Just able to talk about it now..Grade 3 Breast Cancer with spread to lymph node and Onc DX

Hello Minnie. The UK-based team who referred you to the USA-based score would have taken into account any differences between the two countries' management of breast cancer. 

While it is true that each patient is unique and comparisons are pointless, it is understandable that having lost people as close to you as your mother and your friend this cannot always be helped. Please remember though that new treatments are coming out all the time (I am thinking of two such treatments as I write this, one that is aimed at hormone-sensitive breast cancers, one that is aimed at breast cancers that aren't) so we, today, have more and better options than those who were diagnosed and treated in the past. 

There are several people on this forum who have success stories to tell, but I am not sure they check the forum daily, so may miss your post. I don't remember usernames, but I seem to recall one lady who is now in her 6th year since diagnosis, and one who is past the 11th year. I am always glad to see them posting because they are living proofs of what treatments were able to achieve long before you and I were diagnosed, let alone nowadays. 

For peace of mind, perhaps it would be a good idea to ask for an appointment with your consultant, where you could explain your concerns and receive answers and explanations about your treatments, as well as some reassurance regarding their expectations of the results.

My Oncologist hasn't mentioned PREDICT or Oncotype scores. I know I am Grade 2, but BCN said they don't talk in Stages at all! Should I be asking for more info as HER2+, O8, Invasive ductal 

There will be a record of the stage of your cancer in their notes. If they send updates to your GP with copies to you, it will be there too. You have the right to know this information about your cancer, so you can certainly approach her again and ask for this information, politely but firmly. 

I think the Oncotype test is only done on ER+, HER2- negative cancers so wouldn't be relevant to your situation. x

Hi  I didn't have an oncotype test as lymph nodes positive so it was chemo anyway regardless. That's our hospital protocol. 

Xxx

Hi Minnie

I had read some US studies which suggested if you don't start radiotherapy within 8 weeks of lumpectomy the risk of the cancer coming back is increased. I totally paniced when I read that as my Radiotherapy didn't start for 13 weeks. I spoke with the oncologist at my follow up appointment and she advised those are not the parameters worked to in the UK and not something I needed to worry about at allin respect of my cancer. 

Please try not to be anxious. Just write a list of your questions and worries and talk to the oncologist about them. I certainly felt that my worries had been allayed and I trusted her. She is a specialist in her field at the Christie, Manchester (centre of  excellence in cancer treatment), and there was no fudging around the issue. Her response was confident and clear- I did not need to worry that treatment had been delayed too long. 

I had my lumpectomy on the 2nd August 2021 and I didn’t start my radiotherapy until 22nd December 2021. I was really worried as it was a 16 week gap. The consultant said it was fine and not to worry. I have to say it’s always in the back of my mind!! 

Yes I don't think they understand the fear involved. Have you started hormone treatment?

Thank you that helps. Yes I panicked as I read radiotherapy should start 4 weeks after surgery (ouch) but I guess it is one of the failings of Dr Google. I don't find my Oncologist easy to talk to at all and my appointments keep getting cancelled. On the up side my breast surgeon was amazing!

Thank you for your sound words. At the moment my Oncology appointments keep getting cancelled which just adds to the stress as you fill in the gaps yourself!