hi Barb

My experience is pretty much pre-Herceptin too, but I understand that if
her pathology results indicate chemo, then Herceptin would be likely.

Prognosis should be good.

I hadn't head of that twice-a day radiation regime, that sounds
interesting. Good if it gets it over with sooner, but turning up at the
unit twice a day could be awkward for some.


Tim

[Barb]

On Mar 23, 6:41*am, Tim Jackson <t...@tim-jackson.co.uk> wrote:
> Barb wrote:
> > Hello Group. *I'm an "old" member of this group, but haven't been very
> > actively posting recently. *My breast cancer was diagnosed 25 years
> > ago and was treated with modified radical mastectomy and a year of CMF
> > chemo. *Back then Drs. weren't testing for HER2Neu so I don't know if
> > I had the overexpression of that protein or not. *Anyway, my dear
> > sister was diagnosed last week with early stage (1) breast cancer,
> > with ER-Pr-, HER2 Neu positive. *She had a lumpectomy and is waiting
> > for her next appointment. *There was mention of her receiving
> > radiation twice a day for five days, rather than the six week (5 days
> > a week) regimen. *She doesn't know about the need for chemo or
> > Herceptin just yet, but I'm finding, in my search for info, that both
> > are used for early stage bc, with her tumor's characteristics. *Anyone
> > on the group have any experience with this? *Thanks.
>
> > Barb
>
> Hi Barb
>
> My experience is pretty much pre-Herceptin too, but I understand that if
> her pathology results indicate chemo, then Herceptin would be likely.
>
> Prognosis should be good.
>
> I hadn't head of that twice-a day radiation regime, that sounds
> interesting. Good if it gets it over with sooner, but turning up at the
> unit twice a day could be awkward for some.
>
> Tim- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Thanks for responding, Tim. It used to be that if there was no lymph
node involvement, chemo wasn't indicated. It seems that this is an
agressive cancer though, and chemo could be prescribed. I don't know
if Herceptin is even prescribed, apart from chemo.

Hope you and your family are well.

Barb

[Tim Jackson]

Barb wrote:
> On Mar 23, 6:41 am, Tim Jackson <t...@tim-jackson.co.uk> wrote:

>
> Thanks for responding, Tim. It used to be that if there was no lymph
> node involvement, chemo wasn't indicated. It seems that this is an
> agressive cancer though, and chemo could be prescribed. I don't know
> if Herceptin is even prescribed, apart from chemo.
>
> Hope you and your family are well.
>
> Barb


Yes we are all good, thank you.

I think the thinking on treatment of ER- cancers has changed a bit over
the years, but it's all guesswork until the path results are in.


Tim

[RDent]

Hi Barb...great that you're doing well.

Sorry that your sister's been recently diagnosed...

I had a lumpectomy last May...1 cm tumor...IDC...Stage I...HER2 positive,
ER/PR positive...lymph nodes negative.

(2nd occurrence, though onco doctor and surgeon disagreed as to whether a
reoccurrence or new primary. Same breast. Just a lumpectomy and 5 years on
Tamoxifen then...clinical trial).

I elected to have the Brachytherapy (more commonly know to be used in the
"seed" treatment of prostate cancer), partial breast irradiation...Two 5
minute radiation delivery sessons twice a day...5 days.

Fortunately, my onco radiologist was one of the pioneers of the method...

http://tinyurl.com/c65qlb

Because of the location of the tumor bed, I was unable to have the balloon
implant, so the multi-cathether method was used.

Not as many radiologists are trained in the multi-catheter method, and
again...fortunately...mine was very experienced in that method...which is
crucial to helping ensure the most accurate placement and best result.

12 delivery catheters were inserted (number varies, depending on area to be
radiated) and remained in place throughout the week's treatment.

My medical oncologist did discuss chemotherapy and Herceptin with me, but I
elected not to go with either. And yes, recent studies have shown where even
in early stage bc...if HER2 positive, the combination of Herceptin and chemo
can offer added protection. I did start on Arimidex...

Results of the OncTypeDX test showed me to be in the low end of the medium
risk category...and, in my judgement and that of my oncologist, risk of the
treatments may have outweighed the "relatively small" benefit that may or
may not have accrued. As quite often is the case with most treatment
decisions, one gathers as much information as possible...and makes what is
hopefully the best decision for them, based on tumor characteristics, path
results...overall health...etc.

