Disappointing Pathology Report

LilyCh

My wife had the lumpectomy a week ago. While we are still waiting for the copy of Pathology Report, the BS e-mailed us last night that: " Largest tumor focus was 4mm. Margins widely negative. Lymph nodes negative. Stage 1. Grade 1. Very good response to chemo but not quite a pCR".

Kind of disappointing. The tumor has not been palpable since the 2nd TCHP infusion and all the post-chemo physical examination and imaging (US, Mammo and MRI) indicated the tumor had been "resolved". Last week right after the surgery the BS even told me he did not find anything suspicious...

What's next? would "not quite a pCR" impact the upcoming treatments (radiation, targeted and hormonal therapies)? The BS calculated a (very) low risks of recurrence (for 5 years and before the age of 85) during the time before the surgery but after the post chemo MRI, would the risk factor change since a fully pCR has not been achieved? We are going to have the follow-up appointment next week with the BS but thought if you would have comments to share. Thank you!