Wondering if anyone can help me, after lumpectomy found out surgeon said I had stage 4 breast cancer. It hadn't gone to lymph nodes and he tells me he got all cancer out of my breast. I have been googling stage 4 and it keeps saying stage 4 is when cancer has spread elsewhere, yet surgeon says he has it all. Thanks in advance for any help.
If you do get your pathology report, then the BCNA fact sheet might help you understand it. You can download a copy here: http://www.bcna.org.au/store/products/breast-cancer-pathology-fact-sheet. Or, if you'd rather, you can order a printed copy to be delivered to your home.
Hope that helps.
Di
PS. if you have a breast care nurse, you can ask her to help if you're having trouble interpreting your results.
I would ask for clarification - stage 4 is spread beyond the breast and lymph nodes in the axilla - to bones, brain, liver and/or lungs usually.
I suspect he is referring to the grade of the tumor though I thought it only went from 1 - 3.
You just need to call and get a copy of your pathology or ask to clarify - it can help to write a list of questions.
My understanding......Check out 'grade 4', which is the size of the cancer. 'Stage' is the progression of the cancer disease. Lots of confusing terminology out there. Hope this helps. Checkout link below. I couldnt find a good link for grade, but look in the 'my journey' kit books, its all explained in there. If you dont have the my journey kit you can order it on this site. Louie
