MIB-1 (K1-67)Proliferation Index?

texasdonna
texasdonna Member Posts: 36

Anyone else who didn't get an Oncotype Dx but instead had a high (>22%) proliferation marker on pathology?  I'm 4 years out and in my last year of Tamoxifen, but now I'm getting a little nervous about distant mets with ILC. I shouldn't worry, but I'm an ER nurse and have recently taken care of 2 women with Stage IV breast CA who were 5 years out and 8 years out. I keep seeing notes about Oncotype Dx, but I guess my pathologists/oncologists used a different type of genetic testing.

Comments

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited February 2012

    My path said >20% which was stated as "high proliferation rate, unfavorable"

    I would think this is typically of grade 3 (and in my case HER2+). I have read that baby aspirin might help recurrence in hormone positive breast cancer. I would ask your onc about this if you are looking for additional protection. I know I'm going to ask about it even though I'm only 1 year into my hormone therapy.

    This MIB-1 (K1-67) isn't genetic testing.

    Also those women you took care of might not have had the same diagnosis as you. They also might not have had the same treatment. If hormone positive they might not have taken (on a regular basis) or completed the 5 years of horomone treatment.

    Given that you have no nodes and a small tumor there is a good chance that no cancer cells escaped.

  • texasdonna
    texasdonna Member Posts: 36
    edited February 2012

    Those are some very good points. My oncologist told me I was very, very lucky that the digital mammo picked up my tumor so early (only 4mm), and that she'd be surprised if it ever came back. I've taken comfort in that over the last 4 years, but every now and then...The little doubts and worries surface.  For the most part, I try to live one day at a time, take my Tamoxifen and my Pristiq, and enjoy my life.  Even if the cancer someday comes back, I'll try not to freak out.  There are so many women who were diagnosed at Stage III or Stage IV and have had a lot harder road than I've had. My BMX, reconstruction, and ovary surgeries were a breeze compared to some people's treatment. I feel very fortunate. Thanks for the pep talk.

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited February 2012

    No problem. Glad I could talk you down from the ledge… no need for you to be there. Now go out and enjoy life.

  • NancyNY
    NancyNY Member Posts: 67
    edited February 2012

    For what it's worth, I also had a high proliferation index.  More than 30%.  That will be 8 years ago in May.  I did chemo, and took arimidex for 7 1/2 years.  My onc. also told me I could stop and go back on if it is less than a year, but don't know if I will.  We have to, at some point, have faith in the treatment we've received.  At least that is what I tell myself.

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