Histology results

Hi.  The score is out of 8.  So your tumour is strongly pozitive for oestrogen and postregon.  I don't know what MRI negative means though.

Hope this helps a bit ...

Thank you Anne, that’s very helpful. I just wanted to know exactly what I’m dealing with xx

Hi NellieJean,

i assume you had an MRI scan? If so then that shows no ‘nasties’ which is what the negative would mean

hugs xxx

Hi

Did you have HER2- (HER2 negative) as well?  If so then you have the 'nicest' type as being 7/8 to Oestrogen and Progesterone means that you'll have a strong response to the tablets (which you will no doubt be on for 5 years) - depending on your age could be tamoxifen (pre menopause) or Letrozole/Anastrozole/Extemasane (post menopause).  I was ER and PR + (8/8) and I'm on Anastrozole.

Nowadays they do the Oncotype DX test as well for early stages (eg-not spread to lymph nodes)- it wasn't around 2 years ago - where a sample is sent to America for testing and the results are far better than the ones done here as it is genomic.  They have a different score: 0 - 100.  Less than 18 means the lower the risk of return and these are now also used in deciding whether chemotherapy for early stage breast cancer will be worthwhile. 

 HER2+ (or spread to lymph nodes) is a near guarantee to the chemotherapy route (depending on age and health)

Kindest wishes,

Hi

Sorry to be jumping in here but OncoType DX can now be used for Node Positive when 1 to 3 nodes are involved.

Best Wishes.

Hi peterawake

Please do! It goes to show how everything moves on and improves so quickly I am less than 2 years since diagnosis and it wasn't around for me so the fact it is being used more and more is fab! 

Just want to say thank you,

My oncologist hasn't offered Oncotype DX as I have 2 positive nodes, but I have gone back to her to ask if it is available after all as it will make the decision easier and more specific.  Really, really appreciate the info.  Thank you.

Best wishes

Thank you, yes I did have an MRI because the the mammogram and ultrasound didn’t find the tumour, but apparently the MRI highlighted a sneaky tumour right below the nipple, hopefully the negative means that nothing else was found. Thanks for taking the time to reply, I’m just trying to make sense of the histology gobbledegook x

Oh I know! As patients I think we need medical qualifications too! Otherwise how would we know what it all means? But your BCN will be able to explain.....

hugs xxx

Hi Leslie, what a lovely positive thing to say, that my tumour is one of the nicest . I hadn’t thought of it like that because I don’t understand all the results. Yes it was HER2 negative (whatever that means) and it had spread to a Sentinel Node but it was a low count so the surgeon has decided against a sweep and chemo.

Im feeling grateful and positive but I’m very worried about taking the Letrozole as I already have arthritis in my hands and I’ve read very negative posts about the side effects. I know not everyone has these but I have visions of my  quality of life going to pot. I think im just still coming to terms with the shock.

Helen xx