Connect
Breast Cancer Stage 1b --how much is just too much?
Background on me--I eat very well (clean eating, no soy, hardly any gluten, no high fructose syrup, no dairy) and go to a DO (vs MD).
I knew I had an issue when the breast spot dimpled and felt a lump under by armpit after COVID (lymph node). Nothing found on mammogram, demanded ultrasound and invasive ductal on breast and similar on lymph node -stage 1b (bc metastasized to sentinel lymph node), both spots fairly small 1.8 and considered a 1 for agressiveness.
Initial thought was --ok, l will get lumpectomy and the 1 lymph node removed, maybe a little radiation and should be good..afterall still stage 1.
Then the appt with the breast specialist/surgeon --she is talking about taking out all lymph nodes with a 30% chance of permanent arm issues and 6 weeks of 5day radiation and possible chemo ..which I'm not going to do because as I pointed out there was little bang for your buck on estrogen and progesterone positive receptors with HER2 positive (2) and FISH negative. After several questions, she concurred with it will likely not help with my type of breast cancer. My husband and most of my family members agree that they usually go over-the-top on stuff---make you miserable with lasting mental health and physical health issues long term.
My thoughts..
Why can't they simply do more test to determine if those 'other' (oustide of sentinel) are cancerous, instead of just saying it is fatty tissue and will just remove all when there is a 30% chance of arm problems.
Why recommend chemo when it doesn't typically help and my spots are small.
Why over 30 rounds of radiation that can leave my breast blackened (permanently) when it may not even be needed --how about scans and such after I get surgery and maybe a few rounds of radiation.
Thoughts on the ole 'let's just do xyz just in case' medical practices and your experiences.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.
Connect
I am also stage 1 B and had a lumpectomy 11 months ago. I had a five day course of targeted radiation and have chosen not to take AIs. My oncologist made the comment that we may be over treating early stage breast cancers. There is no right or wrong decision as none of us knows, but for me it was the only choice. I believe with all the rapid advancements taking place right now that the barbaric way the disease is treated will be vastly improved soon. I know I'm an optimist and it's a different decision for everyone. Good luck with yours! Just had another recent set of scans and all clear so far♥️
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
9 ReactionsI should add I have a low risk of recurrence. K 1–67 is 3 and onco score is 5. That is an important distinction and sorry I left it off.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 Reactions@wyowyld I'm in a similar situation & I started the 5 day radiation yesterday, will finish Fri. Am also reluctant to take the meds.
I meet with the oncologist on Thurs & I think I'll agree to start with a tiny 5mg of tamoxifen & see. Ideally increase to 10mg with time. (I am 72 & have thin bones, so A.I. drugs not good for me). I'll report back on how I'm doing & meanwhile, I wish us all a happy & healthy holiday & new year ahead!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 Reactions@jmab awesome would love to hear how it goes and best wishes!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions@billiemoore How are you feeling after? Did they remove one or both? I'm sending you huge hugs and prayers.
~ Wende
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@mswendeu ended up after I got an MRI to see what was left, the area of DCIS was too significant to go in again so got a single mastectomy—found 4.7 cm of DCIS and another piece of invasive cancer. Skipping radiation now. Already had too many things happen with just surgeries (different surgeons), abcess, infection, seroma and recently hematoma that forced emergency surgery and blood pressure so low had to get a blood transfusion. I’m too risk for additional cleanup
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
10 Reactions@billiemoore I understand about high risk. I have copd/emphysema. I wish you the best of luck. Take care of yourself the best that you can.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@wyowyld I agree - no account taken that of low grade, slow growing and oncotype of 8 with 3% chance of recurrence with AIs or tamoxifen for my treatment.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@wyowyld thanks! I did meet with oncologist & he completely ruled out the 5 mg idea but we settled on 10 mg of tamoxifen for at least 5 years (he'd prefer 10 years). We'll see how it goes! Fingers crossed!
@billiemoore Thank God you had the mastectomy!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction