35, recently diagnosed and scared

syd_tennant

Does anyone know if age is a factor to consider for treatment. Im 35, IDC, grade 3, but stage I, ER/PR pos, and HER2 Neg, with a high proliferative index, and although I had a lumpectomy last week I have to go back, next  week, since 2 margins were positive, and one of them is invading a vessel wall. Ive talked to two different oncologists and both of them had told me that quimo will be a part of the treatment, because of my age. I really do not want to have it, and from what Ive read, age is not one of the factors thats taken into consideration (after all Im not that young) for treatment. Can anyone give me some info or advice on that area?????????/

PS73

Syd, sorry for your recent dx.  You came to the right place for answers and support. 

Personally speaking, age was a factor for me, and at 35, I started chemotherapy.  My onc didn't even give me the oncotype test which would determine the percentage in which chemo would be effective and the reoccurance percentage. ..not that I trust that test 9999% but it would have been nice to see the numbers.  Since its small it may be young but again, grade 3 is aggressive and they didn't get the clear margins on it.  Was there any vascular uptake on your scans, any calcifications?  If there was any vascular uptake, microscopic cancer cells could be in your blood, which is why they would rec chemo.  Also, having a lumpectomy leaves more breast tissue - I had one too.  Just saying.

Its a personal decision and you will hear all sides to it, do your research and make an informed decision and one that you are comfortable with.  This is the time to talk the shite out of your oncologist - write down all questions so you don't forget.  Ask about your pathology report, specific and if they go too fast, tell them to slow the F down.  This is your life and its scary and real but you will prevail.

Again, sorry for your recent dx but you will get thru it.  Hang in there.

dalycity

Dear Syd:

I just want to tell you that my mother was diagnosed when she was 36 years old. Her tumor on her left side, was 1"; that alone would put her in Stage 2. No node involvement. This was 40 years ago and they did not test for est./prog, nor for Grade. She only had a masectomy by a general surgeon; no radiation, no chemo, and no tamoxifen, because that was how it was treated back then. 

She is today alive, no recurrence, and we just celebrated her 80th birthday last week.

Here's a big hug to you and believe that whatever decision you make with your doctor will the right one for you.

weety

I think your age along with the fact that your cancer is grade 3 is the reason for the chemo.  My onc gave me the same recommendation at age 38 with a grade 3 tumor.  In fact, she didn't really even offer it as an option.  She basically told me that this was the protocol for aggressive tumors, especially in young women.  She told me that staging wasn't even that important because it wouldn't change the treatment.  She told me it would have been the same recommendation whether I was stage1, 2, or 3,

MaryNY

Hi Syd: I'm glad to see you've started your own thread.

This discussion board is a great place to come for help as there are so many others going through similar to you, along with those who've already been through it.

Two other forums here where you might find relevant information or might want to post are "Surgery - before, during and after" and "IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)." There is no right or wrong place to post but some forums seem to be more active than others.

syd_tennant

Mary: I told you, sooner or later I was going to learn, and I did. ujuuuu!!! Since I had not mastered it yestarday when I read your reply I sent u a pm.

Weety, PS73: By reading the other replies I guess Im having quimo, and I cant accept the idea of my hear falling, not at this point, I dont know later on. I have my next appointment with the onco on oct 19, since I will go back to surgery on Wednesday. How do u girls cope with it????

DALYCITY: And what did  YOU do? Did u had quimo???

PS73, the only thing I know for sure is that the pathology report said that one of the positive margins after the first lumpectomy "is focally invading a vessel wall" I  dont know if thats what ur refering to. Is thatconsidered when deciding about quimo????

dalycity

Syd:

My diagnose was different from my mom's. I was diag. post-menopausal, Stage 1, Grade 2. My doc does not believe our 2 cancers were related because I was post-menopausal; and he recommended no chemo. I had a second opinion, which was the same as the frist. But I would have done chemo if that was recommended to me. I am too chicken to go against the doctors.

 Weety is correct in that doctors take into consideration your age and grade. You may think you are old, but really, you are considered young, 35, to have BC; and I think when they say 'young', they mean premenopausal. Plus the fact that they suspect there may be vascular invasion also warrant chemo.

All the best to you, Syd.