28 unsure on what treatment plan to take
I’m 28 I was diagnosed on the 11th of November 2019. I’m living in Busselton and being treated in Bunbury but have to go to Perth for some appointments. I don’t know the lingo as it’s all very fresh. ...
Forum Discussion
Hi @Tamlyn. I've just had a friend diagnosed with triple positive BC - her tumor 1.8cm. She is doing chemo because the chemo helps the body use herceptin - the drug used for the her2 protein. You don't have this so, your recommendation for chemo is curious to me. I was told that chemo is necessary if tumor size is 3cm or over.
I was diagnosed with er+ BC. I read in one study ( a good one from Canada) chances of recurrence for the majority of er+ and pr+ breast cancers are MOST likely for 5-20 years down the track (apparently in more than 50% of cases), rather than peaking at 2 years and relatively uncommon after the first 5 for triple pos/neg breast cancers, so perhaps your young age has something to do with it.
What grade was your tumor? Grade 3 tumors are more likely to recur than Grade 1 for example - so this would be something to consider too.
In my opinion, chemo is not to be taken on lightly. It has caused irreversible damage to my feet that has dramatically affected the quality of my life. Having said that, I would have still done chemo, as my tumor was 3cm, but like you, no node involvement. I didn't want to be 10 years down the track with a recurrence thinking 'why didn't it do that? I should have done that!'
I think Tamoxifen - although a shit drug to take in many respects will be important. From what I've read er/pr BC - Tamoxifen therapy is important for up to 15 years post diagnosis, with extension to 10 years reducing the risk of late recurrence.. Find out if you have a 'Luminal A or B' tumor - Luminal A responds better to Tamoxifen.
I read you are in Busselton. I have a couple of friends down that way all diagnosed within the last couple of years. Would you like me to organise a connection - perhaps phone numbers and email addresses? I think @Shellbelle_75 is your tag here on BCNA Shel....been so long since I've used it!
These are all my thoughts.........from reading, from taking to my oncologist, from friends....
I wish the medical team you are seeking were clearer with their advice to you....perhaps ask more questions. Get a list of questions together from this thread and other sources and get an appointment with an oncologist (or even two different ones!) as soon as you can after the silly season. I recommend you grill them for some proper answers. This is your life and you need proper medical advice.
I was diagnosed with er+ BC. I read in one study ( a good one from Canada) chances of recurrence for the majority of er+ and pr+ breast cancers are MOST likely for 5-20 years down the track (apparently in more than 50% of cases), rather than peaking at 2 years and relatively uncommon after the first 5 for triple pos/neg breast cancers, so perhaps your young age has something to do with it.
What grade was your tumor? Grade 3 tumors are more likely to recur than Grade 1 for example - so this would be something to consider too.
In my opinion, chemo is not to be taken on lightly. It has caused irreversible damage to my feet that has dramatically affected the quality of my life. Having said that, I would have still done chemo, as my tumor was 3cm, but like you, no node involvement. I didn't want to be 10 years down the track with a recurrence thinking 'why didn't it do that? I should have done that!'
I think Tamoxifen - although a shit drug to take in many respects will be important. From what I've read er/pr BC - Tamoxifen therapy is important for up to 15 years post diagnosis, with extension to 10 years reducing the risk of late recurrence.. Find out if you have a 'Luminal A or B' tumor - Luminal A responds better to Tamoxifen.
I read you are in Busselton. I have a couple of friends down that way all diagnosed within the last couple of years. Would you like me to organise a connection - perhaps phone numbers and email addresses? I think @Shellbelle_75 is your tag here on BCNA Shel....been so long since I've used it!
These are all my thoughts.........from reading, from taking to my oncologist, from friends....
I wish the medical team you are seeking were clearer with their advice to you....perhaps ask more questions. Get a list of questions together from this thread and other sources and get an appointment with an oncologist (or even two different ones!) as soon as you can after the silly season. I recommend you grill them for some proper answers. This is your life and you need proper medical advice.