Hi Ladies
Im searching for some direction.
I had a mastectomy 6 weeks ago, and my path report showed only DCIS just behind and pure pagets (nipple cancer). I was told then that I didnt need any further treatment. Test for hormone receptors were only 2 out of 8 - only slightly positive.
However, I have just had a call from my bcn advising me that my surgeon is recommending that I take tamoxifen to protect the other breast.
I have read that my cancer is highly likely to be receptive to her2(herceptin), but a test for this has not been done (and wont be because it is DCIS and not invasive).
I am now at a loss. I am 42. Do I take it? Will it really help?
What are your opinions?
Lisa
Hi Lisa
I have had DCIS (intermediate grade). I saw my oncologist on Thursday and asked about the need for tamoxifen. He said in my case the disadvantages would outweigh the advantages. I think you need more information from your doctor. You said the BCN said it was a surgeon who recommended tamoxifen - maybe you could ask to be referred to an oncologist who has more knowledge about hormone treatment? That shouldn’t be a problem as there will be oncologists on your breast care team and they may be able to give you more information which will answer your questions. The problem is, all our cases are so different so whereas tamoxifen is not recommended for me with DCIS, it may well be a good idea for you. Press for more info and good luck.
Cathy
x
Hi Cathy
This is what I was told last week also. I will call tomorrow.
I would feel happier about it if I knew results of a her2 test. My type is highly linked to over-expression of her2 - not hormones.
Report suggest that 80%+ of pagets is her2 receptive, and only marginally hormone receptive - which is showing here also.
However, ,they arent even doing the her2 test!! So, if my cancer was caused by over-expression of her2 they are not doing anything about that, but throwing a drug at me that will have little effect on the breast cancer, but increase my changes of differnt types of cancer!
Im getting more angry with this as I think more about it. I had a full mastectomy and wasnt allowed a recon, when all I had was 9mm of DCIS behind the nipple.
I just feel bullied again. But this time, I have time to consider it, and I will go for a second or third opinion this time.
Lisa