Hi everyone,
I’ve just had my surgery results and getting my head around all of the information. I had a 15mm lobular cancer, with 2/8 lymph nodes infected (both with 5mm) after level 1 axillary clearance. Both lymph nodes had some extracapsular spread, which the doctor didn’t raise but was in the pathology. Cancer 7/8 ER/PR +, HER2 -, Onco: 17. I’m 56 and post menopausal.
My treatment will be radiation to the breast, underarm and shoulder; as well as letrozole (7 years) and ribociclib. The positive lymph nodes didn’t show up on ultrasound (that’s lobular) and I haven’t had any staging scans (only initial mamogram and ultrasound). The doctor said they weren’t looking to do any staging scans, which I queried.
I’m just wondering if anyone else has similar treatment plans to me and what to look out for and / or any advice. Also has anyone else queried the lack of staging scans? Lot’s to get my head around. Thank you!!
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Hi @frazzle100 ,
We have a similar diagnosis, except I also have invasive ductal & invasive lobular and it transpires DCIS. I had a sentinel node removal & 4 out 5 nodes were cancerous - macrometastasis & 1 node had macrometastasis.
I believe it’s the number of lymph nodes which have macrometastasis which determines whether a staging scan is needed. I was referred for a CT scan as 5 nodes out of 7 were affected. I think this is also driving the requirement for chemo as well as radiotherapy for me.
I’ve got to have further surgery on Friday as we didn’t get clear margins on the first lumpectomy & I need the remaining lymph nodes removing.
Wishing you well with you’re treatment.
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Hi @frazzle100. You may find this thread useful from people experiencing similar things and discussing what works for them: Letrozole & Thereafter?
If you have any questions in the meantime, you can also speak to one of our nurses, reach them on our free helpline 0808 800 6000.
We’re here for you.
Best wishes,
Chloe