LVI and grade 1?

Karensdaughter · February 2013

Hello,

I'm new here--my mom was diagnosed in December. She can't bring herself to do any research so I've taken on that role. She is 61 and the mass was caught on a routine screening mammogram. She had a lumpectomy two weeks ago and today met with her MO and BS and got her results.

The tumor was 2.5cm, grade 1, ER+ (strong-100%), PR+ (weak to moderate, 10%), HER2 negative. The margins were clear. They did a SNL biopsy and there was micrometastasis in 1/6 nodes.

The report says there was LVI, which concerns me a lot given the literature. They want her to do chemo and then rad based on that and the node. We are waiting on the Oncotype DX test--it is not routinely offered here in Canada so it will take a couple weeks.

Does anyone have experience with grade 1 cancer that has LVI? I can't find anything. My mom is so terrified of chemo that she can't leave her home. She is very afraid of medication side effects generally and is especially afraid of nausea and vomiting (she had hyperemesis with both her pregnancies). She also has beautiful hair, the kind people come over and gawk at in the street, so is understandably emotionally distraught over it.

If anyone has any info on low grade tumours and LVI please help!

Thank you.

mdg · February 2013

I was grade 2 and had LVI. I did the oncotype and it came back at 17. I opted to do the chemo because of the LVI.....there was not much information on LVI but what I read was all very scary. My son was only 4 when I was dx and I wanted to be aggressive with treatment. I also did not want to lose my hair....I used cold caps and kept my hair. It took some work and cost some money but I was able to keep my hair. Oh and tell your mom many women do OK with chemo. I never had any nausea at all which surprised me because I throw up after EVERY surgery no matter what they give me and I get sea sick! Tell her chemo is doable....not fun, but doable! Hugs to her! Good luck!

coraleliz · February 2013

K-daughter-I had two, grade 1 tumors. The left one had 2 positive nodes & the right one had LVI. The chemo decision was left up to me. It was offered to me because of my positive nodes. My oncotype came back "4" on positive node side. Because of the LVI on the other side, it was suggested I have radiation even though I had a mastectomy. I was diagnosed at 52. I had bilateral mastectomies, radiation & Tamoxifen. I declined chemo. It sounds like your mom's situation is similar to mine. Hopefully the oncotype test will help to decide one way or another. Grade 1 tumors don't respond as well to chemo(as compared to grade 2 or 3). Occasionally someone with a grade 1 tumor will have a fairly high oncotype score. If this is the case with your mom, it might just add confusion.

I hated waiting for my treatment plan to come together, so I could finally start treatment & so relieved that all I have left to do is the Tamoxifen

liefie · February 2013

I was diagnosed with IDC Stage 1 Grade 1, 1.8 cm tumour, had one lymphnode with micrometastesis and LVI. Had left mastectomy, four cycles of Taxotere/Cytoxan chemotherapy as well as 25 radiations, and now on Tamoxifen. I feel satisfied that I've done everything in my power to ensure the best outcome. Best wishes to you and your mom. These decisions are difficult, but your mom is the most important player on her own team, and has to do what is right for her.

Karensdaughter · February 2013

Thank you to everyone who replied, I appreciate it. I guess we will wait for the Oncotype score and make the decision. I will look into the cooling caps too, that is a great idea.

LVI and grade 1?

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