Hi all
Just had my results from the lumpectomy I had last Tues (2) and they were very positive. Just as they had been given to me after the biopsy and mri, it was a 17mm tumour, hormone +tive and grade 2, so only a couple of mm bigger than first thought. They removed 2 nodes which were both clear. They removed 5 mm margin around the tumour and only 1mm was cancerous in one top corner which they aren’t worried about as they will zap with rads.
No further surgery required. Definite for rads, and tamoxifen for 2 yrs then another for 3, and then a decision that I have to make as to whether or not I want chemo???
I am seeing the oncologist on 22nd Sept and he will give me the pros and cons, but it will make a difference of 2% to the recovery and recurrence so do I go for it or not? Anyone else been in this position? Any advise appreciated. Obviously I have to make my own decision, but if any of you guys have had the same dilemma, let me know.
So, all in all, real good news.
Thanks girls for being there and supporting me, I have the go ahead for driving again, swimming and gym, and even horse riding, so am one happy bunny.
Let me know though about the chemo decision.
Much love
Netty xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
So pleased for you that your results were good!! I think it will be more helpful for you to decide about chemo once you have seen the oncologist. Treatment decisions do seem to vary slightly with different Surgeons/Oncs. My ILC was 19mm Grade 2, clear nodes with good margins apart from 1 at 2mm, which I had further surgery for today. My team are generally of the opinion to give chemo whether nodes are clear or not if you are under 50. So at 47 it has put me in that category, which they say is a belt and braces approach like insurance. Don’t know if any of this helps, but let us know how you get on.
I just got my results yesterday, and like you was worried if they told me I had a 2% reduced risk if I didn’t go for chemo. I was in 2 minds about it because of all the side-effects. However, note I’ve used the past tense!!
It turns out my cancer was invasive, grade 2, 60mm (which shocked me to the core) with only 1mm margin, oestrogen +, but thankfully my sentinal node was clear. As a result they estimate having chemo (I’m 43) will reduce my risk of recurrence by 10%, so I had no hestitation in saying I’ll going for it.
In fact my husband said afterwards that he was dreading having to persuade me to go for it if I faltered, but I couldn’t see that there were any other options. It’s not going to be nice (but as my MIL said, it doesn’t matter if I wear a hat to cover my head as it’ll be winter and everyone wears hats in winter!!) but I should be over it by next spring.
My tumour was indeterminate size (multifocal) but probably about 3cm, invasive, stage 1/2 and grade unknown, ER+. After a mast I was offered chemo which gave me an increased survival of 3-5%. After many sleepless nights I decided against it and am now on Tam and Zoladex which my onc said are as potent when combined as some forms of chemo. My decision was based partly on fertility issues surrounding chemo as I am 27 and no kids yet.
Good luck with your decision, you will make the right one for you.
This is my first time on website. Had mastectomy &LACon 4 sept. Results11 sept no spreading. Grade 2 multifocal tumours. Wil be on tamoxifen 5 yrs not sure what to do about chemo! Can see 'm not alone on that one.
Thanks for your feedback. I am sorry I have not responded for a while but went to Dublin with hubby to get away and think. I have made my decision, had appointment yesterday with the Onc. I am not going with chemo (only time will tell if that is the right decision) am going with Tamoxifen for 2 yrs then another for three, maybe Aramidex (sp) but have read that tam and Zoladex are as good as chemo Cassie so that’s good for you. I asked about Zoladex but they said I would not need it, and would have Tam plus the other hormone inhibitor for remaining 3 yrs. I am seeing the radiologist on 7 Oct to see what my schedule will be and when it will start. Have started Tamoxifen already yesterday and hot sweats have started!
My decision was based on lots of homework, feedback from friends and family and the question I asked the Onc, which was can you guarantee the cancer wont come back with chemo or without to which he replied No. So that coupled with the 2% difference I said I would opt out of chemo this time and if/when it recurrs I would then probably have to have it.
Happy Days - decision made now and had to be right for me at this time in my life.
Hubby happy and would have made same decision so alls well in the Curley household - for now!
Thanks girls.
Much love
Netty xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Well done Netty,its not an easy decision and I am glad its one I didn’t have to take.I have no idea what I would do in your shoes so I guess I’d have had the same dilema.Remember even if it ,and lets hope it doesn’t, recurrs then there is no guarantee that chemo would have stopped it.
All the best for a long and happy future,
Hugs
Dot
x
I think you have made the right decision. Chemo sounds horrible and has lots of side effects so if it won’t make much difference, then why put yourself through it, especially as your oncologist has said there is no guarantee. I really feel that they would have strongly advised you to go ahead if they thought it would make a significant difference.
Hi Netty
Your history is the same as mine!
I was Dx last year at 40 with ductal invasive 16mm plus 1mm dcic, which they totalled as 17mm, node negative, hormone positive. I’m 15 months on after op, rads and tamoxifen! I wasn’t offered chemo!!! Good luck to you!
Lots of love JulieXXX
Thanks for your feedback - it is so reassuring to hear from others that have had the same dilemma (or nearly the same) Julie, you sound very positive, and we have the same history - there is hope then - hoorah! I can’t wait to start rads now I am on day 5 of Tamoxifen and the only side effect I have had to date is not sleeping ? I am sure it will pass.
I agree Cathy that had the Onc thought it would be a better choice to take the chemo he would have advised such. I will keep you posted and thanks to all for your feedback, it is so reassuring.
Hope everything continues to go well for you all.
much love
Netty xxxxxxxxxxxxx
I am on day 5 of Tamoxifen and the only side effect I have had to date is not sleeping ? I am sure it will pass.