i had a lumpectomy and SNB 2 weeks ago which while uncomfortable is healing nice, When I returned for my results on Fr 1st Nov the Surgeon said that everything was good,they had removed lump and there were clear margins so no more surgery and they had removed 5 nodes and all were clear. He explained that the tumour was less than 2cm but graded it as stage 3 he said I may need Chemo as well Rads and Tamoxifin but this will be decided when I meet my oncologist who wasn’t at the meeting they had.
I felt really good until I heard the word chemo and of course it’s more positive than negative.
Ive read lots about this and none of the staging seems to suggest I am grade 3 just confused as to why. The Nurse says I will understand more when they decide my nxt treatment as it goes on a number of factors just wanted to know if anyone who has been through this can shed a bit light on it for me, Also I wasn’t given an appointment and have to wait again I hate this waiting just want to get on with it.
Thanks
Hi Paula 12
Firstly have a (((((((((hug)))))))))
I am going through the same feelings as you! Waiting is clearly the worse part. I saw my Oncologist for the first time on Wed last week, I had assumed I would leave the appointment. With a date to start Chemo. But instead I left being told I would get a call in the next few days! Still waiting to hear. I wish they would give you appointments while you are still at the hospital, face to face! I do understand how busy they are, but I do think it adds stress onto the patient. The not knowing is clearly tough on all of us.
As for the Chemo, I am having Chemo because of my age, I’m 38 and the fact that I had node involvement. Although I am dreading Chemo, I am also glad that they are throwing everything they have got at the Cancer, so hopefully I won’t have to go through this again.
So could your age be a factor?
If you do have to have Chemo or if you just want some good company, take a look at November Newbies on the Chemo monthly threads. Sorry I don’t know how to link.
Good luck with everything. Let us know how you get on.
Sal xx
Hi paula12 I think it is the grade of the cancer that is 3 and not the stage. BC has 3 grades from 1 to 3. It is how the cells look under microscope. Grade 1 cells resemble normal cells, grade 2 are in between 1 and 3, grade 3 look abnormal. Grade 3 tends to be more aggressive so this could be a factor for having chemo. The fact that your nodes are clear and it’s quite a small tumour is really good, they are probably going for the “belt and braces” approach to be on the safe side.
They may decide that you don’t need chemo :).All the best xx
Grade 3 and Stage 3 are different things. If you have clear nodes and a small tumour you are unlikely to be Stage 3 so I assume they mean
Grade 3. Grade 3 tumours are more aggressive (more likely to spread) than Grade 2 or 3 so that is probably why you might need Chemo.
Hi Paula12
Like you its all the waiting that I find so tough!; I never realised just how many test results I would be waiting for and how many decisions I would have to make about treatment; its really hard. Like you my tumour was less then 2cm, but the cell type was grade 3 (I initally confused this with ‘staging’ - which refers to the overall picture including lymph node involvement). My lymph nodes are clear and I am ER +ve. I had a total mastectomy and reconstruction(LD) just over 3 weeks ago; because I had quite radical surgery I don’t need radiotherapy, and I thought I would be told I wouldn’t need chemotherapy either. However this seems much less clear cut. I’m waiting for the oncotype DX result (this test is now sometimes available on the NHS) and I’m really hoping it will help me make the decision. All the best with your decision!