In a state of shock

Polyana

Met my Dr. yesterday to discuss my pathology report. I am stage 3b. I was told my tumor is 3.5 cm, it is grade 2, only 2 lymph nodes involved out of 6. But I was told it is found in some nodes or cells related to the skin, and he told me we need to watch for that. I undertand the whole of the 1st part but the last is I don't. What does that mean, how aggressive is it and will it not respond to treatment or the likelyhood of coming back is high...anyone help

lauri

If you don't understand what the pathology report means, the doctor didn't explain it right.  Call him/her up or email with your questions - my BS faxed me the report and then walked me through it over the phone ... as many times as it took.  Then the oncologist put pathology report info into AdjuvantOnline to give some stats/guesses about recurrence / mortality rates and what would work for me.

Just keep asking until you get answers you can understand. Grade 2 is sort of "medium" aggressive.  When your oncologist can give you a plan of treatment you might want to get a second opinion (I did and they both agreed on the same treatment -- from two separate institutions -- so I felt like ir was the right thing to do.)

GOOD LUCK on your journey.

carcharm

It sounds like maybe he is saying the cancer spread into your skin of that area. If you have a lumpecctomy or mastectomy that would get rid of the cancer in this area. I cannot believe he would not remove it when he removes the lump.

karen1956

Poly...I agree ask your onc to explain the path report so that you understand it....what Tx have you had? 

pupfoster1

Hi Polyana,

I've said it before and I'll say it again----learning you have BC is like being forced to learn a language, you NEVER wanted to learn, and WITHOUT a teacher!  It's so overwhelming!  That said, I am sorry you had to join us here, but you will find the BEST support anywhere.  

I agree with the other ladies, you should call your doc back and have a list of questions on paper when you do.  I am wondering if you have had surgery already (I am assuming you have as I am now noticing the date of your dx)and or chemo???

Take care,

Sharon 

paml

Hi Polyana,

I am stage 3B like you which means that a tumor can be of any size but if it is found in the chest wall or under the skin, it is considered 3b. I had a double mastectomy with radiation to the effected side. I too had grade 2 which means medium aggressive. I am now taking femara daily and feel fine after being diagnosed 2 years ago. Hope this helps.