Grade 2

[Patricia43]

Good evening

I had absolutely no symptoms, but after a mammogram I was recalled, had a biopsy, and then an operation to remove a lesion in left breast.  The surgeon told me the lesion was only 18 millimetres across, and that, while he had removed only one node, that three others were "affected".
He said Grade 2.

I am still in disbelief,a s I have never been ill in my life.  I see the oncologist tomorrow re treatment.  The surgeon did mention that chemotherapy (six sessions) was an option, (and of course I will have radiation), but I am hoping against hope that maybe treatment can be with tablets.  

I have a relation who had a partial mastectomy some years back, and she had NINE nodes removed.  Yet she did not have chemotherapy, nor radiation, just tablets for five years.  So, I wonder why would I have to have chemotherapy when the problem seems less than that.

Best regards,
Patricia

[Patricia43]

Thanks so much for replying to me.  One tends to be stressed at this time, for sure.  Saw the oncologist, and was informed the cells are oestrogen sensitive, this means thankfully that can be treated with tablets.  I will, naturally, also have radiation.
The oncologist was very helpful and informative.
Best regards.

[japdip]

I'm sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis but now is the time to go forward with your treatment. Chemo is always recommended when lymph nodes are found to be positive and that's what the Dr. meant by "being effected". Just because your relative had nodes removed doesn't mean that they had been invaded by the cancer cells. Radiation is always given after a lumpectomy regardless of node involvement. The pills you mentioned that your relative took were no doubt Tamoxifen and that is given if the cancer is found to be dependant upon Estrogen for growth ... it isn't a form of Chemotherapy, it's a med. to block the production of Estrogen and usually given for a period of 5 years. Truly your surgery was less than your relatives but your cancer is not since you do have positive nodes. All the details will be clearer after you see the Oncologist. Take someone with you so you don't miss anything that is being said. An extra pr. of ears is a great asset at a time like this.    Kindest regards ...