Along with the accelerated schedule, other benefits are no heart/lung
involvement...due to targetted delivery...and no external skin damage.
That, together with the positive results being reported longer term, would
seem to make it a viable choice, if qualified otherwise.

Hope this helps somewhat.

RD


"Barb" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]..
> Hello Group. I'm an "old" member of this group, but haven't been very
> actively posting recently. My breast cancer was diagnosed 25 years
> ago and was treated with modified radical mastectomy and a year of CMF
> chemo. Back then Drs. weren't testing for HER2Neu so I don't know if
> I had the overexpression of that protein or not. Anyway, my dear
> sister was diagnosed last week with early stage (1) breast cancer,
> with ER-Pr-, HER2 Neu positive. She had a lumpectomy and is waiting
> for her next appointment. There was mention of her receiving
> radiation twice a day for five days, rather than the six week (5 days
> a week) regimen. She doesn't know about the need for chemo or
> Herceptin just yet, but I'm finding, in my search for info, that both
> are used for early stage bc, with her tumor's characteristics. Anyone
> on the group have any experience with this? Thanks.
>
> Barb

[RDent]

(First occurrence was in 1997, which is why my surgeon felt it was a new
primary; i.e., length of time in between...not close-in to the original
site).

"RDent" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:CbTBl.24795$[email protected]. .
>
> Hi Barb...great that you're doing well.
>
> Sorry that your sister's been recently diagnosed...
>
> I had a lumpectomy last May...1 cm tumor...IDC...Stage I...HER2 positive,
> ER/PR positive...lymph nodes negative.
>
> (2nd occurrence, though onco doctor and surgeon disagreed as to whether a
> reoccurrence or new primary. Same breast. Just a lumpectomy and 5 years
> on Tamoxifen then...clinical trial).
>
> I elected to have the Brachytherapy (more commonly know to be used in the
> "seed" treatment of prostate cancer), partial breast irradiation...Two 5
> minute radiation delivery sessons twice a day...5 days.
>
> Fortunately, my onco radiologist was one of the pioneers of the method...
>
> http://tinyurl.com/c65qlb
>
> Because of the location of the tumor bed, I was unable to have the balloon
> implant, so the multi-cathether method was used.
>
> Not as many radiologists are trained in the multi-catheter method, and
> again...fortunately...mine was very experienced in that method...which is
> crucial to helping ensure the most accurate placement and best result.
>
> 12 delivery catheters were inserted (number varies, depending on area to
> be radiated) and remained in place throughout the week's treatment.
>
> My medical oncologist did discuss chemotherapy and Herceptin with me, but
> I elected not to go with either. And yes, recent studies have shown where
> even in early stage bc...if HER2 positive, the combination of Herceptin
> and chemo can offer added protection. I did start on Arimidex...
>
> Results of the OncTypeDX test showed me to be in the low end of the medium
> risk category...and, in my judgement and that of my oncologist, risk of
> the treatments may have outweighed the "relatively small" benefit that may
> or may not have accrued. As quite often is the case with most treatment
> decisions, one gathers as much information as possible...and makes what is
> hopefully the best decision for them, based on tumor characteristics, path
> results...overall health...etc.
>
> Along with the accelerated schedule, other benefits are no heart/lung
> involvement...due to targetted delivery...and no external skin damage.
> That, together with the positive results being reported longer term, would
> seem to make it a viable choice, if qualified otherwise.
>
> Hope this helps somewhat.
>
> RD
>
>
> "Barb" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]..
>> Hello Group. I'm an "old" member of this group, but haven't been very
>> actively posting recently. My breast cancer was diagnosed 25 years
>> ago and was treated with modified radical mastectomy and a year of CMF
>> chemo. Back then Drs. weren't testing for HER2Neu so I don't know if
>> I had the overexpression of that protein or not. Anyway, my dear
>> sister was diagnosed last week with early stage (1) breast cancer,
>> with ER-Pr-, HER2 Neu positive. She had a lumpectomy and is waiting
>> for her next appointment. There was mention of her receiving
>> radiation twice a day for five days, rather than the six week (5 days
>> a week) regimen. She doesn't know about the need for chemo or
>> Herceptin just yet, but I'm finding, in my search for info, that both
>> are used for early stage bc, with her tumor's characteristics. Anyone
>> on the group have any experience with this? Thanks.
>>
>> Barb
>
>

[Barb]

