Just diagnosed

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etk02038
etk02038 Member Posts: 150

Greetings!

I was just dx with IDC 1.2 cm ER+/PR+/HER2-.  Yesterday had 2nd lumpectomy and sentinal node bx on right breast which was negative. Also on left side excisional bx for lump I just found. BS thought it looked like a cyst.  I have not seen the oncologist yet but I am trying to figure out whether they would suggest chemo for me. BS thought I would be a candidate due to my age of 48 and premenopausal. I have not done oncotype testing yet. I am sure that will help figure it out. I also have dcis in right breast. Is that taken into consideration regarding chemo? Also very dense tissue, is that a consideration for chemo?

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  • lovemyfamilysomuch
    lovemyfamilysomuch Member Posts: 1,585
    edited January 2010

    I don't have the answers to your questions, but I just wanted to respond to your  post and let you konw that you have been heard!  I am sure that many people will come soon and help you with the questions.  Take care , honey, the beginning is so hard xo

  • momand2kids
    momand2kids Member Posts: 1,508
    edited January 2010

    Hi

    I don't think that chemo has any effect on dcis--but with your idc the oncotype test is a good idea--- that will really help you decide.  I was dx'd in 2008-I was 48, pre-meno---lumpectomy, no nodes, good margins--- decided on chemo (4 rounds).  was not terrible.... but don't get ahead of yourself-- you need to heal from these two surgeries and have the oncotype test done---

    I have dense tissue-not sure it matters one way or the other-- especially with the info the oncotype can give you....

    Hope your healing goes well and as you get more info you will be able to make good decisions. 

  • comingtoterms
    comingtoterms Member Posts: 421
    edited January 2010

    I too, was 48 and pre-menopausal when diagnosed last year.  I had a L MS and they found my BC to be multi-focal.  I had very dense breast tissue and discovered my own lump(s) two months after a clean mammo.  My largest mass was 2.3 cm.  Once I really pressured  my Onc. to help me make a decision, because of my age, we both decided that chemo was the best plan, with five years of Tamoxifen to follow.  You are in a grey area because it seems that 2 cm. is the turning point for most Oncologists.  Probably a great idea to do Onctotype Testing.  In any event, chemo was not horrible and I am relieved that I did it so I have no regrets.  Best of luck to you!  Tammy

  • irish47
    irish47 Member Posts: 109
    edited January 2010

    Hi,

    I am almost 48 and you can see my  diagnosis below -   I don't yet have the HER results.  I asked my surgeon did the fact that I had IDC mean that it was DCIS which then progressed to IDC.  He said the pathology results following surgery would determine that. Am seeing him next week, so far have been told that I am definitely having radiotherapy.  I too am premenopausal and assumed I wouldn't be having chempotherapy because of the clear lymph nodes. The ultrasound measured the tumour at 1.3cm but again the pathology results need to confirm that.

  • GryffinSong
    GryffinSong Member Posts: 439
    edited January 2010

    Before my mastectomy, I was listed as stage 1, 1.5 cm. mass, and suggestions were just a mastectomy or lumpectomy with rads. Chemo was not listed as needed. When they tested my lymph nodes and three were positive for cancer, that's when they said I needed chemo. Chemo, for me, was very difficult.

    Hugs and good luck!!!

  • etk02038
    etk02038 Member Posts: 150
    edited January 2010

    Thank You all for your responses! I did some research on dense tissue and those with dense tissue do have a higher risk of a reaccurance. Of course I take everything I find out on the internet with a grain of salt. It is a question for the oncologist. If I am in that grey area and chemo is offered I will take it. I have a young son with special needs that needs me to be around and I will feel less anxious knowing I am doing everything possible that this will not come back!

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