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Dandelion's avatar
Dandelion
Member
9 years ago

Do I need chemo for 1-3 nodes positive

Starting to wonder/worry should I have been offered chemo. 
I know we all have different treatment plans but just have to ask and try to put my mind at rest .
I was dx with multifocal  invasive lobular cancer . Stage 2 grade 2 estrogen positive and one lymph node positive . 
Was told chemo wouldn't work . They don't give it for 1-3 nodes !!! 
Was given the choice of radiation !!
Had a mastectomy , axillary clearance , rads , zoladex and aromasin . 
Anyone know about this ? 
Just read an artical about genomic testing to decide whether woman are likely to benefit from chemo when they have 0-3 positive lymph nodes and are ER positive.
my breast tissue is gone so to late for that but still carnt help but question shouldn't I of had chemo .
 Thanks x 

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  • Unicornkisses's avatar
    Unicornkisses
    Member
    9 years ago
    My experience only.
    Surgeon said if cancer had spread to lymph nodes automatically chemo.
    I had one positive sentinel.
    My Ki67 was low, oncologist said it was spreading fairly slowly.
    Grade 2 Stage 11B ER +ve PR +ve HER2 -ve
    Multifocal, multi centric ( 2 main lumps plus DCIS)  invasive ductal carcinoma.

    My chemo -3 X FEC at 3 weekly intervals plus 3x Docetaxol at 3 weekly intervals.

    It might be worth asking or getting a second opinion.
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    9 years ago
    There is a window period they give chemotherapy for after surgery and normally it's within 6 weeks. It may be related to all the details of the pathology...like the Ki 67 which if low doesn't actually respond well to chemo as it is multiplying so slowly (which is fantastic...yeah ).   Your oncologist looks at all of the results, your health, the stats on different types of cancer (lobular is different from ductal in how it progresses I believe) then makes his recommendations for the best treatment. If he thought you should have chemo he would have told you. We all worry that we have not chosen the right path but just have to hope we have and then start reclaiming our life again once treatment is finished.
    The time after active treatment  (even when on tabs etc) is when we really start more worry, feeling a bit adrift after the intensity of appointments during treatment. All I did was choose to believe I am now cancer free and started to go about my life as one of the ones who are cured. The fear remains of course, but I supress it mostly now. 

    Here's to the next phase. ..survivorship. Kath x
  • onemargie's avatar
    onemargie
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi there dandelion, have faith in the team around you they will let you know what's best for you, I had triple negative with no nodes and still had 8 rounds of chemo, but if you want more reassurance you could always get a second opinion. I haven't heard about the testing you are referring too but again a question for your oncologist. Best of luck with it all, Margie. xx
  • brightspace's avatar
    brightspace
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi dandelion 
    Perhaps ask for another specialist consult
    How long ago were you tested as tissue samples can be retested as i believe they are stored 
    All the best Bright