Luminal B and A is able to recur even 15 years after diagnosis, but Luminal B shows a peak of recurence about 4 years from first diagnosis. So, slight majority (but unfortuantely not all) of relapses occur within 5 years, in opposite to the most indolent Luminal A tumors (many incidences of relapse occur after 7 or 8 years).

Almost all members of my immediate family are doctors (grandma, grandpa, aunt and uncle) I don't but I want to be

Well, it looks like I will be joining this group after all. My pathology report on my latest MRI-guided biopsy was sent to another lab and that lab is reporting me at higher ER/PR numbers than was previously reported and that I am borderline HER2+ with a score of of 2+. It is now being sent for FISH. I don't think this changes my diagnosis in the short-term but may mean that Herceptin will be added to my AC + T infusion schedule.

Fighter girl. I am going to do the best I can with prayer and God's help not to obsess, take one day at a time and just live my life. Love, Jean

Gohan1983 - thanks for the vote of confidence - it is IDC with "mucinous features," so not entirely mucinous. But from what I've read this type also rarely spreads to lymph nodes, nor does it spread quickly, and that hasn't been the case either. I also didn't get clear margins during lumpectomy, so need more surgery. I'm more than ready to talk to the oncologists about it (tomorrow and next for second opinion.) Thanks!

zjrosenthal that means you have an 80% of no recurrence. We are not much different. I have a 16% chance of recurrence in the next 10 years from diagnosis. I'm already 5+ years so I know it's lower now. Take it one day at a time. Don't assume you will recur. 80% is good. I know if I didn't do treatment other than surgery my recurrence rate was something like 60%! Glad I did treatment

Fighter girl see what I wrote to zjrosenthal above

Fightergirl, I also have mixed mucinous (70% mucinous and 30% regular old IDC) with some DCIS with cribiform features. When they first thought it was pure mucinous, I was going to do surgery and radiation alone. But then when my lymph node tested positive with mixed mucinous and a second biopsy of the lump confirmed it, my BS recommended chemo, surgery, and then radiation. I was told it requires a more aggressive treatment but is still treatable.

Zjrosenthal, as Lago says you have an 80% chance of no recurrence. Pretty darn good if you ask me.

Virginia - I had a Mammaprint on my biopsy sample five years ago - my BS is partnered in a study with Agendia.  The test looks at a larger number of genes than Oncotype does - but it is not used as often.  It is available for non ER+ patients and Her2+ patients, which makes it a useful test, but seems to be an apples/oranges comparison to Oncotype - which test is used seems somewhat dependent on physician preference, receptor/Her2 status, etc.  It is sometimes used when an intermediate result occurs with Oncotype as a tiebreaker of sorts for determination of chemo benefit.  I believe that Agendia will contact you if your insurance will not cover it (mine did not, but that was a while ago), they have some programs to help out.  Also, if your insurance does not cover all of the test I believe Agendia will accept whatever they will pay if you ask them for an Assignment of Benefits form, fill it out, and fax it back.

Virginia123

I had IHC , FISH and Mammaprint 4 years ago. The Mammaprint was done additionally( as well as for confirmation) because I was/am enrolled in Agendia's ( Mammaprint parent co) NBRST clinical trial.

It was not covered by my insurance company but I was notified that all costs were absorbed by Agendia.

The trial is in the last year of a 5 year course. Curious if they've learned anything valuable

Ugh, about the seroma, Maryann. I had a nasty seroma after my lumpectomy, but only needed to drain it once. Hope it resolves itself soon!

It means that the tracer FDG they use for PET scans (fluorodeoxyglucose) is found in a lymph node. From what I've read this can happen in any cell that is irritated. It means that the cell is using a bit more glucose than normal. That's why doctors are needed to differentiate between tumors sucking up the glucose and other reasons the cell is taking up more sugar. Since our Dr said no cancer he must have his reason to know it is not tumor motivated.

I hope that helps.

HI ladies,

I'm looking for some input. I just finished my last round of TCHP. My cancer was found in a single lymph node and no primary site was ever found (despite PET and MRI scans). So I have an unidentified primary. I also tested positive for the BRIP1 gene variant, which they know very little about, but I do have family history so there's got to be something genetic going on.

They set a surgery date for me for January 28th. I still need to talk to the BS and PS about what they are recommending. Here's what they are telling me they want to do. I am electing to do bilateral mastectomies, I need an axillary dissection and at the end of it all I want to be a C cup (I'm currently a DDD).

They are recommending that I need 3 surgeries to start:

Jan 28 - axillary dissection and a reduction surgery. Then 12 weeks later (April) they will do the bilateral mastectomies with TE. Then 12 weeks later (July) they will put in the implants. Then I will have radiation in October - which seems like a LONG time away. The PA in my oncologist's office didn't think it was such a good idea to wait that long to do radiation. This whole process doesn't count putting new nipples on or that final stuff.

One problem with this process for me is that I work full time and have a toddler. I don't understand why this needs to be broken into 3 surgeries. Why can't we combine surgery 1 and 2 to cut down on the time I'm off my feet?

What do you all think?

My Herceptin only treatments were different. I finally had them run it over 90 minutes and that helped a lot.

Tresjoli2

Definitely call your Doctor. Seeing that you just started Tamoxifen in October, it could be a reaction to that as well.