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Types and Stages of Breast Cancer
Questions about the different types and stages of breast cancer.
1,319 Ask a Question

AskedPublicly Submitted Question
5/23/2012I have IDC, stage 1a, grade 3, HER2+, ER and PR+ breast cancer. The DCIS tumor was 1 cm removed in lumpectomy along with two 2mm sites of invasive cancer. My ki67 is 50% and my oncologist said he suspects an Oncotype DX would return a high risk score. However, because the IDC areas were so small, he has not recommended aggressive treatment nor has he ever recommended aggressive treatment for anyone with less than 5mm. Also this facility does not prescribe Herceptin without chemo, which in his opinion, may be overkill at this point. I am undergoing radiation now and will follow with tamoxifen. Any insight/second opinion on this? Just want to be reassured and have peace with my choice as I move forward.
RepliedJHU's Breast Center Reply
5/23/2012actually no cancer center is to be administering herceptin with chemo. the only protocols and research studies that have been done confirm the need for the combination therapy. oncotypeDX only applies to those with ER positive and HER 2 NEGATIVE tumors. it is worth your while to get a second opinion about chemo given very high Ki67 score and HER2 positivity.

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