Been supporting my mum with her breast cancer bottle and we saw the consultant today (she is in between chemo 1 and 2, no op yet). We were told (because I asked) that the report said ‘a number of lymph nodes’ where involved (info from the MRI). We knew at least one was as a FNA was taken at initial diagnosis and it’s also palpable.
Anyway I looked at the NPI and grade 3 with >3 nodes gives you a minimum score of 6 which is poor prognosis. That’s not even taking into account the size (4cm) = 6.8.
Anyway how out of date is the NPI? My mum had a CT scan whoch appeared clear (although i know there is no guarantee) and she is HER2 -. Does any of this have a bearing on the outcome. Of course as I type, I know that it must do, but then I don’t get how the NPI just looks at the three factors. Many women have grade 3 with multiple lymph involvement and I though that there were many good outcomes. I assume the lymph node factor aspect is based on likelihood that it’s spread but surely the CT scan gives a good indication in most instances. My head is spinning with questions not to mention the stress!
Does anyone have any thoughts on this or have you discussed it with your oncologist? I don’t want to bring this up with my mums oncologist as don’t want to worry her more.
I’m not sure about NPI but if you google ‘NHS predict’ you will find a prediction tool which you can input your mum’s data. The results for me were pretty much what I was told by my oncologist at my first appointment.
Found it thanks. Pretty tricky when we were told a number of lymph nodes as it drops a lot if >9. Not sure how many involved. Matbe post chemo/surgery we’ll have better idea. Do you know where it say 48 women… Then says an extra 12 etc that were treated survived because…I assume that’s in addition to the 48?
Hi Daisy, sorry your mum has been diagnosed, it’s such a worry for her and for you and your family especially at the begining when we are bombarded with all the s–t BC has to offer. The NPI is quite old and doesn’t take into account all the new treatments available now. There is a newer one but not for public yet. The thing with BC is that it is so unpredictable and some with really good prognosis go on to develope mets and others with poor prognosis never do. There are many good outcomes for grade 3 + nodes, I have been on this forum for 7 years (only have a read now and then these days) and have know quite a few ladies over the years with grade 3 and nodes involved who are still NED (no evidence of disease) and getting on with life. It’s great news that your mums scans are clear I wish her all the best with the rest of her treatment xx
I wish her all the best with the rest of her treatment xx