Stage 2A, 1LN+, MammaPrint low risk, not recommended chemo

Lauramv

Hello. I was diagnosed with stage 2A invasive ductal. I had a bilateral mastectomy four weeks ago, just received MammaPrint results back, and came back “Low Risk". I was clinical high risk after surgery due to One lymph node coming positive. The oncologist said she wouldn't recommend chemotherapy as it shows only a 1.5% improvement in 5 year survival rate. I will be receiving 25 rounds of radiation as soon as my temporary expanders are expanded. Anyone else had this same result? I'm thankful I came back low risk, but would like to hear of other positive outcomes with just receiving radiation after a positive lymph node. I was E/P hormone positive too, so will do hormone blocking medication after treatment.

gb2115

Hi, and welcome to BCO. I had a positive node and low risk mammaprint, and they sent me right to radiation despite being younger at the time. They radiate the lymph node areas because of the positive node. I can't say for sure if it's a positive outcome yet because unfortunately when hormone positive cancer comes back, it's often many many years later. So time will tell, right?

Sounds like you have a good plan in place!!

JosieO

Hi Lauramv,

I have very similar characteristics to you-diagnosed very late 2017, ER/PR positive, stage 2B, one positive lymph node, and a low risk designation from MammaPrint results (sorry, but I don’t have the exact percentage handy as I type this). Lumpectomy plus 33 rounds of radiation, now taking Arimidex.

Surgery was no issue, healed well, and no major issues on radiation until the last week, when my underarm became raw and weepy, but my radiation oncologist took me off for a few days, gave me an ointment, and I finished radiation and healed with no further issues. Fortunately, no major issues with Arimidex either.

For me, I made two changes which I believed really helped me:

1) I focused my diet, counting carbs religiously, emphasized organic fruits and vegetables, and lost 20 lbs, and have kept it off. 2) Even more importantly, I stepped up my exercise, going every day right after my radiation to the gym, with a combination of weight machines and cardio. I felt great, had energy, and did not notice fatigue.

Had a clear mammogram last December 2018, hoping for same next month.

I think it is possible. I had great encouragement from my cancer team and a couple of very close friends.

You can do it.Wishing you the very best outcome.

Lauramv

Thank you for your replies. I am having a slower recovery due to the double mastectomy plus now have temporary expanders, but plan to get back to working out soon! I agree with the healthy diet and exercise. Just makes me nervous since I don’t have breasts to do mammogram screening anymore. I had them take he other breast for preventative measures, but it was clear.