Can anyone help me discern?

ColleenS80
ColleenS80 Member Posts: 271
edited March 2018 in Stage II Breast Cancer

Hi all,

Im wondering if anyone can help.

I was originally dx stage 1, triple positive. My tumor was 1.4cm. But, after a node biopsy, I’ve been moved to stage 2. Having a pet scan Tuesday which scares me of course.

My node biopsy report says I have a macromet of .7cm in the node. It says “the right axillary biopsy contains lymph node with abundant metastatic carcinoma.” The word “abundant” freaks me out. I’m so scared of distant metastasis.

Some other words in the report are “no definite extra-capsular extension was seen” and “there is moderate tubule formation.”

I guess what I want to ask is—have any of you had a similar node biopsy and NOT ended up with distant metastasis?

And I do intend to discuss with my doctor of course, but the report came in Friday and she’s out of town till Monday. My worry wart brain needs validation. Thanks.

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited February 2018

    colleen - yes, I had two positive nodes - one the same size as yours, and a 2.6cm mass in the breast - I did not have distant mets, and am NED as far as I know. I was diagnosed in 2010, completed 6 TCH, continued the year of Herceptin and am still on the anti-hormonal, letrozole. I had adjuvent chemo, and did not receive Perjeta because it was not yet approved for use on early stage patients.

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  • Runrcrb
    Runrcrb Member Posts: 577
    edited February 2018

    extra-capsular extension = outside the wall of the node. the statement "no definite extra-capsular extension" looks like a good thing.

    Metastasis is the medical term for cancer that spreads to a different part of the body from where it started. Breast cancer in the lymph node is cancer that is in a different part of the body.

    I know it's incredibly difficult but try to take a deep breath and not worry too much more this weekend. Worry won't help. If you can, take a walk; if you drink, have a nice glass of wine. Watch a good movie with someone. Go out to dinner. There will be plenty of stress during this journey but today, try to do something to de-stress.


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  • ColleenS80
    ColleenS80 Member Posts: 271
    edited February 2018

    SpecialK you are also HER2+ like me! Thank you so much. I know one person’s story is not another’s, but I just needed to see some people out there that were in a similar position and are doing ok. Thanks so much for taking the time to answer. <

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  • ColleenS80
    ColleenS80 Member Posts: 271
    edited February 2018

    Run, I have researched a lot but somehow missed researching the extension part, so thanks for that butnof good-looking news. Thanks for taking the time to reach out! <

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited February 2018

    colleen - there are several node positive, Her2+ people who post regularly on the triple positive thread also. A regional spread to the lymph nodes informs treatment decisions, but not an absolute for distant metastasis. Hang in there!

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  • ColleenS80
    ColleenS80 Member Posts: 271
    edited February 2018

    I will keep an eye in that thread as well-thank you!

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  • Outfield
    Outfield Member Posts: 1,109
    edited February 2018

    Colleen, to clarify something said above, using the word "metastasis" in the setting of cancer in locoregional lymph nodes isn't incorrect, but it's not "distant metastasis" as you had asked about.

    I was ER+ PR-HER2-, so different kind of cancer than yours, but I had 2 (among my many positive) very big nodes that could be felt through the skin before my surgery. I'm now more than 7 years out from finishing treatment. I don't like to think of myself as "not having ended up with" distant metastases because that would seem to be tempting fate in a way I'm too superstitious to feel comfortable doing, but I do like to think that I've had 7 good years since finishing treatment.

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  • Falconer
    Falconer Member Posts: 1,192
    edited February 2018
    Colleen,
    My mom had significant lymph node involvement and followed a treatment of chemo, rads and Tamoxifen. She is now 76 years old and a happy grandmother of 6. I know that no two people are the same, but I just keep thinking about getting through this, as that's the best we can do. Good luck with results next week. I hope all scans are clear.
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  • ColleenS80
    ColleenS80 Member Posts: 271
    edited February 2018

    Thank you ladies. As we’ve all said everyone is different but just being aware of people being at this point without also being found to be at stage 4 gives me the hope I need to get through the next two days.

    Thank you for taking the time to ease my nerves as I wait!!!

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  • Beatmon
    Beatmon Member Posts: 1,562
    edited February 2018

    Remember we don’t hear from many women that did great without further problems. Many posters that stay around are greater than Stage 1 and stay around to get and give support.

    I am Stage 4, her2+ but despite the fact I did have many, many lung mets...I am out and about daily. Maybe not great, but grateful.

    Hopefully you will do well

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  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited February 2018

    It is all so scary and I understand your fear. I was also Triple Positive - 9 positive nodes, one node shy of Stage 3C. Was able to take Herceptin only 3 months because of major heart issues. I am going for my 6.5 year checkup this week!! Thanking God everyday!

    I've talked to many, many women with 13 or more positive nodes many, many years out.

    Your fears are normal !!

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  • ColleenS80
    ColleenS80 Member Posts: 271
    edited February 2018

    You ladies are a blessing <3 thank you for your support and love!!

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  • ColleenS80
    ColleenS80 Member Posts: 271
    edited February 2018

    My scans were clear except what they already knew about! So thankful. Thank you so much for your suppot

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited February 2018

    Oh yay! I know it is a relief for you!

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  • Sabina1974
    Sabina1974 Member Posts: 39
    edited February 2018

    Hi Colleen


    I to had cells in 2 of my lymph nodes 2.5 mm and .4mm. Yes it is scary but as the girls on this wonderful community suggested try not to worry. I always watch a funny movie if I feel my mind wandering to a dark place and if you like a glass have a big one. Stage 2 is still early breast cancer and prognosis is good for this stage. As you will see from my diagnosis I was 2A. Best of luck.


    Sabina

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  • ColleenS80
    ColleenS80 Member Posts: 271
    edited February 2018

    SpecialK-yes! So thankful! Sabina, thank you for your positive story! <3

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  • lpk29
    lpk29 Member Posts: 16
    edited March 2018

    yay!!

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