The BCN rang me today with my results from my mastectomy and SNLB. Two tumours in my breast, one was grade 1 and one was grade 2. I’m not sure of the full cancer details, at biopsy it of multi focal measure 5 cm in total. The grade 2 was higher grade than original biopsy. The tumour was also smaller than MRI showed. The nurse said that no further treatment on breast area. Great news.
However the results from the SNLB, while MRI and ultrasound showed they were clear, it has shown a micro metastasis in the one node. She said only one node was taken as that’s all that beeped, I thought that they’d take more? I was expecting this to happen, even though I was told they’d be surprised if it was.
She’s told me I won’t need anymore surgery, but they want me to have radiotherapy. I asked about the onco score and whether that would be sent off, she said no. I’d need hormone blockers as I’m ER and PR + which I was expecting. She said I’ll see an oncologist in a couple off weeks. I’ll still have an appointment with the surgeon this coming Wednesday.
I’m just processing this information, but I’m scared that this means the cancer could have spread beyond lymph nodes. I’m feeling really down and the fear has set in again. I’m just exhausted. I dont know what I’m asking really, but just wanted to write this down here.
Hello, I am so sorry to hear about your results, it is always a shock when they are not as expected ( I started off with just DCIS at biopsy, but then IDC was found at pathology and after another surgery SLNB, one node out of the two removed, was involved). As far as I understand it, from my own research, radiotherapy will kill the cancer in the lymph nodes, whether it is one or more, so that is a good thing - the results of radiotherapy versus removal of the lymph nodes, gives the same results longer term ( I read the surgical studies, with data longer term), so that is why they now go down the radiotherapy route. As you has micro metastasis, it must be under 2mm, so when only one node is involved, it is classed as node negative ( I have macro metastasis as mine was 2.5mm). So that is all great news for you. You can ask the nurses a question on this forum, so you may want to do that, to put your mind at rest. As to whether it could have spread beyond the lymph nodes, although I can only go by all the research I have done, the chances are extremely unlikely. If your team suspected extra spread, they would suggest further surgery or at the least a scan ( I have just had a CT scan and I am awaiting results). Best of luck with the rest of your treatment.
I always find results days or information days are absolutely exhausting. You’ve been worrying about what it’s going to be and then you get the information and it’s just a lot to process. But now you know. Do give yourself grace to rest & process and when you see your surgeon on Wednesday you may have more questions. One step at a time x
Sorry to hear yours is larger, I hope you don’t have to wait too long for the CT results and that when they do come through the results are clear!
Mine has measured 2mm in the node, so right on the cusp really, but still classed as micro. I’ve had a similar experience, with things progressively getting worse. Initially told one tumour 16mm so lumpectomy, then MRI showed 5 further smaller tumours which told 5cm, so then told mastectomy. Told lymph nodes clear on scans and now this in one node. I wish they’d taken more nodes than just one. Not sure why they couldn’t take anymore.
Thank you. I’ve started a list of questions. I think having the heads up has actually been helpful, as while I’m worrying again, I was worrying already! At least now I can prepare and ask questions. X
Thank you, I wont find out the results of the CT scan now until after my first chemo therapy session ( on Monday). Good luck with your phone call to the nurses. You didn’t mention the HER2 status, mine is HER2+, which means it is more aggressive, so that would be a question I would be asking, if it is HER2 negative or HER2 positive. HER2 negative, with such a tiny amount in the lymph nodes, would as far as I understand, need less treatment ( no chemotherapy etc etc ) than HER2 positive. Even if you are HER2+, keep in mind, that you are actually classed as node negative at 2.00mm, so still a good position to be in. X
Best wishes for Monday, I have everything crossed for you for the results, and that chemo goes as well as it can. Xx
The nurse didn’t mention the HER2 status, but at the initial biopsy it was negative. So I’m assuming that is still the case as she didn’t mention it. The surgeon gave me a copy of all the reports last time, so I’m thinking I’ll get the reports when I go on Wednesday. I found this really helped as retaining all the information is difficult. My husband remembered bits of conversation I can’t remember at all!
Thank you. Although the HER2 status occasionally changes, I think it is rare, so yours wont have changed if they didn’t mention it - so great news. It does help having someone else to listen, when you are getting results etc, I never quite remember everything right, so double check when we get home Good luck on Wednesday x
Hi I hope you’re feeling a little better & the anxiety is easing for you.
It’s such an awful rollercoaster of emotions living with cancer, it’s tough & exhausting. I really hope you’re doing well.
I am 52 & was diagnosed with Lobular Breast Cancer in February this year & after a lot of scans, biopsies & bone biopsies it had unfortunately spread to my lymph nodes & into my pelvis & collar bone. The day my Oncologist told me I had stage 4 bone cancer just totally knocked me for six! Just devastating news.
On a positive note, there’s medication out there that can keep us alive for years after a cancer diagnosis. I now take Letrozole & Ribociclib & live in hope each day that the medication keeps working & keeps me alive.
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Good luck on Wednesday x