Stage 3 Breast Cancer

Siewli

Hi everyone, I was diagnosed with BC 2 weeks ago. After running more biopsy n test, today I went to breast specialist for my PET scan n lymph node biopsy result and I am being diagnosed with Stage 3 BC. My PET scan showed that it has not spread to any other body parts except on my right lymph nodes n right breast. Would appreciate if any one out there with Stage 3 BC share your journey and experience with me. Would like to know what are the Dos n Don'ts or any helpful info that I should be aware. Thanks in advance.

AllyJay

Hi @Siewli...I hope you're feeling a little more settled with the knowledge that your cancer has not been detected in other body parts, other than the breast and axillary nodes. In September 2016 I was diagnosed as Stage 3, Grade 3, Triple positive, multifocal (more than one lump) and with nodes involved. I had 4 Z AC chemo, followed by 12 X Paclitaxel as well as Herceptin for just under a year. I had chemo first and then a bilateral mastectomy mid 2017 with node clearance on the left and sentinel node on the right. I am on letrozole and will be for at least ten years...so until at least 2027. I remain NED (no evidence of disease) five years post active treatment. Good luck with your treatment. Big hug...Ally.

Siewli

@AllyJay Thanks for sharing your journey. I was told by my breast specialist that he will remove my right breast and right lymph nodes either on 19 or 23 May. After surgery, I need to start chemo for 6 mths then later radio then medicine. He would refer me to an oncologist and a radiation oncologist so I would have more details about my treatment later. Really appreciate that you have response. Thank heaps!

Julez1958

Hi there,
I was stage 2 not 3 but have read lots of stories on here.
My cancer was lobular which is not the main one ( that is ductal).
My understanding is that you will get your full pathology results after the mastectomy.
For example there may be other treatment after chemo such as hormone tablets if it is ER positive or herceptin if it is HER2.
There is a lot of info on this website , I am still discovering stuff.
I found particularly helpful the podcasts by Dr Charlotte Tottman who was a psychologist specialising in treating cancer related distress who got breast cancer herself.
Because as well as the physical impact of a breast cancer diagnosis there is the emotional and psychological impact.
Anyway I’m sure others will jump on here to share with you but in the meantime know that on this forum you will get plenty of support from others who have “ been there”.
Take care.

jennyss

Dear @Siewli,

from jennyss in Western NSW

Siewli

Question: I have seen some of the post that they knew what kind of cancer result like ER posiitve or HER2 positive. Would you able to know without surgery first? Are you able to get the result from normal ultrasound biopsy?

Julez1958

Hi my preliminary pathology report following my core biopsy showed my tumour was ER positive and HER2 negative.
A more detailed pathology report ( which confirmed this) was provided following my mastectomy.