scared to death the 2nd time around

labhusky

I had a left mastectomy last tuesday after my excisional biopsy on 2/9.  It was stage 2a and went up to stage 3c because of the number of lymph nodes removed.  I just got my pathology report yesterday.  It says  stage 3c, pt2, cmx.  The her-2/neu by IHC  OVEREXPRESSION (HUH?).  Ki-67 unfavorable 26.8% another huh?  

Well my surgeon said  Id need chemo and that when I see my onc on the 28th he will tell me the same thing.  Guys, Im terrified.What if I dont get it ?  Im scared if I do and may be scared if I dont.  I have a job.  Am I going to be able to do anything at all?  Am I going to have to live in the emergency room or worry about going there alot?  Stage 3c scares me.  What are my chances of survival?  So scared!

My two drains are out so at least I feel free in that respect.  Help!

Moderators

Hi labhusky,

We're so sorry for all you're going through! We know it's tough right now, but try to remain calm. You've found the BEST place for support, knowledge, and advice. We're sure many members will be by shortly to help you sort through things.

In the meantime, you may be interested in reading the main Breastcancer.org site's pages on:

• Your Diagnosis: a guide to help you read your pathology report, including info on Stage III breast cancer, Her2 Status and IHC Tests (ImmunoHistoChemistry), and Rate of Cell Growth (which the Ki-67 refers to).
• Who Gets Chemotherapy?
• Chemotherapy: What to Expect

We hope this helps!

--The Mods

MaryJC

hello, I'm not sure of your entire diagnoses ie er/pr/Her2 negative or positive. But I can say that bec it all sounds new to you and this is a recurrence that the meds to address and target each expression of the cancer have evolved tremendously and women of all stages are benefiting! As the mods said, research and get to know more about the disease and your specific diagnosis. You'll learn how it's treated. Another poster said on another thread that the survival rates on google are not updated. I found this to be true. So don't let that freak you out- promise!

The thing that disturbed me about this journey is that the surgery is the easy part! In most illness you get a diagnosis, then meds, then surgery, then you heal. Breast cancer, you have surgery, then you get diagnosed, then medication. It's unnerving every round. It bothered me to know that after surgery I'm still waiting and nervous, scared.

Goodness I know it's scary! But you're not alone here. You have love and support. {{hugs}}