Eight weeks ago I  had a LICAP procedure to remove a 6cm mass of  high grade DCIS including an 8mm area of IDC. The original biopsy indicated it was ER/PR positive, HER2 positive and Grade 2. I have now received the results and I am node negative and the invasive cancer has been downgraded to Grade 1.  I do not have clear margins and therefore I have to have another operation. I have 2 questions:

1 In your opinion was the original biopsy result of Grade 2 incorrect or was it so small that it was removed during biopsy and the rest of the area is slow growing and Grade 1?

2 Reading the NICE guidelines, it would appear that I would not be offered Herceptin and Chemo as the IDC is less than 1cm but it would be discussed with my oncologist.  What other factors apart from tumour size will the oncologist take into consideration before making a recommendation?

I am not able to speak to my oncologist until I have been signed off by the surgical team and I have been advised that the results of the second operation to get clear margins may take 4-8 weeks again.  The waiting is horrendous and the nature of my work means that I cannot dip in and out of work.  I really need some idea of what lies ahead and whether I will need Herceptin and Chemo or only Radiotherapy and hormone treatment.  I would really prefer not to have the Her 2 treatment however, I do not want to be in a position where I have a recurrence either. I do not mean to sound ungrateful as I am pleased with my results and I am very grateful for the care I have received from the NHS but being stuck in limbo is very difficult.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post.