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Q: ER- PR- and HER2/neu IHC; Negative and HER2/neu by FISH Negative. Would Chemo be indicated most of the time with this pathology report from Matectomy samll 1.1cm tumor?
Yes, chemo would be indicated. This is triple negative breast cancer, and since chemo is the oncologist's only weapon against it - since long-term hormone therapy would be ineffective - chemo is usually a given, even with a small tumor that hasn't spread. If you're describing your diagnosis, good luck - I hope your treatment goes well. PJH
Whether chemo is needed in a particular situation is a call for the oncologist. Because this tumor is triple negative, there are no follow up treatments after surgery like Tamoxifen or Herceptin. Therefore, doctors are recommending chemo more often for small tumors than they used to for triple negative cancers. If you are uncertain about your doctor's recommendation, it would be a good idea to get a second opinion from a doctor at a comprehensive cancer center.
It is very hard to hear what the doctor is explaining when we are in shock about a cancer diagnosis. That is one reason that it is a good idea to take a friend or family member with you. I always wrote down all my questions ahead of time. Sometimes reconstruction is done at the time of the original surgery. If not, it would usually wait until after chemo and/or radiation to reduce the chance of infection. I found it very helpful to talk over all my treatment options when I went for a second opinion at a comprehensive cancer center. The doctor there confirmed that my local oncologist's recommendations were the best way to go for me, and I went forward with treatment feeling confident.
Hi - I had my reconstruction done at the same time as the mastectomy - it was nice to get the surgery all over with at once. Then the chemo and radiation followed, with chemo first (about 6 weeks later), and radiation after chemo. As for questions: check out our "just diagnosed" page; right in the center of the page, you'll see a link to "10 key questions to ask your oncologist" at the first visit...
I wish you the very best of luck with all of this - come back here anytime to vent, ask questions, or for support. We're here for you - PJH
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Thank you for your response, I do have a comprehensive cancer center with an appointment next week, just thought with the mastectomy vs lumpectomy that NO follow up radiation and chemo would be needed except in very rare cases. Guess I just didn't let my mind hear my breast surgeon when she said that at times Chemo is indicated after the mastectomy. Would reconstuction need to be placed on hold until Chemo is completed? I know each case is different, just wanted a general common treatment. Are there questions that I should ask my oncologist at the first meeting? I would like to be knowledgable about what is to come rather than have hindsight.
Blessings to each of you,
Postive Attitude will get me through!!