6 /11 lymph nodes with cancer

[carole107]

i have recently had a mascectamy and lymph node clearance which showed 6/11 nodes with cancer advised tumour was 255mm and hormone responsive . will be getting chemotheraphy . i feel that the lymph node involvement is very high  and would like to speak to someone else who has survived this with this number of nodes involved

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
That is a positive response from your oncologist. You need to now have an optimistic approach and be strong. Being hormone responsive is again a favourable thing. Do follow up regularly with your oncologist. Keep a record of your symptoms and any side effects that you experience due to the medication and report them to your doctor.
In addition you could ask your doctor to prescribe some anti nausea, anti reflux medication for heartburn and some pain relief medication that you can take if and when required.
Remember to maintain a healthy diet plan, take vitamin and mineral supplements and drink plenty of water to maintain adequate hydration.
Good luck!

[carole107]

thank you for your comments found out today i am moderate (6) for hormone responsive and also her2 positive herceptin going to part of treatment oncoligist advised chances of survival 55% in my favour

[carole107]

thank you for your comments found out today i am moderate(6)  for hormone responsive and also her2 positive herceptin . going to be part of treatment oncologist advised chances of survival 55 % in my favour

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
Every individual is different and responds differently to the medication and the treatment for every individual varies depending on various factors. It would definitely be an emotional support for you to know people around who have similar disease and have braved it.
I would suggest you to discuss your management plan, possible outcomes and the prognosis after treatment with your oncologist. This will clear the doubts that you are having. Also take life as it comes and ask your family and friends for support.
You need to remember that you have to keep your will power strong. Discuss with your oncologist the option of hormone therapy as you mention you have a hormone responsive tumour. Lymph node involvement is not a very good sign but then a hormone responsive status gives you an advantage. All this can only be analysed and put out clearly to you by your doctor as he knows your case best.
Goodluck.

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
With 6 out of 11 lymph nodes positive for cancer, and a tumor size of 255mm, that would place you at Stage III breast cancer at least.
Lymph node status is one of the prognostic factors in breast cancer recurrence.  Other prognostic factors include tumor size, histologic grade, patient's age, receptor status, and presence or absence of lymphovascular invasion.  These should be taken in consideration in determining the survival of patients with breast cancer.
It would be best to discuss these things with your oncologist.
Good luck.