stage2 grade 3 (worried)

[kimlea1970_2008]

Hi
Has mamorgram oct 07 for microcalifications clusters was told it was benign and to return in 6 months for follow up mamogram, after new scan they told me it was stage 3 breast cancer. Had mastectomy 2 weeks ago and was dcis stage 2 grade 3 and  6  OUT OF 18 lymph nodes affected.  I am 37 years old 2 small children and I am worried about recurrance to other parts of the  body. My specialist stated it would be good to get my ovaries removed and chemo and radiation Plus tamoxifin.  Before my mastectomy  I had 3 rounds of chemo so I am not sure if thats why I am stage 2 grade 3 if the chemo made me a lower grade. COULD SOMEONE OUT THERE WHAT THE LIKELY HOOD OF RECURRANCE IS? GOING MAD
Thanks

[madgeOwens]

How could it be benign just six months earlier?

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  If six of eighteen lymph nodes have been found to be affected, then you have at least STAGE 3, not stage 2 disease.  I have tabulated the approximate recurrence rates WITHIN TEN YEARS for your particular stage, age and tumor grade:

Tumor size 2cm or less:    

recurrence after surgery alone = 74.5%
recurrence with combined chemotherapy and hormonal treatment after surgery = 28.6%

Tumor size 2.1 - 5 cm:    

recurrence after surgery alone = 83.4%
recurrence with combined chemotherapy and hormonal treatment after surgery = 35.7%    

Tumor size 5 cm or greater:    

recurrence after surgery alone = 91.4%
recurrence with combined chemotherapy and hormonal treatment after surgery = 44.9%        

I hope this helps.