Breast Cancer Stage 1b --how much is just too much

Posted by billiemoore @billiemoore, 1 day ago

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.

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Rubyslippers | @triciaot | 1 day ago

I’m so sorry you had that experience! My doctors were conservative in their recommendations. I had done a lot of research before I ever saw them and according to what I read, they were spot on 🙂
I did go to a comprehensive cancer center - something my brother (surgeon, burn specialist) strongly suggested, even though I have to travel to get there.
You might want to get a second opinion. All the large comprehensive cancer care centers will look at your scans and biopsy. It doesn’t cost too much, most insurance covers a second opinion.

As a medical professional myself (occupational therapist) it’s a little tough to read a forum that is only looking for what goes wrong. Because I know the dedication of so many medical doctors. It’s one reason I like this site. Sure there are issues and problems to discuss but the majority are just looking for answers.

kathy88 | @kathy88 | 1 day ago

You must have Drs like i have.
Just go for worst case senario
If they get the disease they will understand. There job id do no harm! That includes mental support. My male drs had compassion the female drs don’t. Strange !

billiemoore | @billiemoore | 22 hours ago

Yea-I’m going to get a second opinion from a male breast specialist hopefully in a week or so. I just think they are bypassing testing that can be done for a more precise treatment plan —vs, just taking all nodes out, aggressive radiation, etc. Gosh if this how they treat stage 1, cancer only image how it is for someone with late stage cancer 😢

myoga | @myoga | 21 hours ago

I’m glad that you decided to get 2nd opinion. The breast specialist seems to make decision without some important tests. I thought that was odd that yours hers2 is considered positive when FISH is negative. Usually FISH is performed when hers2 result is equivocal. If Fish is neg then hers2 is neg. So if you are stage 1b and hers2 neg, an oncotype test should be done to determine the benefits of chemo. My oncotype is 21, so no chemo. The decision to treat with chemo is usually from an oncologist, and how many radiation rounds is recommended by an onco radiologist. But that just my experience since I’m not trained in medical field. But definitely 2nd opinion is warranted in your case. Your care team should be more than just one medical doctor whether that person is DO or MD. I pray that you get a good medical team and your treatments will go well. Hugs.

kensiejames | @kensiejames | 19 hours ago

Hey there!
I am a 15 year BC survivor. I was Stage IIB and had two involved lymph nodes. After examining various schools of thought, together with my doctor, we opted for a lumpectomy and complete removal of all the lymph nodes . I went through chemo and radiation.
I have had little to no swelling ( lymph-edema). I do have numbness in my upper arm, but over the years you don’t even notice it. No guarantees of survival, but complete removal rid me of any undetectable microscopic cells in the nodes or connective tissues.
I recommend getting 2 or 3 opinions from comprehensive cancer centers.
To this day, my oncologist’s words stay with me. The treatment plan “ will not change the end result”. Cancer is as individual as your DNA. So you do the best you can, seek opinions, read up on treatment stats, and pray.
All the best 🙏🏻