Muscle involvement stage?

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NannaBaby
NannaBaby Member Posts: 510
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

I have been wondering a while what my stage is... I haven't asked my onc. because I am kind of scared too? But, think that I may need to, because I need to clear this out of my mind!

I had a deep, large inoperanble tumour, so the stage 3a was an estimate because I did chemo before surgery...

pre-surgery and pre-neoadjuvant details = 8cm tumor, auxilliary lymphadenopathy and an enlarged intercostal node and fixation to pectoral muscle without evidence of invasion.

post-op and post-chemo details = residual 4cm multifocal, negative lymph nodes, pectoral muscle involvement and excision.

So since my tumor invaded the chest muscle, does that make me Stage 3C?

Thanks,

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2011

    Hey NannaBaby, here's the Stages site here at bc.org  Click here: Stages of Breast Cancer

    It gives a pretty good description of stage criteria.  From what you say it sounds like a stage IIIb or stage IIIc with chest wall involvement.  There will be others who will be here too to help you with personal knowledge. You really need to discuss this with your onc.  It helps to write down the questions you want to ask before your apt with him or her, and then it's not so scary to ask.  Hang in there hon.

    image

    Barb

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  • YATCOMW
    YATCOMW Member Posts: 664
    edited October 2011

    NannaBaby....

    I am not sure which it is .....definitely 3 something....but honestly.... I wouldn't get wrapped around it too much.  I looked at the chemo you got....very similar to mine....I also had an 8CM tumor...but with 17 nodes positive....good news for you is that your nodes were clear.....

    Know that you got good drugs....you took care of the beast....and leave whatever stage behind you.....and get back to living life....not so easy to do....one day at at time....

    Just try not to waste good time worrying....just move forward....look forward...plan forward.

    Jacqueline

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  • NannaBaby
    NannaBaby Member Posts: 510
    edited October 2011

    Thank you

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  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited October 2011

    I believe it would be Stage 3b - when the cancer invades the chest wall or extends to the skin. 

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