Treatment Protocol

[Nettie1964]

I have been diagnosed with Invasive Ductile Carcinoma.  The surgeon said that he "got it all", margins were clear and sentinel node was negative.  My question is, has anyone else had this diagnosis and if so, did you have any further treatments as "preventative"?  

I have not seen an oncologist yet, appointment is tomorrow, and I going to ask the pros and cons of having the treatments versus none.

I have already seen a radiologist oncologist and he is wanting to proceed with 33 radiation treatments, but thinks that the oncologist may want to do some chemo first.  He did not say why and being in shock, I did  not ask.  I'm going more prepared tomorrow with questions for the oncologist and if any one has any suggestions of questions, I would appreciate them.

Thanks

[Jaquta]

I think that often you need to go with what feels right for you.  (After listening to all the advice from your treatment team.)

I personally didn't want chemo.  As much as I didn't want it though I wasn't sure that I would've been able to live with the knowledge that I hadn't listened to others and trusted their knowledge and expertise had things deteriorated.  I think I might have always questioned whether I made the right decision.

For me the decision was probably slightly easier as I had positive lymph nodes and had a positive margin.

Based on my situation I would advise looking into the treatments recommended, ask the necessary questions and accept the treatment.  People die from breast cancer.  It is best to treat it early.  Nobody can know for sure which way anyone's disease will progress.  I personally wouldn't gamble with my life.  The fear and insecurity that comes with advanced breast cancer is devastating.

Having said that, everyones situation is different.  You need to do what is best for you.
I told my family doctor that if I were older and had a lot of my life behind me that I wouldn't have chemo.  I am young and for the most part healthy and I have/ am struggling with chemo.

Radiotherapy isn't too bad so if that's part of what is being recommended I would strongly advise you accept that.  Radiation is nothing like chemo.

There are pros and cons both for and against treatment.  Doctors will weigh the benefits and the risks.

[zouzi]

If I were you, I wouldn't listen to any one regarding treatments after a cancerous tumor has been removed,because there are so many factors doctors have to consider.
We are certainly free to follow what has been recommended or refuse it,but please remember that our treating doctors have our best interest at heart and know what is best for us.As I advised you in my previous comment,if you have any doubts at all,regarding treatments,you could seek a second or even a third opinion from other Oncologists,to make sure you are making the right decision.
Take care...

[Nettie1964]

Just wondering if anyone has forgone treatment after tumor removal?  I'm just not sure that I want to take treatments when there is no way but time to know if it's working.

[Jaquta]

I have had both pre-cancer and invasive cancer.

For the DCIS I had a partial mastectomy followed by five weeks of radiation.

For the invasive breast cancer I have been prescribed six months of chemo (followed by three-five weeks of radiation and five years of tamoifen).  I had a mastectomy and had all my lymph nodes removed.  One major difference between your and my situation is that I had positive lymph nodes.

Chemo, I guess, is more systemic.  In case the cancer has spread beyond the breast to the rest of the body (but which is too soon to be able to see on scans, etc -in the case or early breast cancer).

Radiation is more targeted.

The oncologists can give you a print out of the mortality and relapse rate of your cancer both with and without treatment.

There are lots of questions available on the internet and also in the books that the cancer nurses, etc give you.

Maybe rather than put pressure on yourself to come up with great questions perhaps take a support person a long with you and ask what you feel is important or relevant to you at the time.  You should have access to a cancer nurse specialist or someone who is able to answer your questions at a later date if you still have some.

A good doctor will keep you informed and provide most of the necessary information.

If you know the tumour size you could possibly work out the staging (American Joint Committe on Cancer have a good table for staging).  Once you have the staging you could research treatment for that particular stage.  Just an idea.

Good luck for your appointment.

[zouzi]

I just noticed that in your previous thread, answered by our Community Leader Japdip,you mentioned that your tumor is grade 3, and this is probably why you need Chemotherapy.
Please,do not start a new thread if you have any additional questions or comments.It would be better if you keep them on the same thread by using the space below the answer/s you have received.This helps to have all your information together so we can better help you.
Thank you.

[zouzi]

Hi.
I was also diagnosed with IDC almost 5 years ago and my tumor was only 9 mm.(a little over 1/4 of an inch) Stage 1 Grade 1 and no lymph nodes involvement.So, I had a lumpectomy with clean margin, 20 radiation sessions and since my tumor was ER/PR positive,I was prescribed Arimidex for 5 years.That is all the treatments I had ,and thank God I am doing just fine.
Now,your case might be different than mine.It all depends on the stage and grade of your tumor.You will have to rely on your team of doctors regarding Chemotherapy.I guess the only question you could ask the Oncologist is why would you need Chemo and I hope his/her answer will satisfy you.
If you have any doubts at all, you can always seek a second or even a third opinion from other Oncologists,to make sure that you will be receiving the proper treatment in your particular situation.
Wishing you all the best...