Query post surgery and treatment options

Ask our Nurses your questions
1

Hi I am 64 and recently had a wide local excision and sentinel node biopsy for what was a grade 2 IDC triple negative breast cancer sized prior to surgery as 5mm x 6mm x 4mm. My surgery was complicated by my developing two large haematomas during the week post surgery which meant a second surgery to remove them.

I’m waiting for the final results after surgery (appointment next week) and have an appointment the week after for clinical oncology (radiotherapy) consultation.

My question is - if the cancer removed was the size thought pre surgery and it transpires there was no lymph node involvement, should I be being offered chemotherapy because of it being triple negative? From what I’ve read there seem to be conflicting views - Macmillan seem to say it should be offered even where the cancer is small, others disagree.

I will obviously discuss with my surgeon whose treatment plan said it would depend on final results, but my breast care nurse said it was highly likely I would be given chemotherapy and the second surgeon who dealt with the haematomas also mentioned chemotherapy.

I’m confused and feeling quite anxious about what’s going to happen now. I know I need to wait until I speak to my surgeon but wondered if others with similar breast cancers have been offered chemotherapy?

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Hi surreydeb

Thanks for posting.

It’s understandable that you’re feeling confused and quite anxious about what might happen next with your treatment for breast cancer.

The treatment your team offers will be tailored to your individual situation, and whether that includes chemotherapy depends on a number of factors including the grade, size and stage of your cancer.

It might help to know that treatment recommendations are agreed by a multi-disciplinary team. Your treatment team may also use a computer programme such as NHS Predict to estimate what benefit might be expected from treatments such as chemotherapy. The programme uses individual information about you and your breast cancer alongside data from large research studies. Sometimes it’s very clear that someone may benefit from having chemotherapy. It’s not possible for us to say whether you’d be offered chemotherapy but in this situation it’s something which your team will consider.

It can be difficult to decide what to do when it’s not clear if chemotherapy may be of benefit. It’s important to have as much information as possible to help you make your decision. It may be useful to take a list of questions to your appointment with your specialist.

Our information on questions to ask about your breast cancer treatment may be of interest.

We have an upcoming webinar on chemotherapy and systemic treatments and you can find out more and register by following the link.

We also offer a range of free supportive services which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.

Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.

Our number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties dial 18001 followed by our number and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.

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Best wishes,

Julie

Breast Care Nurse

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