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I was diagnosed with breast cancer in my right breast and had a double mastectomy in December 2014. Originally they thought I had two tumors. After the mastectomy they said I had an additional two that were almost mircoscopic located between the original two. My margins were clear and my lymph nodes were negative. After my surgery, Radiation Oncologist said no radiation because I chose a mastectomy over lumpectomy and he felt like the need for any other treatment was NOT necessary. Medical… read more
Were you estrogen/progesterone positive? If so, I am surprised you didn't have an oncotype test done to help determine whether chemo would be beneficial. I was a stage 1 with clear lymph nodes also but my oncotype was such that chemo was suggested since I was a higher risk of relapse. I hate to be the lone naysayer here but if you were HER2 pos or triple negative I would say definitely do the chemo.
Have your tumor sent for oncotype, testing that will determine if chemo would be beneficial. I was stage 1, lymph nodes negative and had bil mastectomy with recontruction. When isaw my oncologist she suggested oncotype testing, my tumor came back low and I didn't need chemo after all.
Joanna, I'm like you. My BC was the same. I had a double mastectomy , am stage 1 with clear lymph nodes but at high risk. I finished my last Taxol treatment today and continue with Herceptin until the end of the year.
I'm with you. . . . . I would do the chemo.
Joanna's advice is good. Some types of cancer cells are more aggressive and are more likely to relapse, regardless of the initial stage. I'm sorry to say that the staging is not an exact science, and very much depends on what the pathologist has "seen" and judged the cells to look like. Treatment is also not an exact science. Additional blood tests for Oncotype testing would definitely help with the decision, because it can tell you if the cancer found was an aggresive type and what chemo would be effective. If you had very small abnormal areas in addition to the 2 identified, you are lucky to have chosen mastectomy. Cancer cells can "seed" during surgery, which is why chemo is often done post mastectomy.
Knowledge is your friend. Read, ask, listen, google. I recommend a cancer support group if your treatment center has one, and taking a trusted friend or relative with you to discussions and treatments, especially if you are prone to anxiety. If you don't know who to take, a support group or nearby cancer center can provide outreach.
It was 27 - in that grey area, but since it was nearer the top end of intermediate rather than lower, my oncologist wanted me to do the chemo.
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