Stage 2A... Doc recommends preventive chemo

Ashley46

Hello, I just underwent a masectomy and reconstruction abt 10 days ago. The biopsy results after the surgery shows there was 3 rumours, biggest being 2.5 cm. they removed 6 lymph nodes via sentinel surgery n all negative. Ki67 is 20% n margins clear. The only set backs are the grade is 3 n PR is only 20% positive . The dictor would like me to do a 4 course preventive chemo.

Seeking for advise. Thanks

debiann

Unfortunetly cancer cells can bypass the lymph system and spread via the bloodstream. That's why your doctor is recommending chemo, to destroy any escaped cells before they grow in another part of your body. If you are not ER+ then there are no other systemic treatments for you, so chemo is a good option. Mastectomy and radiation only prevent local recurrance,  not distant mets.

Four rounds of chemo isn't so bad. Not a picnic, of course, but a lot better than 6, which is what many of use get. Chemo is cumulative, getting a little worse each round, but you start to feel better a couple weeks after finished.

Good luck to you.

besa

It is not clear to me from your original post if you are, or are not ,estrogen receptor positive. If you are estrogen receptor positive (ER +) you should be able to have an oncotype dx test done on the tumor tissue to determine if chemo is necessary.(if you are ER+ and they are not recommending this test I would want a very good explanation of why they aren't using it.) In any case, you can seek a 2nd opinion with another medical oncologist for peace of mind to make sure you are on the right path in terms of chemo.

..see link below about oncotype dx test:

http://www.genomichealth.com/oncotype_iq_products/...

sandysasa

hey is chemo worth doing for tri neg stage 2a gr3

Moderators

Dear sandysasa, Here is some information on our site for you on Triple Negative Breast Cancer. You might also want to check out the Triple Negative Forum. The Mods