Hi, I am new to here and wondered if anyone could give me some advice please. I was diagnosed with DCIS at the end of March 2013, had my first excision in April and a larger area was found plus a 4mm invasive tumour. I was told at that point I was ER positive. I had my other op on 28th May, 3 lymph nodes removed and further tissue to obtain clear margins. I saw the Oncologist yesterday and was told that my nodes were clear, margins were clear but narrow (1mm), one area right up to the skin as I am only small busted. I was also HER2 positive but as the tumour was only small and stage 1, they decided no chemo and that means no herceptin also. I am truly thankful of my diagnosis in many ways as I know compared to many women on here that I am extremely lucky it’s been caught so early and at times I feel like a fraud to some degree when I see/hear about other women going through so much more, but I still can’t help but worry. I have 3 children, my youngest is just 9 months and I am scared that this will come back with a bang in a few years. Has anyone else had a similar diagnosis and been offered more treatment? Many thanks xx
Hello Claire6373
Welcome to the forums, this must be a very difficult time for you. I’m sure other users will be along to support you soon.
In the meantime, maybe you would like to talk things through with a member of our helpline staff who are there to offer emotional support as well as practical information. The free phone number is 0808 800 6000 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9.00 to 5.00 and Saturday 10.00 to 2.00.
Best wishes
June, moderator
I can fully understand your worry. I had a larger tumour-20mm and am currently taking herceptin, tamoxifen and have had chemo and rads. My nodes were clear but I was her2 and oestregen positive. Have they offered you tamoxifen? Might be worth discussing your worries with your breast care nurse.
Your tumour was small but it is HER2+ so I would discuss worries further with oncologist/breast nurse. You didn’t say what grade you were - various other factors will affect proposed treatment.
Take a look at the American site community.breastcancer.org/forum/80/topic/757192 just so that it may help you to ask the right questions for yourself.
You may not be strongly HER2+ : I would ask your onc. for a more detailed discussion of your particular BC, and reasons for proposed treatment route.
Mine is HER2 positive and Grade 1 and I’m on Tamoxifen plus 3 weeks of radiotherapy if that helps. xx
Thanks ladies, mine is grade 1 also which is why they’re saying no chemo or herceptin. I have read a lot on the American sites and they are certantsy a lot more cautious and it’s mastectomy and herceptin. I am going to call the onc Monday for a more detailed chat xx