On Apr 4, 8:59*pm, "RDent" <M...@midnight.net> wrote:
> (First occurrence was in 1997, which is why my surgeon felt it was a new
> primary; i.e., length of time in between...not close-in to the original
> site).
>
> "RDent" <M...@midnight.net> wrote in message
>
> news:CbTBl.24795$[email protected]. .
>
>
>
>
>
> > Hi Barb...great that you're doing well.
>
> > Sorry that your sister's been recently diagnosed...
>
> > I had a lumpectomy last May...1 cm tumor...IDC...Stage I...HER2 positive,
> > ER/PR positive...lymph nodes negative.
>
> > (2nd occurrence, though onco doctor and surgeon disagreed as to whethera
> > reoccurrence or new primary. Same breast. *Just a lumpectomy and 5 years
> > on Tamoxifen then...clinical trial).
>
> > I elected to have the Brachytherapy (more commonly know to be used in the
> > "seed" treatment of prostate cancer), partial breast irradiation...Two 5
> > minute radiation delivery sessons twice a day...5 days.
>
> > Fortunately, my onco radiologist was one of the pioneers of the method....
>
> >http://tinyurl.com/c65qlb
>
> > Because of the location of the tumor bed, I was unable to have the balloon
> > implant, so the multi-cathether method was used.
>
> > Not as many radiologists are trained in the multi-catheter method, and
> > again...fortunately...mine was very experienced in that method...which is
> > crucial to helping ensure the most accurate placement and best result.
>
> > 12 delivery catheters were inserted (number varies, depending on area to
> > be radiated) and remained in place throughout the week's treatment.
>
> > My medical oncologist did discuss chemotherapy and Herceptin with me, but
> > I elected not to go with either. And yes, recent studies have shown where
> > even in early stage bc...if HER2 positive, the combination of Herceptin
> > and chemo can offer added protection. *I did start on Arimidex...
>
> > Results of the OncTypeDX test showed me to be in the low end of the medium
> > risk category...and, in my judgement and that of my oncologist, risk of
> > the treatments may have outweighed the "relatively small" benefit that may
> > or may not have accrued. *As quite often is the case with most treatment
> > decisions, one gathers as much information as possible...and makes whatis
> > hopefully the best decision for them, based on tumor characteristics, path
> > results...overall health...etc.
>
> > Along with the accelerated schedule, other benefits are no heart/lung
> > involvement...due to targetted delivery...and no external skin damage.
> > That, together with the positive results being reported longer term, would
> > seem to make it a viable choice, if qualified otherwise.
>
> > Hope this helps somewhat.
>
> > RD
>
> > "Barb" <ammer...@epix.net> wrote in message
> >news:[email protected]..
> >> Hello Group. *I'm an "old" member of this group, but haven't been very
> >> actively posting recently. *My breast cancer was diagnosed 25 years
> >> ago and was treated with modified radical mastectomy and a year of CMF
> >> chemo. *Back then Drs. weren't testing for HER2Neu so I don't know if
> >> I had the overexpression of that protein or not. *Anyway, my dear
> >> sister was diagnosed last week with early stage (1) breast cancer,
> >> with ER-Pr-, HER2 Neu positive. *She had a lumpectomy and is waiting
> >> for her next appointment. *There was mention of her receiving
> >> radiation twice a day for five days, rather than the six week (5 days
> >> a week) regimen. *She doesn't know about the need for chemo or
> >> Herceptin just yet, but I'm finding, in my search for info, that both
> >> are used for early stage bc, with her tumor's characteristics. *Anyone
> >> on the group have any experience with this? *Thanks.
>
> >> Barb- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Hi. I'm so sorry it's taken so long to get back to you. I appreciate
your posting. My sis has had a PET scan, which was clear, thank
goodness. She's found that she had two microscopic spots in the
sentinel node so she will have additional surgery on lymph, plus the
insertion of a port this Monday. She will heal for about three weeks
and then begin a chemo regimen of ACT plus Herceptin. She will get
details about the chemo regimen soon. The Herceptin will be every two
to three weeks for the remainder of a year (after the chemo is done),
and then she will do radiation. (Not sure she qualifies for the week
long program now).

It will soon be a year since your surgery....Hope you are doing well
and continue NED for a looooooooooong, looooooooooong time!

