Anyone w/ Similar Diagnosis?

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Melissa1971
Melissa1971 Member Posts: 60

I just got a call w/ some new info re my IDC...it is HER 2 neg, progestrone neg.  and estrogen neg. My tummor was 1.8 cm w/ clear margins and clean sentinal node. They put me at a Stage 1. Anybody else out there w/ same diagnosis? Had a lumpectomy last week and will meet w/ the oncologist next week. Just wondering what to expect. Thanks

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  • mom_of_2
    mom_of_2 Member Posts: 347
    edited February 2009

    Check Triple Negative board...you will find endless support. 

  • bre
    bre Member Posts: 89
    edited February 2009

    Melissa,  Great that you had clear margins and clean sentinel node.  Congrats.  I would guess based on being triple negative and size of tumor that you will probably be advised to have chemo.  Don't fret over that too much, they have great drugs now to help you get through it if you have to do it.  The thing is to weigh the risk of recurrence with and without chemo and see how much benefit they think you would get from it.  They can do oncotype testing now too that helps you make the decision.  Write down all the questions you have before you go in.  There's a link on the home page that will help you with questions.  Take somebody you trust with you to help you absorb all the information.  Good luck.  Brenda

  • pennylane
    pennylane Member Posts: 177
    edited February 2009

    Hi Melissa, We are pretty much a match.  My stats are 1.7cm,  and node negative, and triple negative just like you....I was dx back in the summer of 2005 and am still here and things do get so much better.  They told me I had a "smallish" bc, but because it is triple neg chemo was recommended.  Back then it was dose dense ac and then some taxol.  The anti-nausea drug called emend works wonders...I never got sick to my stomach, just didn't feel like eating....I would like to stress, don't let this "triple neg" stuff drive you too crazy...Most of the women with early stage like yourself are doing really fine....You are in the worst part of this...the beginning is so brutal...I just wanted to cheer you on...I know that when I was first dx I was always looking for a statistical match...so here I am for you!    

  • Melissa1971
    Melissa1971 Member Posts: 60
    edited February 2009

    Hi Pennylane,

    Thank you so much for your response.It is encouraging to hear how well you are doing. I was dx about 3 weeks ago and have been so overwhelmed w/ worry and fear. I was elated to be at stage 1, but cancer is so frightening. Now every headache or pain makes me worry. I have 2 little boys and I just want to be here for them.  I am looking forward to meeting w/ the oncologist this wek and getting started on treatment. I assumed I would have chemo since I want to be as agressive in my care as possible, I have even come to terms w/ losing my hair. 

    Thanks for connecting!! 

  • pennylane
    pennylane Member Posts: 177
    edited February 2009

    Hi Melissa, Congratulations on being Stage 1...In the midst of the bad luck of dx it is so good to have such good news.  Thinking back, I think that was the first time I exhaled in weeks....Hearing the onc say those words...well I felt so lucky.  Triple negs like yourself are strongly adviced to do chemo, even early stage, so I'm glad you are prepared mentally.  When you start, you can join the other women on the Chemo Board who are going through this at the same time as you.  Anticpation about all this is such a trial...hang in there...keep writing here.  After you start treatment, things will start to move at a faster pace.  Feel free to send a Private Message to me any time, you know, if you are feeling scared and just not in the mood to air it publicly....Although, I have to say...the women here are all heart....It's a safe place to open up....Best wishes, P

  • Emily2008
    Emily2008 Member Posts: 605
    edited February 2009

    Hi Melissa.  I have 3 little boys myself and was so worried about what my cancer would do to them.  You know what?  They've handled it beautifully.

    The hardest part is not having a plan in place re: treatments.  Once you know what you're doing, you just do it, but the not knowing is very, very hard.  Before long, you'll have your plan in place and will feel empowered to face this beast and kick it to the curb.  Best wishes!

  • didle20Diane
    didle20Diane Member Posts: 404
    edited February 2009

    Hi Melissa, my report looks very similar to yours.  I get the final report hopefully Tuesday and have an appt with the oncologist on Friday.  My mother in law had BC 20 years ago, had mastectomy with no chemo or rads in is still with us.....so I am sure we are going to have a few options.  I am just blessed as I am sure you are that we are triple neg. I will let you know my final dx this week.  Good luck to you and feel free to email me outside the forum if you want to compare notes. 

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