12/16 my oncologist talked to me about having IV chemo, because he was worried about “distant” cancer, because cancer was found in one sentinel lymph node. I had a total of 18 lymph nodes removed but there was only cancer in the lymph node that had been biopsied early on. I had avoided IV chemotherapy because I was recovering from Guillan-Barre’ Syndrome. I was/am very afraid of traditional chemo.
I learned yesterday that my Oncotype score is low, suggesting that the reoccurrence of cancer is low, and therefore the benefits of IV chemo would not out weigh the side effects.
I meet with him on 1/22 to discuss what is next and will also begin the radiation therapy process.
Be as well as we are able, ladies, and always try to stay positive!
Best,
Colleen
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USIrishcolleen
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I’m very happy for you but I have to warn you that I got the same results on a low oncotype score. 8 years later I was diagnosed with MBC. My oncologist said there was a likelihood of a small bit of cancer that was unseen because it was so small. I had no nodes in my breast or my underarms so they said I was cured. Obviously I wasn’t. I don’t want to rain on your parade, but I would caution you to stay alert for anything that might seem like a reoccurrence. I just thought my aches and pains were getting older and also overdoing building a wall at 68. No such luck. Just be careful and be observant. Most of us thought we were cured.
Thank you for your reply. If there is anything that I learned here on this board, is that cancer can be relentless. I will be very careful, for sure, and I do not feel “out of the woods” yet. Thank you for your very good suggestions.
My oncotype score was low too, with just a 2-3% rate of recurrence. 7 years on Letrozole when I learned the pain in my hip was cancer, not sciatica. My breast surgeon, who I have stayed in touch with, said this may have been there all along. At 5 years, I was put into survivorship. But stayed on Letrozole. I have an issue that they never scan us, but rather say, all done. Bravo! BTW he said that with my Oncotype number even more today they would say no chemo. So do agree cheer the diagnosis, but stay vigilant. Know that many of us are "alive with cancer," with MBC. The thing I want to see is more ways to test those who have been given the "all clear."
Hi Red71,Sounds like many of us got the same non treatment. After my mastectomy, I was told I was stage 1 but to be safe, I should have chemo. After chemo my onc put me on Evista for 5years. Magically, at the end of 5 years, he told me in a 10 minute appointment, I was cured. No scans, blood tests or advice on what to watch for. Seven years later...MBC. For the sake of our sisters with initial breasr cancer, I agree with you on the need for scanning and testing to find returning cancer in the hopes of more effective treatment.
Thank you for you nice words, and I am hoping that you are right, about hearing that I am cured. I originally thought that because I had a lymph node that was positive for cancer, that mine was considered to be MBC. It was only after some time with you and the wonderful ladies on this board that I learned that mine was not considered to be MBC. This was news to me. I am so grateful to have met you all , and I hope that I can “stay,” because I have learned SO much. I pray for each and every one of us for the best health possible.
Hi Colleen, I had cancer in 6 lymph nodes of 16 back in 1994. After chemo (to be safe) and radiation, followed by tamoxifen for 5 years, I was cancer free for 11 years. Then after a recurrence and mastectomy and Arimidex for 5 years, I was apparently cancer free for another 11 year until my MBC diagnosis.. And treatments are better now than then. So best of luck to you! There are many discussion groups for women at earlier stages of the disease too. I hope you have no need of this or those ever again! Happy New Year!
Hello Colleen, wonderful news and I’m so pleased for you. As far as i’m concerned if you find this group helpful and not fuelling anxiety you are very welcome to stay. I’m a member of another group which has more primary bc members and read peoples’s posts of how scared they are of their yearly mammogram. I think many of us on here had very different symptoms of the cancers return. There is little education at the end of treatment about where it is likely to return and symptoms if it does. For me the worst part was being discharged at the end of treatment and the feeling that my support net had been whipped away. Hopefully as your life returns to as normal as it can you won’t need this group and you will drift away with all the knowledge you have gained from it 😊
ColleenIt is so good to read your news and I know that you will continue to stay alert while also staying more relaxed with this news.. I liked your style on how you are approaching the diagnosis and challenges. Nice to think of you continuing forward in courage and conscientiousness ..
Amazing news Colleen !! I'd keep on guard during this process. I too thought I was free and clear after radiation and the beast came back to haunt me. However, you are right. Stay positive - and in your case - celebrate this moment and pray that it remains as awesome as you and your current diagnosis is ! Happy New Year Girl !!! xoxo
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