Barb

[RDent]

"Barb" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
On Apr 4, 8:59 pm, "RDent" <M...@midnight.net> wrote:
> (First occurrence was in 1997, which is why my surgeon felt it was a new
> primary; i.e., length of time in between...not close-in to the original
> site).
>
> "RDent" <M...@midnight.net> wrote in message
>
> news:CbTBl.24795$[email protected]. .
>
>
>
>
>
> > Hi Barb...great that you're doing well.
>
> > Sorry that your sister's been recently diagnosed...
>
> > I had a lumpectomy last May...1 cm tumor...IDC...Stage I...HER2
> > positive,
> > ER/PR positive...lymph nodes negative.
>
> > (2nd occurrence, though onco doctor and surgeon disagreed as to whether
> > a
> > reoccurrence or new primary. Same breast. Just a lumpectomy and 5 years
> > on Tamoxifen then...clinical trial).
>
> > I elected to have the Brachytherapy (more commonly know to be used in
> > the
> > "seed" treatment of prostate cancer), partial breast irradiation...Two 5
> > minute radiation delivery sessons twice a day...5 days.
>
> > Fortunately, my onco radiologist was one of the pioneers of the
> > method...
>
> >http://tinyurl.com/c65qlb
>
> > Because of the location of the tumor bed, I was unable to have the
> > balloon
> > implant, so the multi-cathether method was used.
>
> > Not as many radiologists are trained in the multi-catheter method, and
> > again...fortunately...mine was very experienced in that method...which
> > is
> > crucial to helping ensure the most accurate placement and best result.
>
> > 12 delivery catheters were inserted (number varies, depending on area to
> > be radiated) and remained in place throughout the week's treatment.
>
> > My medical oncologist did discuss chemotherapy and Herceptin with me,
> > but
> > I elected not to go with either. And yes, recent studies have shown
> > where
> > even in early stage bc...if HER2 positive, the combination of Herceptin
> > and chemo can offer added protection. I did start on Arimidex...
>
> > Results of the OncTypeDX test showed me to be in the low end of the
> > medium
> > risk category...and, in my judgement and that of my oncologist, risk of
> > the treatments may have outweighed the "relatively small" benefit that
> > may
> > or may not have accrued. As quite often is the case with most treatment
> > decisions, one gathers as much information as possible...and makes what
> > is
> > hopefully the best decision for them, based on tumor characteristics,
> > path
> > results...overall health...etc.
>
> > Along with the accelerated schedule, other benefits are no heart/lung
> > involvement...due to targetted delivery...and no external skin damage.
> > That, together with the positive results being reported longer term,
> > would
> > seem to make it a viable choice, if qualified otherwise.
>
> > Hope this helps somewhat.
>
> > RD
>
> > "Barb" <ammer...@epix.net> wrote in message
> >news:[email protected]..
> >> Hello Group. I'm an "old" member of this group, but haven't been very
> >> actively posting recently. My breast cancer was diagnosed 25 years
> >> ago and was treated with modified radical mastectomy and a year of CMF
> >> chemo. Back then Drs. weren't testing for HER2Neu so I don't know if
> >> I had the overexpression of that protein or not. Anyway, my dear
> >> sister was diagnosed last week with early stage (1) breast cancer,
> >> with ER-Pr-, HER2 Neu positive. She had a lumpectomy and is waiting
> >> for her next appointment. There was mention of her receiving
> >> radiation twice a day for five days, rather than the six week (5 days
> >> a week) regimen. She doesn't know about the need for chemo or
> >> Herceptin just yet, but I'm finding, in my search for info, that both
> >> are used for early stage bc, with her tumor's characteristics. Anyone
> >> on the group have any experience with this? Thanks.
>
> >> Barb- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Hi. I'm so sorry it's taken so long to get back to you. I appreciate
your posting. My sis has had a PET scan, which was clear, thank
goodness. She's found that she had two microscopic spots in the
sentinel node so she will have additional surgery on lymph, plus the
insertion of a port this Monday. She will heal for about three weeks
and then begin a chemo regimen of ACT plus Herceptin. She will get
details about the chemo regimen soon. The Herceptin will be every two
to three weeks for the remainder of a year (after the chemo is done),
and then she will do radiation. (Not sure she qualifies for the week
long program now).

It will soon be a year since your surgery....Hope you are doing well
and continue NED for a looooooooooong, looooooooooong time!

Barb

No problem with the timing, Barb...I know how easy it is for it to whiz
passed us...

Great news on the PET scan. I hope her lymphectomy and port insertion went
well and her treatment regime is manageable. Hopefully, she'll be provided
with a detailed list of instructions, recommendations, diet..."no no's",
etc., known to lessen the side effects she may experience.

One of the requirements for the 5-day radiation regime is a node negative
finding...

The year's gone quickly...and so far, so good, thanks!

All good wishes to your sis...