Chemotherapy

Sibi

12 years ago I was diagnosed with IDC stage 2 medullary breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy with 2/40 lymph nodes, chemo 4xAC and radiation. In May 2009 I was diagnosed with BC recurrence or other???. Completed mastectomy with reconstruction 8/8/2009 and pathology report states IDC, stage 2, grade 3, Nottingham 9, with clear margins (7mm), TN but unable to confirm if it is the same cancer or a new one. Surgeon now recommends Oncologist and Chemo.

Does anyone have any advice for me. I have not been able to find any similar cases up to now. My question is do I need chemo. Thanks for any advice.

lesamariekey

Yes, I would do the chemo and whatever my Dr. recommends........I am TN and I have to do 6 chemo treatments and Rads......I have noticed that Women who do only 4 chemo treatments have a higher rate of  recurrence. I would do at least 6 if your Dr says it is safe.....I know it will be a rough road. However, it will be worth it..........I have 3 more left and I have had a hard time with it. The worst part for me is the mouth sores.........My lips are cracked and have been since I started the treatments.......My skin peels and I have headaches as well....... I hope this helps you in some way........ Yours Truly, Lesa Marie......

mossybaby

Hello,

I was just diagonised in April 2009 with IDC stage III.  Had the TAC chemo & a double mast.  Since I had many positive lymph nodes, the Dr.s all agree on additional chemo.  I would imagine since this is your second time around with this poop that chemo would be a very wise option.   Even though surgery takes most of it out there is still that possibility that something found its way out.  That being said, chemo SUCKS!!  But a few months of feeling crappy is work many more years on your life. 

Right now, I'm scheduled for more chemo the combo includes Ixempra & xeloda.  (hope I spelled those right?!)  From my readings, it is a good combo for your situation too.  Definatley see your onc to talk about your options!!  Good luck and email me any time to talk.  I'm on the internet too much reading things I probably shouldn't so it would be nice to share info with others (so long as it is good positive & from dependable sources!!)

LOVE PEACE HEALTH & HAPPINESS

MsBliss

Does your second path report indicate whether it was medullary, medullary features or none at all?  That would be a clue for you to use in determining what your actual personal risk is.  It is very rare to have recurrence with Medullary, and even more so this many years later. 

Initially, from what you have written, it is hard to tell whether you have node involvement.  What about lymph vascular invasion?  Some prognostic indicators are missing which would help you decide on what is best to do.