IDC Stage IB: What next?

WaveWhisperer

Hello, I'm a new member of this growing sisterhood. Diagnosed with high-grade IDC 3 weeks ago today (ER and PR positive, HER2 unamplified), had lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy one week ago today. Met with breast surgeon yesterday. Classified me as Stage IB. Tumor was 1.1 centimeters, cancer cells in one of 3 lymph nodes. Next week I meet with both medical oncologist and radiation oncologist. Anyone out there with very similar diagnosis? Interested in what treatments you chose. What should I ask the oncologists next week? Thanks for any help, and I'm so glad I found this forum.

mdg

I am sorry you are joining us but glad you found this site.  You will find a lot of great support and information here.  I didn't have the same diagnosis but hopefully others will chime in that do.  As far as treatment, you may want to see the NCCN website.  They list the treatment plans med onc's use.  That will give you an idea of what is standard for someone with your tumor size and diagnosis.  This way you will know what to expect before meeting with the med onc.

I was stage 1 - you can see my stats below.  I had an oncotype score of 17 and had a BMX.  I was borderlined on chemo because I hade angiolymphatic invasion and my age.  I had to decide on chemo myself.  It was  a hard decision, but I chose chemo because I have a 4 year old son.  I wanted to do everything I could do.  I did four cycles of taxotere and cytoxan and used cold caps to keep my hair.  It was tolerable.  I did not need radiation because of the BMX.  I finished chemo in May and am doing great.  I am on tamoxifen now with little side effects.

It is a hard choice.  You may ask you med onc about the Oncotype DX test.  I think they now do it on node positive women. That will tell you the likelyhood your tumor will return in the next 10 years.  It may be helpful information.  Ask about the odds.  Some type of hormonal treatment will probably be in your plan so understand the side effects and benefits.

Good luck with your appointment!  HUgs!