Hi all,
I was diagnosed at the end of February with a 14mm DCIS which was removed mid March. Treatment was going to be lumpectomy, radiotherapy and tamoxifen for 5 years but unfortunately once the lump was removed and tested it came back as grade 3. Lymph nodes were clear and also the healthy tissue around the lump. Because it’s grade 3 and not grade 2 they think I would benefit from chemo but I’m waiting to hear from the oncologist next week.
does anyone have anything similar who can tell me how long their chemo treatment took or what drugs they received?
Any info on similar situations would be greatly appreciated. Of course I understand everyone’s treatment is individual but just looking to hear what other people have had.
thanks :)
Hi
I notice that your post has dropped down the pages, so by replying I'm 'bumping' it back up.
However, when you say 'lump' it sounds as if the DCIS might not just be DCIS? although you say Stage 0 which is DCIS stage- but DCIS generally isn't a lump but a collection of pre cancerous cells which haven't formed a tumor which is often why surgeons sometimes have difficulty getting clear margins. I had a 15mm tumor and also 2 separate areas of DCIS, being a total of 54mm. I had lumpectomy and radiotherapy and am on Anastrozole for 5 years. My tumor was grade 2 ER+ and the DCIS was grade 3, ER/PR negative.
My treatment plan was totally based on the tumor, so no chemo was even suggested. However, I wonder given that you are on tamoxifen if you're significantly younger than I was and pre menopausal (I was aged 51 on diagnosis), so this might be why they are looking at chemo for you.
In the meantime, hopefully someone else now sees your post and can help.
Best wishes, Lesley
Hi Sarah
It maybe that they've done an Oncotype DX test on your tumour. This is something was was starting to come in when I was diagnosed, but I never had it (2017 diagnosis for me). The oncotype DX test gives more information as to whether chemo will be beneficial for ER+ breast cancer. I was ER8 too, but as I say, no Oncotype DX test - which I get the impression is more of a normal test on tumors now. When I was diagnosed they were starting them and sending off samples to USA to get results - but nearly 4 years later, I'm sure things have moved on dramatically now and perhaps they are being tested in the UK.
As you are young and grade 3 (faster growing), I expect this is another reason why they are thinking that chemo. may be beneficial for you.
The IDC is an actual cancerous tumor, whereas the DCIS is pre-cancerous cells (they describe DCIS as non-life threatening) and is always stage 0. You'll have moved to stage 1, which is the minimum when they have found a tumor (IDC - invasive ductal carcinoma).
Once you know your treatment plan, it does become less overwhelming and confusing. Even if it is chemo- which obviously no-one wants!! But if it prevents it ever coming back, it's got to be worth it, hasn't it?
In answer to your question about me, the only treatment I'm on is the Anastrozole tablets daily for the 5 years (just over a year left to go) and an annual mammogram.
Kindest wishes , Lesley
Yes I’ve read about the oncotype scoring! I’m just wondering if it was maybe borderline results as the biopsy said grade 2 and the tumour grade 3. Obviously they have a lot more to go by with the whole removal but yes I think chemo is worth a go if it means it’s less likely to come back!
I know it’s never good timing but I was supposed to qualify this year as a midwife so I’m just licking my wounds really. Radiotherapy would have meant that I probably could have finished on time but chemo I won’t. Oh well...
That makes complete sense that it’s moved to stage one now, the doctor just didn’t say it at the appointment. I think once Thursday comes and I have a plan I’ll feel much calmer.
That’s great that you only have another year to go, fingers crossed that’s the end of this journey for you 
️
sarah xx
Oh really? That’s a shame I was hoping to try it out. I’m sure it will be similar for all hospitals. That’s great to hear the side effects weren’t as bad as you expected. I’ve read lots of things that have scared me to be honest. I’m worried I won’t be able to remember anything afterwards as I have a terrible memory as it is!
good luck for Friday, I hope it goes well for you 
xx
I would still ask your hospital about the cold cap as I've read some ladies on here are able to cold cap so it really does depend on your hospital. Hopefully you will be able to give it a go. Thanks for your best wishes.
Ah ok I definitely will ask then, thank you xx
