I’m so sorry you have had to begin this journey but you came to a good place for support.

Explore surgical options of lumpectomy or mastectomy. Generally a lumpectomy is followed with radiation but not necessarily with a mastectomy. Reconstruction can begin at the time of mastectomy if desired. Going flat is an option that some women are choosing but many doctors don’t discuss. I chose a unilateral mastectomy with reconstruction and I’m very happy with my decision.

You will want to ask for an ONCOTYPE DX which is an analysis of the excised breast tissue . A score is given which will determine whether chemotherapy will be beneficial in your treatment. At some point ( usually after surgery) because you are Estrogen Positive you will likely be advised to take an Aromatase Inhibitor (AI) which inhibits the production of estrogen. Some are offered this before surgery.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The ONCOTYPE cannot be done if you start the AI before the surgical tissue analysis unless the biopsy tissue was, or can be, analyzed. So be sure to clarify this detail. My post menopausal score of 20 (<25) meant that chemotherapy would not be a benefit in my treatment. <18 is the target score for pre menopausal women.

Self advocacy is very important here; it is an intense and challenging time where big decisions need to be made in short order. Write down all your questions. Take a trusted friend to appointments for that extra set of ears. Get second opinions if you are uncertain and need more clarification.

Educate yourself as much as you can. Breastcancer.org is a good option.

Lots of great strides have been made in treating breast cancer. The ONCOTYPE was born out of a 10 year clinical trial that ended in 2015 and has significantly reduced the administration of non beneficial chemotherapy.

Wishing you the very best on this challenging journey. Come back and ask your questions as they arise.

We are here for you 🌸