Chemo or not

[LovesPoms]

I had my 1st Lumpesctomy on Dec 31 after being diagnosed with DCIS. Pathology report came back as follows; infiltrating ductal carcinoma, nuclear grade 3 with features suggestive of an apocrine carcinoma with peritumoral micro calcifications. I then has a second surgery to remove the 3mm invasive tumor along with removal of 1st primary lymph node. That pathology report showed no Cancer in lymph node and the tumor was removed...cancer free. The surgeon explained to me in the beginning that I would probably need 6 weeks of radiation. I have an appointment with the Radiology Oncologist in 2 weeks. I also received a call for an appointment with a medical oncologist. I am now very concerned that chemo is a possibility. I know that the hormone receptors are neg so I cannot receive hormone therapy. From previous questions does anyone know what I might expect from here out ? Full chemo treatment ?? Pill treatment ??

[zouzi]

Hi,
Since you first posted 3 month ago,I wonder if you are still following your thread.. If you happen to read my post, please let us know if your Oncologist recommended Chemo or just radiation. I hope you are doing well following your lumpectomy and radiation therapy.
All the best to you!

[mhv]

I had pretty much the same as you and Addie.  Stage 1a grade 3.  6 lymph nodes removed, all clear.  Triple negative also.  I opted for a double mastectomy with reconstruction.  Interestingly enough, no chemo here. And I was ok with that.  Pease keep us updated on your journey.  

[Addie29]

My case was similar to yours. I was diagnosed with stage 1a triple negative breast cancer in February. I underwent a bilateral mastectomy and had my sentinel lymph node removed which showed no cancer in it. Thank god. I am going through chemo right now. I will be doing 4 rounds of a/c and 12 of taxol. Because it is triple negative we all wanted to be extremely aggressive with the treatment and I was fine with that. I have only been through 2 treatments as of right now but they haven't been absolutely horrible. The first was th worst for me. I see it this way- it's like an insurance policy to make sure any cancer cells that may be floating around are dead. And I agree medications can control the side effecrs greatly. The only major side effect I have from the chemo is fatigue and headaches. So far I haven't been too  nauseous. Good luck

[zouzi]

You are welcome,
I would also like to inform you that if Chemo will be recommended, please remember that each patient has different experiences. It depends on the regimen you will be on, the amount of medicine, the length of treatment, and your general health. The side effects you may have, could be quite different from someone else who is on the same regimen. We know that all drugs have side effects and it's very important to tell your doctor and your Oncology nurse about any problems you may have,because many bad side effects can be well managed with medication.
All the best and good luck!

[LovesPoms]

thank you......it's the unknown that keeps you awake at night !

[zouzi]

Hi,
First of all, I hope you are doing well after your  breast surgery.
Now, regarding BC treatments,it's really hard to say whether you will need Chemo or not..Also your team of doctors will be carefully planning all the treatment you’ll be needing. We all know that chemotherapy is not easy to go through,but when Oncologist recommended it,it's very important to follow their advice because it does save lives.
Hoping that whatever treatment is you'll be having it will be completely successful.
Sending you my best  wishes..