A Club I didn't Choose to Join

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Tickety_boo
Tickety_boo Member Posts: 16
edited May 2017 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

I was diagnosed 2 months ago. I have IDC, Stage 3, ER+, PR-, HER2 +. The mass was tiny, 0.5 mm and I was lucky that they found it on a mammogram. They got good margins and my lymph nodes are clean.

I was told that I had to have radiation only. I finally was able to wrap my head around having cancer. Not that it's unfamiliar; my older sister had it 10 years ago. (She is doing well even though her cancer had gotten into lymph nodes and chest wall)

I'm waiting on genetic testing (2 sisters in one family?) although I was told it was not BRACa. I'm on this forum to get support and learn more. I was just offered chemotherapy and I'm trying to make a decision.


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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited April 2017

    Hi Tickety_boo-

    We want to welcome you to our community here at BCO. We're sorry for the circumstances that have brought you here, but we hope you find this community to be a source of support as you begin down this road!

    If you'd like to connect with other stage 3 members, you can also read through and post in this forum: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/67. Lots of info and support!

    The Mods

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  • movingsoccermom
    movingsoccermom Member Posts: 225
    edited April 2017

    So sorry for your diagnosis. I hope that they do find genetic answers for you, but if not, don't feel alone. My sister and I both were diagnosed, within a couple years of each other. This is a wonderful site and has been exceptionally helpful through my cancer experience. Best wishes to you!

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  • Tickety_boo
    Tickety_boo Member Posts: 16
    edited April 2017

    I joined this forum for several reasons, but especially because I'd like to hear about experiences with chemo. My Oncologist just hit me with a decision about having chemo. Here's why

    I have IDC, a very small mass 0.5 cm. She showed me National Cancer Guidelines that say that if you have a mass of 0.6 mm or larger (and are ER + and HERS2+) chemo is recommended. If the mass is 0.5 cm or small, the guidelines is to consider chemo.

    I had never even thought about it; all along the indications were that I'd get radiation and nothing else. My risks (of dying from the cancer ) are 3% and the chemo would reduce them to 2%.

    Given possible SE I just don't know if there trade-off is worthwhile. But, I'm also healthy and don't want to avoid treatment that could really help me avoid cancer coming back.

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  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 2,156
    edited April 2017

    TB, Are you sure you are STAGE 3 and not Stage 1, GRADE 3? Just guessing based on what your post said. Either way, good luck with your Treatment!

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  • Beatmon
    Beatmon Member Posts: 1,562
    edited April 2017

    Her2+ is a very sneaky little bastard. I had 2 4 mm idc which according to protocol 5 years ago was no chemo. Now I have Stage 4 mets to lung. If you are grade 3, consider carefully. Chemo is no fun though, I can tell you that.

    Wishing you best of luck and good health.

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  • Tickety_boo
    Tickety_boo Member Posts: 16
    edited April 2017

    Yeah, it is Grade 3, don't know my lingo

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  • Tickety_boo
    Tickety_boo Member Posts: 16
    edited April 2017

    Beatmon, I am sorry to hear about metastasis. I hope they can give you treatment. Your story is exactly what makes me continue to consider chemo. I appreciate the information.

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  • Cindyjolinn
    Cindyjolinn Member Posts: 3
    edited May 2017

    thanks for sharing your story, and your sisters. I am 4 years post diagnoses stage 3 estrogen positive 5 lymph nodes involved, still on anastrozole.

    I have gotten as far away from breast cancer as I could. I just wasn't dealing with it though I went through a lumpectomy, chemo, and radiation. As my friend put it..."You thought you'd go through treatment and go back to normal". I tried. Another appt to check for any recurrence always brings anxiety and instead of celebrating 4 years of being cancer free my fear has grown....grateful for survival stories that remind me to do life while their is life...

    Thanks

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  • Jackster51
    Jackster51 Member Posts: 357
    edited May 2017

    I was not HER+ , but chemo does come with a lot of risks, and no guarantees. Not tryine to scare you off, but I was healthy and 47 at diagnosis and never got my hair back after Taxotere. 5 years and counting in head covering. I also have permanent neurapathy in my feet from Taxotere, so I can no longer wear closed toed shoes or stand on my feet for long. Just wanted to put those possible permanent SE's out there and obviously many women do not experience them. I wish I had known, and I would have asked for something other than Taxotere.. Best of luck to you.

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