Chemo confusion

sherrimo
sherrimo Member Posts: 18
edited June 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
Chemo confusion
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  • sherrimo
    sherrimo Member Posts: 18
    edited March 2009

    In the last month I was diagnosed with ER+ PR+ HER2- High Grade IDC cancer that measured 2.1 cm and another 1 cm (right next to the first one).  I had a lumpectomy 2 weeks ago.  Nodes were negative and margins were clear.  My oncologist is recommending AC+T chemo followed by Tamoxifen then radiation.  I am having a Oncotype DX test done to see the risk of recurrence, he seems pretty sure it will come back at least in the intermediate range.  I have been reading conflicting reports on the need for chemo.  His thought is because of the size and grade, chemo would be the route to go.  Any thoughts?  Sherri

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  • lexislove
    lexislove Member Posts: 2,645
    edited March 2009

    Your onc is right. due to tumor being over 1 cm and grade 3. It warrants chemo.

    Radiation possibly depending on lymph node status and then the 5 years tamoxiffen. Chemo is hard but doable. Hang in there. More ladies will come to help answer questions.

    The beginning is always hard..but once you got the plan of attack you feel better.

    Ooops...I see your lymph nodes are clear, you may or may not need radiation. It will depend on tumor location..ie. close to chest wall or not.

    I think in the US 1-3 lymph nodes is no radiation.

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  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 6,099
    edited March 2009

    Lexislove, Sherri had a lumpectomy, so it's very likely she'll be getting rads--especially with two tumors, 2.1 cm + 1 cm in diameter.  The rads will come after the chemo, if chemo is necessary.  With that much tumor mass and a grade of "3", chemo is fairly likely unless the Oncotype score comes back really low.  Tamoxifen is once (or twice) a day for 5 years.

    otter 

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  • lexislove
    lexislove Member Posts: 2,645
    edited March 2009

    Thanks Otter..

    Missed that one..lol

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  • sherrimo
    sherrimo Member Posts: 18
    edited March 2009

    Thanks for info, the more I know the better.  Seeing the surgeon next week for a follow up, I'll see what she has to say.  She specializes in women's breast health.

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  • knowledgeforpower
    knowledgeforpower Member Posts: 184
    edited March 2009

    Tumor size and grade are two considerations for chemo.  Your oncotype score will help with the decision.  My tumor was .8 cm and grade 3, node negative.  My oncologist told me she thought since it was grade 3 my oncotype would come back high and it did, it was 26.  I am on 4 cycles of AC and then will have 18 days of radiation.  Good luck.  If you need chemo the disucssion board on chemotherapy will offer lots of support.

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