Sentinel node removed but nothing else?

Options
DxAt37
DxAt37 Member Posts: 52
edited December 2017 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

Hello All,

I was hoping to get some sort of clarification as there is so much usuful info here. I was diagnosed just over a month ago. IDC, grade 2, tumor 2.7cm.

During surgery, I had my sentinel node removed (there was a 3.5mm tumor in it) but no other nodes. My surgeon said it doesn't matter if any other nodes are involved - there will be radiation and chemo anyways. But from what I understand - the more nodes involved the higher the stage. So, how can I determine my stage? I believe it is a 2b, but if more nodes would be involved I might've bumbed to 3, right? My surgeon is saying that's just a number and whatever the stage, not to worry. My oncologist is off and I won't see her until Jan 12th. Meanwhile, I would lovce to get better understanding what am I dealing with.

Also, I thought I am doing radiation first and then chemo, but my surgeon seems to think it will be in different order. I called my oncologist office but they said they need to check with the dr and again, she is off. Do you have any experience with that?

Again, IDC, grade 2, ER/PR +, HER2 -, KI 67 50-60%. Tumor in left breat, 2.7cm. Tumor in sentinel node 3.5mm. 37 year old, premenopause. Waiting on mamma print results.

If you have any opinions that would share some light on my situation, please share. Thank you in advance

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • LeesaD
    LeesaD Member Posts: 383
    edited December 2017

    Hi Dxat- I have IDC, had 3 cm tumor. During my mastectomy they took 4 sentinal nodes and 2 of the 4 showed micromestasis which is less than 2 mm of cancer per node. My MO ordered Oncotype test after this finding. I was not comfortable not knowing the status of my axillary nodes so I asked my breast surgeon to go back in and do an axillary node dissection. Both my BS and MO said odds were very slim that they would find anything further in axillary nodes based on just micromets in sentinal nodes. They were wrong. He took out 14 additional nodes and two of the 14 were fully positive and had more than 2 mm but less than 4 mm of cancer. After finding the two additional nodes my MO said chemo a given regardless of Oncotype since I now had four involved nodes which yes put me from a 2B to a 3A. My Oncotype then came back a 3 which is extremely low. This changed my chemo regime from AC-T to TCas my MO was encouraged by the score but still felt he had to give me chemo based on 4 involved nodes. If I did not request the axillary node dissection, we would have based my treatment on the 2 sentinal nodes with micromets and the Oncotype of 3 and I would've skipped chemo because of the 3, skipped radiation because of the BMX and would have been sent on my merry way with Tamoxifen/AI's and th two positive axillary nodes still there. That thought still gives me nightmares. I personally had to know the status of axillary nodes. I would not have been able to function not knowing the full picture and I'm glad I went back in and found the additional nodes.

    I had chemo first then radiation which I think is the standard.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Tri-lady7
    Tri-lady7 Member Posts: 133
    edited December 2017

    Hi DxAt37- same thing with me. I had a 2.1 cm tumor grade 2 where I had a lumpectomy. The pathology came back 2 nodes positive both over 4mm. My BS did the dye and removed the cluster which only had two. He said the same thing that they don't go back for a full axillary clearance any more due to other risk factors (Lymphodema). That chemo and radiation would take care of it. It worried me for months but I am slowly getting better with it. I did have cat scans that were clear so that eased my mind a little. I am currently in the middle of chemo so hopefully anything that might be there is getting zapped. It is true what he says about the stage the protocol would be the same for stage two or three chemo and rads. Good luck to you!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • DxAt37
    DxAt37 Member Posts: 52
    edited December 2017

    Leesa, thank you very much for your input-situation you have described is my biggest fear.

    It looks like I will have chemo regardless since I have positive node but I am still afraid that something will be left behind...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • DxAt37
    DxAt37 Member Posts: 52
    edited December 2017

    Tri-lady, thanks for your response. It is “encouraging” (for lack of better word) that other people follow the same regimen. Could you please tell me what kind of chemo and what schedule are you on? I won’t know anything until January 12th and I am very scared/curious of what they will put me on and how long it will take to get it over with..

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Tri-lady7
    Tri-lady7 Member Posts: 133
    edited December 2017

    Hi DxAt37- I started with A/C chemo on Oct. 16th which was once every 2 weeks for 4 cycles. I finished that on Dec. 4th then started Taxol on Dec. 18th which will be once a week for twelve weeks. I anticipate finishing (if everything goes on schedule) the first week in March. Then I will have to complete 5 weeks of radiation since I had a lumpectomy. This is 5 days a week for the 5 weeks. All in all everything hopefully will be completed by end of April. A long process but it does go fast. Wishing you the best

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories