Hi team, I was going to phone but the line was down. I wondered if anyone would be able to just talk me through what my results mean. I don’t want to Google as we know where that leads!
DCIs 60mm multiple sites of IDC ranging from 1.5mm to 17.mm clear margins of 2mm all round. ER+8 PR+8 HER2 neg. Right side inner lower area.
I have lymph node biopsy on Wed to see if it’s spread.
Just wanted to know a bit more about the HER2 neg. Is that better than positive and what do the 8s mean. Sorry, I received my letter from my surgeon and just had these questions.
Hello motherducky,
Thanks for posting
It’s natural you want to understand what’s in the letter from your surgeon, no need to apologise.
Breast cancers that are HER2 positive can be faster growing and more likely to return that HER2 negative breast cancers. However, HER2 positive breast cancers can be treated with certain targeted therapies to reduce the risk of this happening. These targeted therapies are of no benefit in people like yourself who are HER negative.
There are different systems for testing for oestrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR) One of these is Allred which uses a score out of 8. As it looks as though you are 8 out of 8 then you have breast cancer that is oestrogen receptor positive and will be offered hormone therapy a part of your treatment.
You mention that you also have a lymph node biopsy on Wednesday. The results from this will also help your team know which adjuvant (after surgery) treatments to recommend for you.
You may want to talk to your breast care nurse or treatment team about the questions you have.
It’s good to see you were going to ring us. We do often find we can help people more by speaking to them on the phone. We are here tomorrow (Saturday) 9am to 1pm
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000.
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Best wishes
Jane
Breast Care Nurse
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