ER positive breast cancer

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Hello everyone

I was diagnosed in April with ER positive breast cancer after breast screening routine mammogram. I had no lump no dimpling no obvious signs of anything wrong. I was told that i faced surgery after 2 biopsies were done and my lymph were clear and radiotherapy. My cancer was grade 3. I was put on Letrozole straight away and referred for surgery. Surgery a lumpectomy happened in June and op wenwell. My follow up appt my surgeon said my cancer had been down graded to a 2 after only three months on Letrozole. The only side effects I have had so far is hot flushes and sweats and the fact it’s downgraded the cancer it has been well worth taking. They also removed 4 lymph nodes 3 were clear and 1 had cancer cells. I have had further surgery to remove further tissue as the clear margins werent enough. I have recently had oncotype DX which has come back as 20. I am led to believe that 25 and over they would suggest chemo. I was about to celebrate that I was under the limit and wouldn’t need chemo however I have been referred to oncologist the surgeon keeps saying I’m not saying you’ll get chemo but we are referring you. Does this look like chemo will be given? I am 60 and I am so keyed up about everything and wondered if you lovely folks have any advice

thanks xx

Alexa over 2 years ago

I had a lumpectomy in July and awaiting Oncotype results.

I saw an oncologist today who said he’s sure I won’t need chemo but radiotherapy is standard so that’s probably why you are seeing the oncologist xx

HappyFeet1 over 2 years ago in reply to Alexa

Hi Hennie, I was referred to the oncologist too even though chemo wasn’t deemed necessary. I think it’s standard procedure and it’s good to see another ‘expert’, I think. It was my oncologist who referred me for radiotherapy as I don’t think the surgeon can. That’s my understanding, anyway, so try not to read more into it (I know that’s easier said than done!). The oncologist talked me through the hormone therapy (Anastrozole in my case) as well as the radiotherapy.
Hope your appointment is soon so that you know for sure what lies ahead. Love and hugs, HFxx

HappyFeet1 xx

Don’t be afraid to cry. It will free your mind of sorrowful thoughts. – Hopi

Colibri over 2 years ago

I was in a similar position as you, but I am much younger (37). My oncotype was 19. They said since my tumour was quite large and I am very young, 4 rounds of chemo (which I then did). They also explained, if I were older and after menopause, they would not probably recommend chemo.
However, they also said, they would have recommended chemo if one of my lymph nodes were affected.
Considering your lymph nodes unfortunately were affected, I think it would be wise to talk to your oncologist, so they can explain the benefits of chemo for you.
I hope you can make the choice that works for you!

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ER positive breast cancer