After my Lump/Nodes removal, Grade 1, E+ no lymph involvement, the treatment I was offered was 18 days Rads ( starting Monday)and am on Tamoxifen. Have been in touch with someone who had exactly the same as me and was offered Chemo also. Why would that be. Is it that different areas try different treatments and see which one works best? Like a guinea pig thing? Now I’m worried am not getting the full treatment.
Love Norma x
Hi Norma
my sister had a trace in just one lymph node and was not offered chemo just rads and tamoxifen. Myself on the other hand had 3 nodes involved and I have had chemo. We were both grade 2. Hope this helps.
Diane x
Hi Norma
It sounds like you are worrying about not having chemotherapy. You may find it helpful to contact the Breast Cancer Care Helpline where you can talk confidentially about your concerns. The staff on the helpline will be able to answer any questions you have, which may help to put your mind at rest. You can call the helpline on 0808 800 6000 Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 9am-2pm.
I hope you find this helps
Kind regards
Katie
Moderator
Breast Cancer Care
I was worried I might need chemo but I was told that as I had no evidence of lymph node involvement, a small tumour and low grade cancer it wouldn’t make any difference to my prognosis. I was 48 when diagnosed. Maybe younger women would be offered more aggressive treatment, or people with larger tumours. Mine was oestrogen receptive too, which is supposed to give a better prognosis without chemo
| had a partial mastectomy, radio and tried tamoxifen for a couple of years then gave up as I prefer not to have night after night of hot flushes and permanent constipation. Not everyone has the same side effects. I also didn’t want to visit my doctors or pay for prescriptions for five years
Mole
Hi Mole
Thanks for the information, made me feel better re prognosis without chemo. Crikey didn’t realize with this 5 year treatment you still have to pay!
Are you well now?
Norma xx
Hi Norma,
I had a small breast lump which was biopsied in the clinic and came back benign. After removal of the lump in surgery six months later, I was called back to the clinic to say that the histology had come back and that there was a malignancy and the Surgeon would have to remove all my lymph nodes and some more tissue around where the lump had been. I was of course very shocked and the Surgeon said he was also very taken aback as he thought everything was OK. I had the operation 4 weeks ago and went back for follow-up and results last Wednesday. I was told that there was no cancer in the lymph nodes and I would just need radiotherapy and not chemo. I am seeing the Oncologist next Wednesday to discuss about the radiotherapy and when it will begin. He said I will also be prescribed some medication, I expect Tamoxifen. I am relieved about not having the chemo as I was very worried about having it. I just hope that the radiotherapy clears everything and this nightmare will be over soon.
Wishing you well.
Sandra
Hi Norma. Sorry, but I have only just seen this. My situation is similar to yours. Mine was grade 1, stage 1, ER+, with no lymph node involvement. I was offered rads and Tamoxifen, but no chemo. The oncologist said I didn’t need it, because the lump was so small (8mm), plus all the other factors. I’m going to Addenbrookes, and I’m still waiting to hear from them, so I don’t know how many days rads I’ll need. I only saw the oncologist last Thursday, so I don’t suppose I’ll know just yet.
Hi, I had 19mm lump and a few lymph nodes removed. Results, lymph nodes clear, surrounding tissue clear. Cancer grade 2 oestrogen on scale of 1-8 mine measured 5 so Tamoxifen given. 18 Rad sessions start Nov. No chemo.
Hope that helps.
Caz xx