Stage 1 Ductal BC
Hi,
I am 36 and was diagnosed at the end of June with Stage 1 Ductal BC - 8/8 Estrogen receptive, Grade 3 and Her2 neg . I found a lump when breast feeding my son so this has come as a big shock.
The tumor was 12mm and was removed along with 4 nodes and extra tissue- the nodes came back clear and the margins were also clear so no need for a second surgery.
Because I qualified for the oncotype test this was done and I recieved a score of 22.
My treatment plan is 4 sessions of AC and 12 sessions of T. 3- 5 weeks of radiotherapy.Followed by 5-10 years of hormone therapy.
I have been told by my doctors that the prognosis is very good - but I feel the amount of treatment is so much that is frightens me that I don't understand something.
Would the grade of the tumor along with my age and oncotype result be the reason for this level of treatment?
Does the grade of the tumor mean anything for reaccurance?
Does 8/8 estrogen explain the 10 years of hormone therapy?
I'm not due to see my consultant again until after I finish treatment and of course had no really understanding of my diagnosis at the time of meeting her as I was deeply in shock.
Any advice or feedback would be great
Hello there.
I am so sorry to read of your breast cancer diagnosis at such a young age it must have come as a huge shock.
When doctors develop treatment plans they consider tumour type, hormonal status, HER2 status, the oncotype score, age ,general health and menopausal status.
In response to your questions:
Your oncotype score and age would indicate the benefit of chemotherapy are likely to be greater than the risks of side effects.
The grade of the tumour is a measurement of how much the cancer cells look like normal cells.
And the 8/8 estrogen indicates the benefit of hormonal therapy.
During your treatment you should be able to speak to members of your team for further reassurance and to ask questions you may have.
If we can be of any further assistance or support please don’t hesitate in contacting us. Our nurses are also available on our Nurseline on 1800 200 700 Mon- Fri 9-5pm
Kind regards,
Cancer Nurse