Considering EndoPredict before accepting Chemo
Hi everyone, I did a search and this topic hasn't been mentioned in a while since 2023. The main difference seems to be that EndoPredict ($2980) is now eligible for partial Medicare rebate ($1103). However, it is still a considerable cost for many of us. I'm having to decide whether to take the test and hope that maybe the outcome could be that Chemo is not of benefit to me. Going by what the medical oncologist told me it is doubtful that Chemo would not benefit me - the use of "aggressive" to describe my stage 3 cancer makes me think that. Though he did still mention the testing to me so I had a choice. I'm torn and scared. With my previous cancer (liposarcoma) I didn't have Chemo so it is an unknown scary beast. My two main concerns with Chemo are the heart and bone damage risks. I get that the decision to have the test is a very personal one and nobody can make that choice for me. For me it isn't just financial, the main choice is whether I consider Chemo is worth it. Even if the test comes out a low percentage for recurrence, is that enough for me to say no to Chemo? After all, the test is the risk of recurrence in 10 years and personally, I'm now on cancer number 2 (different types) in a 14 year period. Have many of you have taken the test? Or would you take it now that it is partially rebated by Medicare? Thank you for reading and being sounding boards.
Radiation - Is Moo Goo enough?
Hi everyone, I am currently undergoing a 6 week radiation treatment, two weeks in. I am using Moogoo 3 - 4 times a day and my skin is healthy to start with. I am having underarm, left breast and left lower neck. Due to the large area, I have been advised to use Moo Goo 3 - 4 times a day rather than Strata XRT and our centre does not offer Metipel (plus it is so humid up here in Cairns so would not really be viable). My skin is healthy and I am feeling confident, just wondering if anyone else only used MooGoo and if they had minimal side affects? I understand the worst will be the two weeks post radiation and know that two weeks in is very early days. Thanks for your advice and feedback :)
Intro + Neoadjuvant or Adjuvant Chemo?
Hi all, My wife's just been diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma NST (Grade 2-3) ER+, PR+, HER2- with a 29mm tumour and at least 1 involved lymph node. Needless to say it's hit us like a bus and we're in that dark, foggy place pre-treatment where we have no idea what's coming up next. That said, things have, luckily, moved pretty quickly since the first GP meeting for the initial pathology referral. In the 9 days since visiting the GP, we've had imaging with a mammogram and ultrasound which indicated suspicious findings, then 2 days later a biopsy, followed a day later by the meeting at the GP to get the bad news. Since then we've had our initial meeting with the surgeon at the RBWH, Dr Wong (who seemed very capable, but if anyone else has had him as their surgeon I would still love to hear more about your experience) and some of the MDT. We have our first meeting with Medical Oncology next Friday and the 2 week follow up with the MDT the following week. During the initial discussion our doctor classified this as "Early Stage" cancer (something we're hanging hope on) and said that we would have a number of options for treatment. My wife's family has quite an extensive history of cancer (mostly breast, with some throat / ovarian), however her Mum was genetically tested years ago and is apparently BRCA negative. When asked what we would prefer as a treatment, we just said we'd rather have a double mastectomy to reduce any chances of recurrence later, however when Dr Wong came in, he had a good chat with us and asked if we were making decisions from an emotional place rather than a practical place. His suggestion is to pursue a neoadjuvent treatment course, followed by genetic testing and then surgery, which if the chemo was effective would possibly mean just a lumpectomy rather than a mastectomy as well as potentially saving some lymph nodes. Unfortunately we're very sleep deprived and still in a bit of shock so we're not sure what to do. Basically we see it one of two ways: 1. Do the chemo, hope that it shrinks everything (or God-willing completely disappears it) while killing anything else that might be floating around, then do the surgery, then radiation if required. 2. Go the surgery, remove everything including lymph nodes, then hit hard with chemo and radiation if needed to try and smash anything that's left. Honestly, I get the idea of "patient-centered" treatment where your opinions and wishes are taken into account, but I know if I had a client approach me as the subject matter expert for a highly technical quote on something they didn't know anything about and I asked them to tell me what they thought would be the best option, I wouldn't have a job. This sounds so dumb, but I just want to say something like "wait a second, why are you asking us what treatment should be? Aren't you the expert???" We want to be very positive and forward leaning with this journey and I feel like we have to have an element of trust in the MDT and the process, but could do with some perspective. Sorry for the wall of text, I blame the lack of sleep! George
Helping make decisions
Hi, my Mum is 78 and was diagnosed with hormone positive breast cancer in 2023, she has had her surgery and radiotherpay and is now on her hormone blockers. She now needs to make a decision about taking zometa, weighing up side effects with quality of life in your later years. She wants me to help her make a decision she is really struggling with, anyone have any tips on making decisions when your elderly and for loved ones they rely on to assist them.
Her2 positive
Hello I'm 40 and recently diagnosed with her2 positive. No family history of breast cancer. My sister and maternal cousin recently diagnosed with lobular cancer. They are having surgery. It's been a Whirlwind recently. The professionals say it's early, the treatment is going to be chemo , waiting for my medical oncologist appointment to find out how long etc. Surgery then hormone tablets. I'm struggling to understand why I need chemo first. If anyone had or has her2 I would be grateful to share your story. Thank you kindly.
