Anyone similar to me?

Johnnygirl

I'm sure most of you can relate to how a BC dx turns into a whirlwind of tests, doc appointments, and procedures. The dust is starting to settle a little for me and now I'm trying to fully understand it all and get validation that I'm on the right track.

I had several small concentrations of IDC (largest being 5mm) alongside a large (9cm) DCIS tumor. Stage 1A IDC. No node involvement. I am 3 weeks out from a bilateral mastectomy. That is the only treatment I've had so far. I don't see my Medical Oncologist for 2 more weeks but I've been told that I will have hormonal therapy (I am HER2-/ER+/PR+) and that radiation is a possibility - my case is borderline and the MO will make the call. I have not had the oncotype test.

Does this seem in line with what you all have experienced? Should I push for the oncotype test? What would that tell me? Is radiation common or uncommon in my situation? Is there anything else I should be asking when I see my MO?

KathyL624

Oncotype would tell you if chemo is in order

Johnnygirl

Kathy,

Is it common to have chemo for stage 1A after a BMX? I honestly don't know. Thanks.

bluepearl

The oncotype will tell you regarding chemo although grade 1 usually doesn't respond that well to chemo...and you probably won't have a high oncotype anyway (although there are exceptions to the rule). Radiation if tumour was near chest wall, I am thinking...or very near armpit. It can increase survival in any case. Good prognostic factors!

Izzy-06

Hi,

You sound very similar to me. I dx IDC7/20/16, I had a bilateral mastectomy8/19/16. I was told that I would not need radio because I did not have any significant amount of breast tissue left. I did push for the MAMMA print, it came back with a "low" rating - meaning that I would not benefit from chemo (I did a happy dance) and I was placed on tamoxifen 20mg once a day. I took it in the morning and I felt rough all day. Very bad migraines, upset tummy, significant swelling in lower legs and arms & I wanted to sleep all day. I changed to taking it at night and now I have awful nightmares, stomach feels worse than before and I still have the migraines. MO is going to try medically shutting down my ovaries to see if I can tolerate menopause. If I do she will change my tx....Im considering not taking anything.

Johnnygirl

Izzy, that sounds scary having to deal with all of those side effects. I hope you and your MO get it figured out.

Bravemama34

i had 14cm of DCIS and multiple microinvasions.  but i also had a micromet to one sentinal node.  i am doing chemo, radiation and hormonal therapy