Chemo

brenilea

I had a mammagram that came back positive. I had a biopsy done and it came back malignant. I just recently had surgery to remove two lymphnodes and more tissue from the initial biopsied site. There was no more cancer found in the lymphnodes, but they want to do chemo on the site that was malignant. What should I expect?

GirlFriday

I would request an Oncotype scoring for your tumor.  It gives a score of 1-100 on the tumor's likelihood of returning and it's response to chemo based on 21 or more genes.  I had invasive cancer that wasn't in my lymph yet, and my score was only a 4, so chemo would have been more detrimental to my healing than helpful.  The standard of care with the lumpectomy at my Breast Care Center was to follow up with radiation treatments. Is this part of your treatment plan?

I don't know your "stats" so it's hard to give any more direction than that.  There is a ton of experience on this web site....I would scan some of the other posts, and possible go for a second opinion. 

brenilea

Thank you so much, GirlFriday. My initial result was a "small focal cluster of pleomorphic micro-

calcifications", found at the 11 o'clock level. They did a biopsy, which came back malignant. I just had a second surgery, where did took more tissue from that site and two nodes. There wasn't any cancer found in the nodes. Thanks again!

GirlFriday

Being that you are Stage 1, Grade 1, I would look into ALL the possibilities. Take your time.  You're not in a rush, and chemo is not something to take lightly.  For as much as it cures/heals it can also damage, and you have the time to get make an informed decision.  I would hit some of the monthly chemo boards...ie Chemo March 2011 or something like that.  There SE's (side effects) complaints, ideas, are discussed. There are also a lot of alternative/complimentary options too. 

There is a huge stigma attached to breast cancer. We're all so inundated by PINK.  But listen to your inner voice. Take a deep breath, and then another one. And then another one.  Breathe through out this entire process and ask question after question. Don't do anything that you don't understand why it's being done to you.  Don't get caught up in the rush/nightmare that you have BC.  Pick your way carefully through these waters, because these are hard to navigate.  It's wonderful that you posted here!  You can do all of what any treatment plan will be thrown at you.

I'm sorry you have to go through this. But you are NOT alone!  Not now. Not ever. We're all here for you!

brenilea

Thank you for the helpful information. When the doctor told me the biopsy came back malignant, it was if I was in a tunnel. It's a good thing my husband was with me. I am glad I found this web site. Thanks again!