sazzyz0044

Hello Ladies - My mom has asked me to write you ladies specifically because you know how it feels to be diagnosed AGAIN. Here's the deal - in 1997 Mom was dx Stage 1, gr2, ER/PR+. She had lumpectomy, rads, tamox for 5 years. NOW, 10 years later she has a new cancer in the other breast: Stage 1, gr2, ER/PR+ AGAIN. We had the oncotype done - which was a 13 and considered low. Her stats are that there is an 8% chance of reoccurance somewhere in the body without chemo. Having chemo decreases that to 5%. Her onco is comfortable with her NOT doing chemo and just the rads and femera for 5 years.

I saw the lengthy discussion about exactly this on the newly diagnosed board...but this is the SECOND time. She really does NOT want to do chemo, but she cannot get comfortable with her decision. We're looking for any input. We know we are lucky that this is a stage 1 again, it was slow growing (mitosis of 1)...but do you treat it like it was the first time you were diagnosed (which she never considered chemo) or do you act more aggressive out of fear? Thought???

Thanks,
Sue

Bliz,

It is normal to be feeling depressed right now...in fact, it may be safe to say that every person with a cancer diagnosis has felt the same. You are allowed to be angry, sad, you are allowed to whine, scream, cry. But it sounds like deep inside, you are a strong and confident woman...that is why you are mad at yourself for feeling this way.

But it is this strong woman who has the power to get ready and fight. Like yourself, my mom was the epitome of health. She is an avid runner, healthy eater, non-smoking, flax seed eating, green tea drinking machine! And she has cancer again after being cancer free for 10 years. And you know what we do...we celebrate the slightest good news. Stage 1 yeah! ER+ yeah. Unclear margins...not so good - but let's have another excision and get it out...yeah!

I know this mentality may sound absolutely ridiculous...but it keeps us motivated, sane, and feeling like our lives have not been taken over by fear. It really is a "fighter" mentality. We BELIEVE we can conquer this...and you can too.

Right now, in the beginning, it IS overwhelming. If you continue to feel yourself sinking deeper - please talk to your doctor. There are drugs out there to help you relax and help you sleep...xanax, ativan, lunesta, ambien. You need to keep your head above water right now. Let the information sink in, absorb what you have to do, then fight like mad. It is in this fight that you get your strength back.

Hugs and prayers for you,
Sue

Harley,

My mom's test was back in 7 working days. They received it Wenesday June 27th, and we had our news delivered on July 6th (score of 12). However, we let our onco nurse know we wanted them to begin assessment asap, and we'd bill insurance later. We are "almost" positive they will pay - but we were too anxious for results to wait on the answer.

So, I think it can be done really fast - it's the insurance approvals that slow it down.

best wishes to you,
sue

OK...Here it goes
ER favorable 60%
PR favorable 68%
Her2- normal

WHAT does this mean?!?! I know it's better that the ER and PR are favorable...but what about the percentages? They are not that high...does it matter? What about PR being greater than ER??

I'm just not finding too much online about interpreting receptor percentages. Help!

Thanks,
Sue

Thanks Lisa and Beesie - I appreciate your responses greatly. And I am SO happy about the negative nodes...we have to focus on any good news.

I read the tamoxifen report Beesie - thanks for the link. I absolutely do believe the tamoxifen is/was a benefit to all woman with er+ cancers...a wonderful drug keeping so many woman cancer free. It's my fear that this one is going to be er negative due to menopause and tamoxifen combined. But like Lisa said - I'm just going to have to think positively, hope for the best, PRAY and WAIT for pathology. Oohhh that waiting - isn't it the worst.

I'll let you know what happens...(good vibes, good vibes).

Sue

aliciamarie,

You and I are here for the same reasons - to learn and support our mothers...but your mother does not have a diagnosis yet - and you need to remain positive. Thousands of woman across the world have to have breast lumps checked further - and they turn out to be benign! Unfortunately for my Mom, that wasn't the case. She was diagnosed with bc 10 years ago (I was in college) and was treated and remained cancer free. This month, we are in the process of having an excisional biopsy on a new "suspected cancer". My point to all this...bc is not a death sentence!! Me and my mom have the best relationship, a wonderful life - despite the fear of cancer! And you know what...if this new lump IS cancer, we'll still kick it's @$$! I have a fighter mentality- there isn't anything that's going to stop our love for each other and our family.

Be your Mom's support. Nothing is worse than waiting for answers...and your answer very well could be B9! I'm not sure of your relationship with your Mom (on how she'd feel if you tell her you know) BUT when you do have that discussion you tell her your a team and she is not alone in this waiting game.

B9 prayers for your mother and your family!
Sue

Trying to be positive. My Mom had IDC Stage 1 almost 10 years ago (lumpectomy, radiation, tamoxifen = all gone). She recently found a suspicious area (more thickening than a lump)in her other breast and went to see her oncologist. They sent her for mammo and ultrasound and there is definately a suspicious lump. So off to surgeon we went on Friday and got a core needle biopsy guided by ultrasound. He took 7 samples - I watched the whole time as he guided the needle to the lump (approx 1.4 cm) and clicked the trigger. Obviously we've been on pins and needles waiting. I called today and he called me back (the surgeon not a nurse). He said pathology could not detect cancer cells but there are atypical cells. He said this can definately still be cancer - but out of all 7 samples only a few had atypical cells. I can't help but think this is kind of good news. I'm usually a pessimistic person but don't you think that IF this was an invasive, fast-growing cancer they would have picked up more cellular activity?!? This surgeon is not a newbie either - he's a respected breast specialist. We are still having a complete excisional biopsy (June 11) and he's going to take a few nodes...and we wait again.

So what do you think? Should I view this as good news? Am I naive to think that, even if this is cancer - we caught it early...and we can destroy this stage 1'er once again?

My Mom and I are insanely close...her diagnosis is my diagnosis...we fight together! Any thoughts/input are appreciated.

Sue