Anyone staged a IIB w/ lots of nodes?

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Rachel1
Rachel1 Member Posts: 363
edited June 2014 in Stage I Breast Cancer

Just curious because I had 2 of the sentinal nodes positive and then I believe it was 5 in the axilla. My onc. staged me at a 2 and so did 3 other oncs. at a teaching hospital in Denver.  I haven't questioned them about this, because I don't want them to reconsider. (The mind games we play.) I know when they did the complete node dissection and found additional nodes I was grief stricken and kept asking if it changed my stage and they kept saying no.

Just wondering if anyone else is out there.

Thanks,

Rachel

IDC 4.5cm, stage IIB, grade 3 7/twenty-something nodes, ER+, BRCA2+ 

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  • sherry67
    sherry67 Member Posts: 556
    edited February 2012

    I was dx stage 2b with 11 positive nodes 2.5 cm tumor am doing ok so far...tired a lot but ok...

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited February 2012

    Rachel, you've probably researched this yourself, but it sounds like you fall squarely in Stage IIB. Here's a link to BCO's page on staging:

    http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/diagnosis/staging.jsp#stage2

    Besides, remember, your bc doesn't know what stage it is, so as long as you're getting the recommended tx, that's what's most important.    (((Hugs)))   Deanna

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2012
     

    Rachel - I am having same problem discerning the nodes and metastasis.  Mine was only one node of 11 taken, same side, but the mx seems to be in ribs and maybe lung.  One dr said IIIB, one saiid IIB, one IIIA.  Of course, the hint at IV was out there, becasue no one knows but the symptoms and pain are real. I was quite relieved too find that the FACTS are IIB, but then, like you said, the game we play in wanting to believe the best outcome yet fearing the worst.

    There's a chart in my hand but i cannot find it online.  this link is detailed about the number of nodes. http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/stage-3-treatment-options "In stage III, the cancer still hasn't spread far beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes. However, in this stage there are higher numbers of lymph nodes involved (four to more than ten) or the tumor is so large it extends to the chest wall or involves the skin of the breast." 

    In my case, the skin was probably affected it was sooooo close but no skin was checked, just taken, as with the muscle.  I have yet to know why not checked by pathology....

    The number of nodes for you could and seems it 'should' jump you to IIIA. Hang on, breathe.  I decided I just had to do what I felt I had to do, no matter how many nodes or where the mx is, keep on keeping on. 

    Hope you get your answers.

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  • Rest0nh0pe
    Rest0nh0pe Member Posts: 2
    edited February 2012

    Hi Rachel, Hang in there things will get better. I was dx 5 1/2 years ago. I too had positive nodes in fact 13. My cancer stage is 2B, LVI, Estrogen Receptors 3+, grade 3 tumor, tumor size 2.5 cm, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.

    I had a mastectomy and was put on Femara along with 4 mo of dose dense Chemo. I have been on Femara for 51/2 years. I am concerned about remaining on it. Safety of long term use is not known yet. I'm searching for answers on this issue. My Dr. wants me to stay on it indefinatly .I hope my 5 1/2 years is an encouragement to others.

    One thing I learned in this cancer journey is not to look for the bumps in the road but deal with them when and if they happen. Hugs to you and others on this site.

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  • Ginger63
    Ginger63 Member Posts: 4
    edited February 2012

    Hi Rachel,

    I was diagnosed in December, 2010 and had lumpectomy and node dissection on 1/3/2011.  I had a less than 2 cm. tumor, Grade 1, IDC, ER/PR+, HER2 - and 5/14 nodes.  I was never told by my oncologist what stage I was and was too afraid to ask.  I would love to know if I am Stage II but too afraid to ask for fear I am Stage 3!  I know what you mean about the mind games.  I finished 4 rounds of dose dense AC in March and 4 rounds of dose dense Taxol in May followed by RT x30 with 5 boost treatments.  I know the most important thing is the fact I am 1 year out and NED!!  I am also on Tamoxifen.  I hope the worry gets less and less the farther out we get! 

     RestOnhope -  You being 5 1/2 years out lifts my spirts and gives me hope!  Your story is exactly why I keep checking these posts!! 

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  • 1Athena1
    1Athena1 Member Posts: 6,696
    edited February 2012

    I told my onc I didn't want to know what stage I was because it was too scary. But then I "peeked" by looking on BCO at the description of stages. I fall in IIB - not as many nodes as some of you.

    The current staging system is under review, though, because it has questionable prognostic value. Tumor grade and receptivity status are believed to have more bearing. HER2+++ is awful if you are one of the many for whom Herceptin doesn't work, but great if it works for you.

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  • SelenaWolf
    SelenaWolf Member Posts: 1,724
    edited March 2012

    Yes, I heard that also... that tumour biology was proving to be a better outcome prognosticator than "stage" or size/node involvement. 

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  • fightinhrd123
    fightinhrd123 Member Posts: 633
    edited March 2012

    I had chemo first, but at LEAST 4 pos nodes, probably more.  No cancer left at surgery.  Im almost at my four year diagnoses date (may 29th, my 18th wedding anniversary)  I was 38 and ERPR-HER+

    Laura

    xoxo

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