I know I’m asking the impossible question here - and that the only definitive answer will be post op (on the 13th) but I’d be interested in people’s opinions. I had a lump which proved to be BC and another in a lymph node which also turned out to be BC - my surgeon says chemo is ‘most probable’ but my BCN says ‘it depends on if only one node is affected’ so what I suppose I’m asking is… in anyone’s experience - is a second tumour in a lymph node a definite criteria for chemo or not? I’m just looking for people’s opinions - not expecting anything concrete… it will help me prepare, Thank you all in advance x
Hi Suffolklady
I have a Grade 3 invasive BC. The ultrasound showed no signs however I just had my WLE & SNB on Friday so I won’t know the full extent until after my results (15th May).
I have been told I will receive radiotherapy and tamoxifen for 5 years. There was no mention of chemo from my onc but after pushing my bcn, I’ve been told to expect chemo. Although it will be a few months yet, I’m already mentally preparing.
I do hope that this won’t be the case fore you however, I think it is always best to bear it in mind.
Love & soft cyber hugs,
Martha xx
I think they take into account things like the grade of the cancer, the size of the tumour, the presence of lymphovascular invasion, as well as the number of nodes affected, and come up with a score that helps to determine a treatment plan.
All these things become apparent when you get the path report after your surgery… Waiting for results is always tough!
Thank you both - It really is a game of patience isn’t it! (not my best personality trait) Waited for recall appointment, then biopsy results, then second biopsy results, then CT scan and results, now waiting for op and then the results after that!! No wonder we all drive ourselves mad with worry!!
Martha - good luck with your results, let us know how it goes
Morwenna - Thanks for your kind words - did I read somewhere you’re in Canada? I spent 10 days there in March just after my initial mammogram - now THAT’s how to take your mind off things! Perhaps I should be booking another trip! 
Yep I’m in Calgary, Alberta. This week the snow has melted and today we got 27 degrees!!! 
Hi Suffolk lady
I only had one lymph node affected and I was strongly advised to have chemo. Which I did, but a lot depends on type and grade of cancer.
Hi Suffolk Lady
i have invasive ductile Breast cancer grade 3 no lymph nodes affected. After my operation i was told that i would definitely need radiotherapy and tamoxifen for 5 years. When i met with my onc he used the NHS predict tool to show me the increased % benefit chemotherapy could give me over 5, 10 and 15 years. As the chemo could give me an added 3% I took the onc’s advice to go ahead with the chemo.
Hi Suffolklady,
In my experience I would say no, I’m 40 IDC 13mm grade 2 and DCIS 30mm, no node of vascular involvement and was told initially it would be rads for 3-3.5 wks then Tamoxifen for 5 years, however am HER2+ so in order to give Herceptin they have to give chemo…I was obviously offered a choice, but it was around 7% benefit to me so it was an obvious choice if not a very pleasant one, I think each individual case is different and your ONC will work out whats best for you…sorry I know thats not much help
Posted twice…
Hi Suffolklady, I had a 19mm grade 2 idc, strongly ER+, I had a micromet (less than half a mm in size) on one node and was advised to have chemo, although I was borderline. I think it is usual if nodes are affected, even if only one to have chemotherapy as there is a risk of spread, but the grade, size and HER status are also considerations.
hi suffolklady
im not sure about what criteria is for chemo, but dont you think that we often get conflicting comments from different medical professionals, i was told 3 different things by surgeon, bcn and hospital staff and in the end the only one that mattered was the onc who i had never seen.
very confusing at what is a very difficult time.
good luck
angie xx
Hi suffolk lady
I had a 20mm idc with 1 out of 15 nodes found positive. I was asked to "consider " chemo - we did, and decided against it. If it reappears we will cross that bridge at the time. Treatments are advancing so much that the side affects of chemo could be quiet different in 5 years time. When you have your results - before you make a deicsion -Check out the nhs web site www. predict.nhs.uk
Just finisihed 20 radio sessions and am glad I did not have chemo as well.
At the end of the day its your body and you make the decision. though that is not easy to do when your emotions are all haywire!
Hi chascat. I am in the exact came position as you and meeting onc Tomorrow. What did you decide ? I am swaying towards no chemo like dragonlady. X
Hi, I had 2 positive nodes and decided to go for chemo. Just decided wanted to chuck everything available at the BC. It’s a very personal decision and not easy. There is an online programme available to health professionals “Adjuvant online” which can give you an idea of the likely benefit /risks of chemo in your particular situation - maybe you could ask your ONC to take you through this?
I found it very helpful to talk through options with the the BCC helpline. Good luck whatever you decide
NB x
Kathleen54, I decided to have chemo, I never wanted to be in a position of thinking “if only i’d had chemo”. It was 4 months out of my life, short term pain for long term gain is how I viewed it and I now have peace of mind knowing i’ve done everything I possibly can, the rest is in the lap of the gods x
Kathleen 54 I was borderline and like chascat decided to have chemo no what ifs at the end if I have done everything possible in my power to fight it .
Marie
Thank you all - I know I won’t know for sure but I like to be prepared so I can plan (which is why this waiting is driving me nuts!) I think if I’m offered the choice, I’ll go for it.
Onwards!