I’m in a grey area and confused
Hi, recently diagnosed early breast cancer. Invasive ductal carcinoma. Lumpectomy and reconstruction (breast reduction). ER and PR +, Her2 -, Tumor grade 2 10mm, KI67 very low, 1 out of 3 lymph nodes positive small 2.5mm. Lymph node has put me in grey area with chemo now being my choice. Ocnoassist states extra 3% survival 89%, hormone blocker 86%. Will be doing radiotherapy. My oncologist said sometimes chemo risks outweigh benefits in my case since low risk but I needed to be advised of my options. He did not push either way and support either decision. If it were 1 or 2% would not be even talking. So how does one make this hard choice ? There are so many what ifs? Do I want to put myself through 5 months of chemo? It’s so hard. Any advice would be amazing
Do I take Letrozole
Hi there. I am new to this group. I have had a Grade 2 cancer removed (lymph clear) and 3 weeks of radiotherapy. The tumour was 9mm Oe+ 100% Pr+ 90% and I now have been recommended to go on Letrozole. It is sitting on the bench and I am really nervous about it. I'm post menopausal and the bone density scans are showing osteopenia already. I'm really worried about all the side effects - weight gain, osteoporosis, joint pains etc.... Has anyone else been in the same boat or do you feel that because it is recommended by the oncologist, they are the ones that know best??? I believe he said it only increases the chances of not returning by about an extra 2% (i think from memory).... so is it really worth it? Happy to hear people's thoughts pls
Newly Diagnosed & Over Thinking it all!
I'm a 54 year old women of 3 gorgeous grown up sons living with my partner of 5 years & loving life after a few years of turbulence both personally & professionally. I am newly diagnosed with invasive NST, + for both ER & PgR apparently that's good, yesterday was a week after right boobie lumpectomy & 3 x axillary lymph nodes removed and results show its travelled to the lymph nodes so pet scan booked for next Tuesday. Its been a roller-coaster, which I know many of us have experienced and my positivity since surgery is now replaced with a sick to the core feeling of dread. Which is unusual for me as a normally face everything head on but this has got me. Radiotherapy has been mentioned and then yesterday chemo was mentioned for the first time as a most likely scenario not all results were back & the rest awaits me next Tuesday. My head space at the moment is like a magpie flitting from shiny wtf-ness to omg-ness!! The cherry on the top is I'm 2 months into a new career and on LWOP from a 34 year career wondering what my new employer who has been very supportive will wonder & yes I am over thinking it :)
Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Hello, I am a healthy (I thought) 69 year old woman and I feel as if I could live forever… I enjoy my life, am reasonably fit and very active – I swim, go on really pleasant bush walks with my partner, ride my bike occasionally, love to potter in the garden…. I also eat well and am conscientious about my diet but not fanatical. I must admit I maybe indulge in a little too much wine. Life is good! But suddenly, out of the blue comes a diagnosis. Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Grade 3, but luckily found early. Those of you reading this will know what a mind-numbing shock this is. And with this comes the beginning of huge decision making. So, I have read as much about my cancer as I can..I learn it is a particularly aggressive little nasty (but, as I said earlier…luckily for me caught early), only 15 to 20% of people with breast cancer actually get this type… the amount of research is also less than for the more common hormone adaptive cancer and metastasis tend to occur sooner rather than later. I am also reading as much as I can about how to strengthen my immune system eg diet, supplements, food regimes etc. There is a lot of information out there, and often it is contradictory. My initial decision was for a lumpectomy, with radiation, as opposed to a mastectomy without radiation. First hurdle jumped….clear margins around the tumor and 4 lymph nodes removed with no cancer. A good result! But the chemo question still looms. The pros and cons, the weighing up of my evidence (biopsy, surgery etc), can I take the risk, the odds%% - it’s like a gamble – there is so much speculation involved. Did some cancer cells escape before the tumor was removed?….absolutely impossible to know. I’d appreciate hearing from someone who has faced this diagnosis and have a chance to share the experience and hear how someone else tackled this situation.
Totally confused after seeking second opinion
Hi my dear virtual friends, I have Hormones positives and Her2 negative. Grade 3 and Stage 3(Tumor size 35 mm). Surgeon A: Treatment plan Option 1: 6 months chemo ( neoadjjuvant), if tumor size shrinks > lumpectomy. If it doesn’t shrink > mastectomy > radiotherapy (will have to take Tamoxifen/AI) option 2: mastectomy > chemo> radiotherapy (will have to take Tamoxifen/AI) Surgeon B: treatment plan: lumpectomy immediately, tablets for hormones +ve (Tamoxifen/AI) > radiotherapy > chemo (depends on outcome of lumpectomy surgery). surgeon B doesn’t see the need to do 6 months chemo to shrink the tumor. He says he will have a better idea after surgery if chemo is necessary. hubby and I are still processing all these information and have some further questions written down. Keen to hear what other questions we should be asking both surgeons, please. Sincerely value everyone’s input. Xx Gin