Newbie to Stage IIB

tlgio17

Hello, just had a right mastectomy, with Sentinel and Axill LN dissection, so far, came back as 2 out of 5 tested positive.  Waiting on ONCO testing, but from everything I have seen on path report after surgery, I am looking like I am at Stage IIB.  Just wondering what the most common types of treatment are for this stage so I can mentally prepare myself for the next part on this journey.

Thank you,

Traci

AnotherMichelle

Hi, Traci,

Welcome and sorry to meet you here. The Oncotype testing will be good, but your MO will be very, very likely to suggest chemo because of the node involvement. Typically--but not always--someone in your situation will do chemo and then radiation (since you've already had surgery) and then endocrine therapy (to suppress the hormones that feed your particular type of cancer). I hope this helps. We are here with you.

Kelli

MexicoHeather

Hi. I am new to the chat rooms. Like Tigio17, I am waiting for my treatment plan from the oncologist. I don't have any family history for breast cancer. I am in great shape for 50. So there's some minimizing going on by my family. "Surgery over - check!". This is more like the beginning, isn't it?

MexicoHeather

Hi. I am new to the chat rooms. Like Tigio17, I am waiting for my treatment plan from the oncologist. I don't have any family history for breast cancer. I am in great shape for 50. So there's some minimizing going on by my family. "Surgery over - check!". This is more like the beginning, isn't it?

tlgio17

Thank you Kelli, I am mentally preparing myself as much as possible, but every step is so overwhelming.  I am sure as I get more info on my treatment plan I will have a ton of questions.  Appreciate the support!!

Traci

Hopeful82014

Heather, others may disagree, but in my view, yes, you're right that surgery is just the first step. Treatment is more of a long-haul than a sprint, which many families and friends don't really understand. I hope these boards can help provide some of the support to see you through.

Traci, welcome to you, too. I'm sorry you're in this boat, too, and sorry about your nodal involvement. Waiting to know what comes next is the pits. Hang in there.

tlgio17

Thank you Hopeful, the waiting is definitely hard and the unknowns.

ElaineTherese

Traci,

The Oncotype test should provide some guidance, but I wouldn't be surprised if chemo were in your future, given Grade 3 and nodal involvement. If you do end up going the chemo route, all you can do is to try to make sure that your oncologist has proposed a regimen that is both effective and takes into consideration your existing health conditions (if any). Feel free to ask for second opinions as you follow whatever treatment path you choose. ((Hugs))

tlgio17

Thank youElaineTherese,

I am trying to prepare myself for whatever treatment they feel is best. Thanks for your comments and hugs appreciate it.

Traci

vlnrph

Both Traci and MexicoHeather look so young and cute in their photos! It's good be to researching your options.

Whenever I learn about this BC beast diagnosed prior to menopause, I have to wonder if genetic counseling might be appropriate. No pressing need to ask about it right now with so much going on but keep it in mind for the future.

Even with no family history, a mutation can hide among male ancestors. The cost of comprehensive panel testing has come way down in recent years and there is more to the story than just BRCA 1/2 for many folks these days...

tlgio17

Thanks Vlnrph, that is a good suggestion and definitely something I will keep in mind. 

Such a rollercoaster this has all been.

Thanks again!

Traci

MexicoHeather

Tomorrow morning I am getting the drain out. I am looking forward to getting some range of motion back. Most of the pain I have right now is really nerve numbness on the arm, and some arthritis that has been bothering my right shoulder for a few months. Oh, and my period started today. I have a uterine fibroid that annoys me. Can I just get rid of all woman-parts? Honestly.

snowsogal

Mexico Heather:

This is a roller coaster ride. I am glad I am through all this, now I just need follow-ups and scans every 6 months. So far everything is good. I am most thankful to God having his hand on me continually.

Stay strong, and keep positive.

Cindy

IrishEyes31

I am a newbie as well. Got my Prosigna test back last Thursday, score was a 70. I am premenopausal. Dr. basically said I need 2 types of chemo. Not really sure I want to do the chemo.....

snowsogal

Hi Irish Eyes:

I am so sad you have to be here, but you will find the support you need here.

I totally can understand not wanting chemo. I so wanted to go the alternative route, but I didn't have the money to do so back in 2014.

I remember asking my husband if he wanted me to take chemo, and he said what other choice do you have; if you do not you will die because the cancer was already in my lymph nodes. I knew right then my husband was not ready to let me go yet.

I did not know about these forums until post cancer treatment, so it was a very lonely journey for me.

I will tell you God is my strength of my life, not my family or friends. I want to fore warn you. Do not be surprised if you are shunned by friends and family? It is not because they do not care most of the time, but possibly their own fears of getting cancer themselves, or they honestly do not know how to comfort or encourage you.

I experienced this with my younger sister. She has been cancer free for thirteen years now, but she never reached out. On the other hand, my older sister who does not have cancer she sent cards and she called me once a month all through my treatments. I am grateful for that till this day.

It is important to have a strong support system and above all else stay upbeat. In addition take one day at a time, and do not let your mind go ahead where you are in this journey. Your enemies of fear, what if, doubt, blame will come knocking at your door, do not give them a foot hold in your life. You absolutely did nothing wrong to get cancer, it just happens.

I know for me calling people to pray was a great comfort to me, and it made the waiting for test results not so difficult.

Irish take someone with you to your appointments. It is such a great encouragement, and have them take notes of the conversation. It is all so overwhelming. You will not remember what they said, usually because of denial or shock. It is okay to have these feelings. It is perfectly normal.

Another aspect, results can change so quickly from what the ultrasound or MRI show ect... For example the surgeon thought I was Stage 3A at least, but the oncologist thought I was Stage 2B, and when the breast tissue biopsy results were in. I indeed was Stage2B. This is just an example of how things change. Another issue was the size of the tumor. I was told it was 1.7 cm mass, and the final results were a 2.3 cm mass.

I will be thinking of you.

Prayers and Hugs