My mother 56y-left breast Ca-stage 1A (Sep 2019)

[bramadasu]

Hello my mother 56 y diagnosed with left breast cancer stage 1A. Modified radical mastectomy done on Sep 23, 2019. no chemo or radiotherapy was given. she is on hormonal therapy now with letrazole 2.5mg daily a pill. Any one has the same type of cancer years ago and undergoing any treatment now. please give me your inputs how you are managing and how frequently I need to take my mom for follow up check ups. thanks!

[bramadasu]

Also, to add some pathology details: ER/PR +ve (>90%) HER2 -ve; MIB-1 is (<14%) 10%. IDCS (ics 0.5 cms and tumor 1.5 cms); 15/15 lymphnodes -ve for mets. started latroze since 10/10/2019. also added another medicine ibandronic acid (monthly once).

[sumeet_shah Administrator]

This is an early stage, low grade tumour.

Most Oncologists will follow up every three to six months for the first two years, six monthly for next three years and yearly father that.

She will do fine, don’t worry.

[bramadasu in reply to sumeet_shah]

Thanks for your time and feedback

Just to inform about other feature- the Nuclear grade is II.

I have another question - can she be added for any natural supplements/ayurveda to reduce risk of recurrences in future? Any special diet going forward?

Even after 3 weeks, she is complaining about the left hand pain (including the arm pit). Is this due to the ALND (15 lyphnodes removed)?

[bramadasu in reply to bramadasu]

Just to add one more point- I have taken a second opinion from Navya cancer grid (from Tata Memorial hospital); they suggest to have a BRACA 1,2 test for my mother. Is it necessary?

[sumeet_shah Administrator in reply to bramadasu]

1. As for supplements, give whatever you wish to. Doesn’t matter. It neither benefits nor harms. So no problem.

2. If people from Tata have suggested it, then there must be a reason. It’s up to you whether you want to follow their advice or not. Taking an online opinion, and then re confirming with a second person online about that first online opinion, with none of them actually having seen the patient or knowing any detail, is only going to cause confusion. Remember, no one can replace your present treating Oncologist. He is the one who knows your mother the best. It’s advisable to follow what he says.

[bramadasu in reply to sumeet_shah]

Thank you sir;

Would you or any one in the forum please suggest a cheaper place/price in India/Hyderabad to conduct BRCA1/2 test for my mother. I enquired in one lab in Hyd, they say it is 20-25k INR.

[sumeet_shah Administrator in reply to bramadasu]

That’s the standard price for most labs. However, my suggestion is not to go for genetic test directly. The first step is genetic counseling. You can request your Oncologist to first refer you for genetic counseling. And the counselor will then refer for testing, after assessing details and deciding which range of genes need to be tested. It is essential that it is done this way. Also, most counselors will have access to discounted rates for testing. So they will help you with good rates for test as well.

[MsLockYourPosts TeamBCI in reply to bramadasu]

I had 3 nodes removed and it took a while, with stretching exercises, to get past the discomfort caused. My cousin had more extensive surgery and more nodes removed and had trouble with lymphedema and pain. She worked with a physical therapist trained to deal with it and had a "sleeve" fitted which she wore for some time. Your mother should discuss the pain, and the best ways to deal with it, with her doctor. The nerves and lymph system in the surgical area need some recovery time.

[MsLockYourPosts TeamBCI]

My cancer was not exactly the same as your mother's, and , to be honest, I couldn't tell you all of my numbers, etc. any more. I put all of my labs and other reports away and stopped thinking about them several years ago. I was diagnosed with DCIS in 2007, found very early. I had a lumpectomy and radiation. I was followed every few months for the first @2 years, then every 6 months, and now do yearly diagnostic mammograms and am checked by my primary care doctor at my yearly appointments.

As your mother's surgery date becomes something more and more in her past, she, and you, will be able to relax more and to get on with living. Just be sure that she is monitored, the way every woman should be, going forward.

[bramadasu in reply to MsLockYourPosts]

Thank you so much for your time.

The follow up tests please..?

[bramadasu in reply to MsLockYourPosts]

Thank you !!