Cancer spread to lymph nodes

Hi there,

I'm so sorry to hear your story. As a mum the worry is how it will affect our children first and foremost when diagnosed, and we worry about not being able to support them like we've always done in the past.  It sounds like you have a great mum and you are a fantastic son/daughter who obviously cares a lot about her:)

Can I ask if they have tested the cancer in the breast and nodes to see that type it is? That way they will know the best treatment to give your mum. If she is given chemo for example there are different ones used,and even with breast cancer the choice can vary depending on if it's ER+/-, HER2+/- or Triple negative.  FEC and Docetaxel are usually used with Triple negative, EC and Paclitaxel is used with ER+ and either FEC or EC then weekly  Paclitaxel are normally used with HER2+ so that it can be timed with the other HER2+ drugs..

 Breast cancer is categorised into 3 grades. Grade 1 is slow growing, grade 2 is average but easier to see as different from normal cells, and grade 3 is faster growing. Most triple negative and HER2+ breast cancers are grade 3, but rarely ER+ ones can be too. Was her lump still only 4mm after surgery? Sometimes there are other types of cancer or other areas of the same cancer found in the breast which don't always show on the mammogram (but should show on the CT/MRI scan). Is it possible that there is/was another area there?

Please don't be too disheartened by the large number of nodes positive. The cancer itself was very small, and the chemo is there to mop up any cells which could still be there. If she is ER+ she'll also be given tablets for 5-10 years after the chemo which will reduce the chance of recurrence.

Take care and let us know how your mum gets on. xxxx

Hi , I can't really add anything to Londonmumof2 reply . But just wanted to send you and your Mum big but gentle hugs. Try to take it all one step at a time and don't do your research on Dr. Google- often wrong and out of date. The Macmillan nurses will speak to you on the phone if you have things you want explaining- I found them very helpful. Sending more hugs xx Kwissy

Hi Londonmomof2

Just read your post, really informative many thanks, I am going for a vacuum biopsy today, for an area of concern on my left breast.  Was given results for a fore biopsy last Wednesday which showed dcis 13mm.  When asked about the area of concern, which was picked up on mammogram, no palpable lump, they advised it was very faint. I am assuming they are doing a vacuum biopsy to get more tissue sample, they are also scanning my lymph nodes today. Could you offer any advice

Best wishes 

Sharon x