Why don't all invasive need chemo

Bikerbabe17

Hi lillp07,

I'm glad you asked the question. I've been really worried about the LVI and didn't quite understand how it would factor into everything. Except that it scares the hell out of me. Ive been looking for any reference to LVI. My Lumpectomy isscheduled for the 22nd of the month, so I don't know yet about the nodes, but am expecting the worst. It's the waiting that is so hard. But based on the replies, I should expect chemo as part of my treatment. Which doesn't overly worry me. I can do anything for a short time. It's just everything all together is so much.

Nancy2581

hi Bikerbabe. I had LVI too and like you it scared the crap out of me. My onc never mentioned it though and I finally got the nerve to ask about it. She said yes it puts you at a higher risk, but we are doing chemo (sounded like that should cover it - I hope so). Good luck on your upcoming lumpectomy.

Nancy

Lillp07

Bikerbabe, I was sick with worry over the invasion part of the diagnosis but my Onc didn't seem overly concerned about it. It meant I needed the chemo to mop up any rouge cells and from what I believe the chemo helps for it not it reocur. Maybe someone can clarify that part for me. All the best with your upcoming lumpectomy. Stay in touch.

shelleym1

I just found out from my surgical path report that it states Lymphovascular Invasion: Present. My nodes were clear. My surgeon didn't even mention it until I said something. He said that it will likely mean chemo but the onc will determine that. Still waiting for Onctotype test. I'm terrified now.

Lillp07

Hi Shelley

I totally understand how terrified you are. I am totally the same. The doctors didn't seem too concerned but it meant chemo for me. Ive just had my round 2 and it's going well. I want to know how I know if we find out whether the vascular invasion is gone after chemo? I'm going to ask that question next week. Stay strong Shelley. We can do this.

Nancy2581

maybe I am wrong but isn't LVI within the tumor?its a pathway the tumor has created to get unto the bloodstream. I assume when the tumor is removed so is the LVI. It's just that while it was there cancer cells could have escaped through it. Someone correct me if I am wrong

Nancy

shelleym1

Good question Nancy. I really don't know.

Hopeful82014

Thanks, Kay.

Lillp07

Thank you for that Kay.

edwards750

Lill - I have Stage 2, grade 1 IDC. I was DX 4 years ago. I had a lumpectomy and 33 radiation treatments. Currently taking Tamoxifen. I did have the oncotype test. My score was 11. I was able to dodge chemo because of my test score. Good luck.

Diane

Hopeful82014

That could well be, Kay. Thanks for raising some interesting points and a good deal of understanding to a rather slippery subject.

Lillp07

Thanks Diane. You have done awesome!! Where did you need the radiation. At the beginning they said I would beed radiation but now with having the chemo and double masectomy I may not need it.

edwards750

Lill - thanks  -  I had radiation in the affected breast only. It was a piece of cake. Whole thing took about 10 minutes each visit and the techs were awesome. I was tired midway through but very little burning and redness. I know however, lung issues can show up years later from radiation exposure. That's the chance you take with treatments - beats the alternative.

I know a number of ladies in my support group who had chemo. They had side effects but they all said it wasn't as bad as they thought it would be. I hope its the same for you. They have come a long way with treatment plans.

I am blessed. I have an oncologist appt next month and a mammogram in May. My oncologist said I will cease taking Tamoxifen when I hit the 5 year mark. I cant say I will miss it ....haha but it is an extra insurance policy.

Keep us posted.

Diane

Lillp07

Hi Diane,

I'm all about the extra insurance. When does Tamoxifen start? I will be on it for 5 years. Will I get a break in between chemo and masectomy before starting it?

Lil

Lillp07

Thanks Kay. Im hoping to have some neausa free time.

Lillp07

I have about 1 week of feeling queasy. I'm pretty sure I remember being ok last cycle in week 2. I'm on day 5 of cycle 2 and feeling like morning sickness each day.

Lillp07

like clockwork. I have them for the first 2 days following, morning and night. They have given me extra ones that are different to the ones I take straight after. They say it empties the stomach. They are called metoclopramide. These are extra ones on top of the regular ones though. Just to be taken as needed. Maybe I should use them.

Lillp07

Thank you Kay. I'm onto it. I've just taken some now but will take it in the morning before I start feeling sick and then stay on top of it throughout the day.

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Lillp07

Thank you for the advice. I'll speak about it at my next appointment.

Ashley316

you are all so amazing and inspiring. I know I can fight this. Just cared and want to still so much more

shelleym1

Just wanted to let you all know this - I had LVI present on my surgical path report. My Oncotype came in at 15. Regardless of the LVI, my onc is not recommending chemo. There is a less than 3% benefit. It says I have a 10% chance of recurrence with hormone therapy alone. Chemo would knock it down to 9%. The LVI was not an individual prognostic factor for me. It is factored into the calculation of the Oncotype. Also, I was node negative.

Lillp07

Thanks Shelley. I am half way through Chemo. That isnt much of a difference in percentage. Gosh it doesnt seem worth it.

kittysister

After running the path results, numbers and percentages, my Oncologist told me that hormonal therapy had a better benefit than chemo for me. I don't know about statistics, but I suppose that's mainly what they go by.

Lillp07

thanks Kitty. There's so much to factor in with treatment. I'm learning so much.

Meow13

kitty sister you are right it is all about statistics

Jojo0529

thank you for the info kay