Stage 1 or 2?

JulieH

I have been going on the assumption that my bc is at stage 1, but have a question.  My "mass" contained areas of both IDC and DCIS with what was characterized as an "extensive intraductal component."  The IDC portion was 1.7 cm and the DCIS portion brought the size to almost 3cm.  There is no node involvement.  Would this be considered stage 1 (because the IDC is less than 2 cm) or stage 2 (because the total thing was more than 2 cm)?  I know we're most of us not doctors, but I was just wondering what you thought.

I'll definitely ask my onc when I see him next week, but this is something that's on my mind today.

Any input is definitely appreciated.  Thanks!

redsox

"The pathologic tumor size for the T classification is a measurement of only the invasive component."  from the AJCC Staging Manual, breast cancer section.  They give an example. 

The DCIS does not affect the staging when you have an invasive component.

JulieH

Thank you!

coonie

Hi Julie

I had assumed my stage was because of the size of the tumor (larger than 2 cm), being IDC and also HER2+. I'm not an expert, but this is the way I understand my diagnosis.

It looks like your treatment will be the exact same as mine. I see you start on 1/18. Good luck and hang in there!!!!

(((gentle hugs)))

JulieH

Thank you, Coonie! How did the Herceptin go for you?  My onco said we'd talk later about whether Tamoxifen would be necessar, since my HR+ was just 1%.  I've heard the se from it can be difficult, but wonder if it's any worse than going through menopause would be anyhow. 

motherofpatient

What stage is it if you have 2 tumors, one HER+ and one HER negative?

redsox

If you have more than one independent tumor in the same breast -- the T classification is based on the largest primary tumor.  Measurements of tumor size are not added together.  The record should show that there is another tumor(s), but it is not separately staged.

If you have primary tumors in each breast, each breast is staged separately.  Treatment is usually driven mostly by the more advanced tumor.   

coonie

Julie---Herceptin wasn't bad at all. The only noticeable SE was runny nose

I had my ovaries removed and a mastectomy at the same time when I finished chemo. Sooooo...that automatically qualified me for menopause. I'm on Arimidex and HATE it, but it's better than the alternative. I've gained about 25 lbs and hurt just about all the time. I'm half way through with Arimidex, so I'm just counting the months:) Let us know how treatment goes for you. There's alot of good information for going through treatment, etc.

Motherofpatient---I'm sorry I can't answer your question, but I'm SURE someone will come along that can. There's a whole lot of knowledgeable ladies here. Just keep asking till you get an answer:)