hi dx with IDC grade 2 had WLE and SNB path results nodes clear no LVI clear margins but grade was 3. ER pos PR pos HER2 neg wasnt given much advice from onc only that i had 4% increase if i had chemo surgeon i felt was suprised i was having chemo do you think it is because its grade 3 that i should have chemo do want to do everything possible to protect myself but also very scared anyone else similar
Hi Venice 25, you’re right about the reason you have been advised to have chemo is that your path results show a Grade 3 tumour. However,it’s really good news that your nodes are clear, have clear margins and no vascular invasion. I didn’t need chemo as my tumour was Grade 2 but if you read the various threads about chemo on this site you’ll find it’s appears to be a roller coaster ride but definitely doable. The chemo ladies organise themselves into monthly support groups according to which month they start in. Perhaps once you’ve got your start date you’d like to join them - the ones starting chemo in August have a thread entitled 'Anyone starting chemo in August- I’m sure you’d be made most welcome. The decision to have chemo is a purely personal one, but for me it would have been a no brainer, I would have wanted to know that I had thrown everything possible at the little b****r. Best wishes and keep posting to let us know how you are doing. Pat x
Hi Venice,
I am ER, PR and HER2 positive I also had grade 3 and no nodes involved. I was completely given a choice. The oncologist printed out the statistics to see what advantage it would be to have chemo. I am going to have it as it’s the only way that I will also get Herceptin which is only for HER2 + patients and is supposed to improve matters.
I did a lot of research on the internet. Have you found NHS PREDICT? you put in your details and it comes up with the prognosis.
Good luck with whatever you decide. x
Hi
I was 36 at diagnosis and before they realised that i had lymph node involvement i was told that because of my age i would have to have chemo anyway.
The way it was explained to me is this: without chemo cancer would prob come back in about 20 - 30 years. not a problem if you are 70. HUGE problem age 25 or 36.
Chemo isnt fun - but its not as bad as you think. you find an inner strength - and dont forget to take any and all suitable help offered. For me the worst thing was the hair loss - but i got through it and bought a lot of pretty scarves - even now the short hair (4 months growth) annoys me BUT i would do anything to stop this coming back.
keep us informed xxx
Venice I was same position as you but even with a grade 2 tumour I chose to do chemo as I’m 40 with youngish kids and I want to take the additional 3% chance of being here in 10 years that chemo will give me. I did not want to look back with regret. I’ve done 2/6 of mY FEC doses. First was hard as I was a little sick but within a week just tired and by week 3 feeling well. This time, much better as they altered my anitsickness meds. It’s definitely doable and I felt it would stop me worrying so much about every ache and pain that comes up in the future. good luck with your decision.
hi Jackiebee oh you have given me hope that i can manage chemo as as i am going to do it . Like you 6 x FEC am very scared but on reflection I feel it is the right decision. I would be pleased if you would update me on your progress and hope you get through this without too many side effects love Gill
Venice,
I am 62 and had FEC-T as my tumour was also grade 3, but I also had vascular invasion. Like you, I was worried about how I’d cope, as I have several other major health problems. But of my group (February Valentines) I was one of those who had the easiest time. No sickness, only minimal SEs. So wishing you well for when your treatment begins.
Cazzer, I come from a very long living family (one of my grandmothers turned 90 before she died) I’m 62 so having another 20 - 30 years before cancer comes back (heaven forbid) is a big bonus to me.
Poemsgalore xx
Good luck Venice (Gill) I’m sure you will cope well and look back on this period as a blip in a hopefully cancer free future. You might be able to see my profile pic though its perhaps not clear that I am on a speedboat in my headscarf with my youngest daughter - this was taken last week, just before dose number 2 
just to give you perspective that you won’t necessarily be lying on the sofa feeling awful for the next 18 weeks. Plan good things for week 3 of each cycle so you have stuff to look forward to, and take each day as it comes. X
hi
its an extra precaution, i have just had my last chemo but if they said i had to have more to help keep the cells growing i would have it, i’m not prepared to take any chances.
it is doable, i worked til half way through, the extra protection is what i waanted, my grade was 2 and 3.
angie xx
that was meant to say stop the cells growing
angie xx
I was never given any facts or figures and now feel a bit cheated!! I have struggled with horrendous se’s since my 1st ec chemo over a week ago, am still having side effects now, i wish i had been given a bit more info so i could weigh up all my options xxxx
Hi Daisymegan, I was realy frightened of putting in my details on that NHS PREDICT tool. Do I really want to know my prognosis? Have you used it how did feel to you? kathy
Hi Kathy…I used NHS predict with my Onc on diagnosis and to agree a treatment plan early in 2012. Strangely it was quite empowering and helped me to make an informed decision about chemo…it was also quite reassuring that with my diagnosis to see that based upon historical data and current knowledge of how people react to different treatments, I had a 96% chance of being here in 5 years and and 89% chance in 10 years with both 3rd generation chemo (FEC-T) and Anastrozole. Hope that helps a little? At the end of the day it’s your decision to ‘look’ and how you will feel about the stats afterwards…might be worth looking at them with someone else? Take care x
Thanks Maryland, thats reassuring. I think my problem is I have not had an appointment with my ONC yet and am still awaiting a 2nd WLE (Tues 6th Aug ) to get wider margins. I am still in limbo as to the “facts” ,so to speak. There are some good signs from my first WLE, and SNB but until I get results of my next WLE I still have uncertainties. I will wait until I have appointment with Onc beore I use PREDICT. Glad it has helped you and your results sound very good for sure. Thanks for letting me know how RESPONSE was for you .You have my best wishes for the future love Kathy xxxx
hI Bowl of cherries (Kathy) just hoping you get your clear margins tuesday will be thinking of you keep us updated love Gill x
Thanks Gill for your good wishes. I hope your chemo goes as well as it can do, don’t think I will be in time to join the Amazing Augusts, but If I do I will let you know . Love Kathy xx
Hi,I am going through the same thing nodes clear and tumor removed with clearance but Diagnosed with grade 3. 26 mm tumor but have been told I have to have Chemo too very scared .keep up on line .
BC is a real balancing act isn’t it? Half the time you feel all positive, thinking I can do this, i will beat the blighter and I will be fine. At the same time th other half of you is doing the duck impression, calm and serene on tip and panicking like mad underneath! Does anyone have any suggestions for things to take with me when I go for chemo on Monday, no 1.
Hi Venice, Just an update on 2nd WLE .Got my results yesterday and achieved clear margins. The hospital team are meeting Friday to discuss my treatment plan. Like you, I am very apprehensive about having chemo. Kathy x
Hi Kathy we will be fine we will get through it like all the other ladies. I am saying this now but when i get into that unit i will be like jelly but gotta be done wont be for ever Gill xx