Anyone with Stage 1, Grade 3 IDC?

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  • hikingandhorses
    hikingandhorses Member Posts: 65
    edited August 2014

    Sandyloveslucy - I am in the same boat as you are - tumor-wise and job-wise.  I'm self employed also and did the panic "how am I going to do this"  with no work and no pay.  Have you decided on chemo yet?  My onc and several research abstracts online had compelling arguments to go ahead with it so I am.  I'm on TCH - I'm 1/2 way through and, they're right, each time I have a cumulative response to the big doses.  I get dosed every week:  TCH every 3 weeks and herceptin alone the weeks in between.  I had a big dose on the 4th and spent the week in nausea - barely controlled by meds.  I feel like the party I supposedly went to was REALLY great because I'm STILL hung over.  My mouth also tastes like I ate the contents out of all the ashtrays.  I would be interested to hear what you decide with chemo.  Good luck in your decision!  

  • jetgal23
    jetgal23 Member Posts: 44
    edited August 2014

    Hi Muffins123 -

    Your mom sounds like me, though I'm 52.  I had my lumpectomy June 12 and waited almost 2 months to get results from my oncotype and Mammaprint tests.  My oncotype was 21 and though it was stage 1, you're right the grade 3 is a concern.  Mammaprint is a test for those of us who fall in the middle of the oncotype scores.  It comes back either high or low risk.  I was high risk luminal (not sure what that means but it has a high rate of success with chemo) so we fully agreed on chemo.  I start 2 days from now with taxotere and cytoxan.  I'll let everyone know how it goes.  Of course, everything is dependent upon your mom's own health situation etc. and if there is one thing I've learned from reading these discussions, is ask questions of the doctors and make sure to call if she is in pain, etc.  Sounds like a lot of people suffer with side effects (SE) that aren't needed so call.  Thank goodness for this group as I've learned a lot and keeps me well informed.  Good luck!

  • 70charger
    70charger Member Posts: 963
    edited August 2014

    Hi muffins123.  I am 1 yr since my lumpectomy.  I had 4 rounds of TC chemo from Sept to Nov, then 16 rounds of radiation which ended Jan 3rd.  Chemo is very doable.  Just make sure they are aware of any & all side effects so that things can be adjusted for the next treatment.  Had my 1 yr mammogram in June & so far so good. Apparently here in Canada for older patients they have 2nd generation protocall regarding treatment, hence only 16 rads.  I was 59yrs old.  She will do just fine.

  • SandyLovesLucy
    SandyLovesLucy Member Posts: 204
    edited August 2014

    Hiking and horses, I'm so sorry about the side effects you are experiencing.  I hope things become more manageable for you soon. I'm Grade 3/Her2 positive too.  My MO felt that I was a good candidate for TH only so it will be Taxol/Herception weekly for 12 weeks, then 9 months of Herception only.  I went to an appointment with her armed with the study about TH only, ready to fight for it but and then started to drive myself crazy wondering if I should REALLY be on TCH!  We talked it over again on Monday and I'm good with the decision. Rads to follow.  I had my port placed on Monday and started chemo the same day.  The infusion went well and so far so good with no major side effects. But I know they can build over time so I'll hope for the best.  Best of luck with your work situation. I travel six states as a sales rep and I am going to have to cut way back and have my guy drive me when I can't drive.  I wish you the very best as we both try to figure it all out.

    Muffins 123, sorry to hear about your Mom.  I have two grown daughters and I know how hard this has been on them, worrying about me. Clean margins and negative nodes are very good news.  I had the same after my lumpectomy and my prognosis is good. I'm grateful for all the treatment that is available for everyone's specific situation.  You will both feel better once you have a plan in place.  The waiting for test results is the absolute worst.  Your Mom is lucky to have you.  Sending hugs to you both!


     

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