Infiltrating Lobular, ductal

katecallahan1

Ok ladies, I'm going to the experts.  My path report indicates I have Infiltrating lobular, ductal cancer which means it's lobular first?   Does lobular win?  The MRI showed a 3.7 mass but the surgeon said it was smaller.  I'm nearly two weeks post op lumpectomy and they're going back in on the 18th to get more nodes as two of the three had activity.  I'm a grade 2, stage 2A.  I hear lobular is tricky and sneaky.  I'm pretty sure they're going to do chemo.  Can anybody be straight with me about what I'm facing?

toomuch

KATE-Did your oncologist order an ONCOTYPE test? This test can help to determine the benefit of chemo in women with 1-3 positive nodes. It has been validated in post menapausal women so if you're premenapausal your doctor's may recommend chemo for you regardless of the test result. Still, it provides information about how aggressive the tumor is.

I have copied a link to an article regarding the usefullness of axillary node dissection in women who are going to receive breast radiation after lumpectomy who had positive nodes. This study came out in Feb 2011 and many doctors are rethinking the risks and benefits of full axillary node dissection. You may want to discuss it with your surgeon and oncologist before having more surgery.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/739450

lago

Kate do discuss that article with your doctor. Most are not ready to change care based on one study although it does look promising. If you don't do chemo they may recommend taking those nodes.

momand2kids

Hi Kate

I assume that you do not have mets since you are stage 2A?  Maybe there was an error in the signature line?

Anyway, we have some similar stats-- I was 2A/grade 2 with no nodes... the oncotype helped me decide to have chemo... alot is changing with oncotype and I know they also use it for people with 1-3 nodes or something like that.... 

So, bottom line, I was pre menopausal- chose 4 rounds of A/C with radiation (had a lumpectomy) and am on femara/lupron because I could not do tamoxifen due to the blood clot risk.

Wasn't fabulous, but was doable with a job and kids..... 

let me know if you need more

katecallahan1

Thank you.  I feel better.  'Going back to work tomorrow.  I'm post menopausal - single mom, 2 kids 18 and 22 -both live at home.  I don't know what mis means.  ??  I'm going to talk to the oncologist on thursday and see if they did an oncotype.  Finally, someone to talk to.

katecallahan1

Wow.  I sure will.  I'm post menopausal.  THANKS for the information.

katecallahan1

It certainly does look promising.  Thanks for the information.