infiltrating ductal carcinoma w/lymph nodes, none clear. intervascular involvement by metastatic idc. and HER2+ . what is the prognosis? have done chemo,surgery,radiation,herception and 1 year tomoxifen. tomoxifen is not working to block estrogen. everything is about "early detection". I was not early. where can I find more info?
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Q: didn't get early diagnosis. what is prognosis?
Answers (2)
4/28/10 5:30am
Early detection is great, Marial, but that's not real life; many of us, for whatever reason, didn't detect our cancer early. It sounds like you've done everything right, and now you're wondering about next steps. If the tamoxifen isn't working (did your oncologist tell you that?), then you'd want to consider an oophorectomy (ovary removal), and an aromatase inhibitor in place of tamoxifen. That would reduce your estrogen to lower than it currently is.
Not sure what further information you want, but the best source is always your own oncologist. Ask to schedule a longer than usual appointment, as you have some questions. Then go armed with a list, everything you want to know. If you're not comfortable with the answers, seek a second opinion - preferably at a Comprehensive Cancer Center, if you're not already being treated at one.
Best of luck to you - PJH
4/29/10 5:57am
Stay strong, Maria - as a single mom, you already know what this means, and I'm sure you've developed extra strength. Cancer will develop that strength even further. And you know what? Once you actually learn to ask for help, you'll find that there are SO many people wanting to reach out their hands to you. People are good; they want to help, and you're doing them a favor by giving them this opportunity to feel good about themselves.
Definitely nail your oncologist down; one of the first things you might do, as far as asking for help, is to bring a friend with you to your next appointment, to help listen and make sense of things, and to take notes, if necessary. The friend can keep asking your questions till you get them answered - gang up on the onco, in a nice way! There's no reason you shouldn't get all the information you want and need. Perhaps he's reluctant because he doesn't know the answers; that's natural, cancer is complicated and we still don't know everything about it. But then, he shouldn't be afraid to say "I don't know." So just keep asking, OK?
Best of luck to you - PJH
4/29/10 12:58pm
You rock! didn't know there was accually help out there. Thank you
4/29/10 1:09pm
We're always here for you. Well, except when we're sleeping! 
PJH
4/28/10 6:40am
As PJ says, your own oncologist is the best person to look at all the details of your diagnosis and tell you about your prognosis. However, your doctor cannot tell you what will happen to you. S/he can only give you information about what has happened to women in studies done at least five years ago. As a Stage IIIB inflammatory breast cancer patient with 16 positive lymph nodes, I learned how to balance information from studies that my doctor and I used to make treatment decisions with faith that I would be able to get well and live recurrence free. I just celebrated 12 years since my diagnosis. Many women with your level of disease live to be old ladies. There is every reason to believe that you can too.
4/28/10 11:27pm
Thanks. Needed to hear 12yrs and still rockin'! That is wonderful, we don't hear enough about that. And yes at 45 yrs young I want to grow old. Thank you, you have been great. Maria L
4/29/10 6:00am
Glad to help. Talking to long-term survivors helped me when I was first diagnosed. I'm glad to pass along the favor. Keep on reaching out. We all need help when cancer strikes.
4/29/10 12:59pm
Thank you. Smiling
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By marial— Last Modified: 12/25/10, First Published: 04/27/10
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Thank you for taking the time to answer. This is my first time "reaching out". I am a single mom of three and its hard to ask for help, I have never needed it before. Great Ideas!!!; list, longer appt. My Oncologist is wonderful; but he doesn't seem to want to answer questions. I will try harder. Estrogen level test too high per Dr., waiting for second test to comfirm. You have been very helpful.
Thank you again, Maria L.