Hi Christina, my story is very similar to Cath's. Routine mammogram in July, diagnosed with 1.3cm grade 1, stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma. MRI confirmed no other cancers. I'm not big breasted so to make sure margins were clear I chose a nipple sparing mastectomy with immediate silicone implant. I could not believe I could be so fortunate to have clear nodes and not need any further treatment. I am also Er+ Pr+ her2- and am taking Arimidex for at least the next 5 years.
But I too was uneasy and got another opinion from an oncologist despite my surgeon saying chemo wasn't needed. He confirmed this and explained that grade 1 cells are slow growing and have only just started deviating from 'normal' cells. Chemo only attacks fast dividing cells.
Yes, without chemo it would be easy enough to hide what we have been through but I also told everyone, including a group email to all the Gold Coast staff in the bank I work for. Breast cancer came out of the blue for me so hopefully I gave a few ladies a nudge to get checked!
Of course there will always be that little worry which never quite goes away, but I remind myself that while taking Arimidex my risk of getting cancer in the other breast is now less than the national average.
Getting breast cancer is absolutely life changing with or without ongoing treatment. I count my blessings everyday that I got the result that I did, and can look forward to a healthy life with those I love. My heart goes out to those who need chemo and radiation and I am so glad that it wasn't necessary for you. Wishing you continued good health
