Help interpret the cancer diagnosis

Hi, I’m sorry to hear that you have been recently diagnosed. That’s a very detailed report! I’m not medically qualified, so will accept correction by someone else if I’m wrong. NST, I believe is ‘no specific  type’ and is the most common type of breast cancer. SBR grade 2, is the intermediate grade (I was diagnosed with that). I think, (but just think) that immunohistochemistry relates to the HER2 test, to see if the tumour is herceptin receptor positive. That is done routinely in the UK. The rest, I’m afraid, is beyond my brain cells.

However, have you been advised what will happen on your return? Have you been referred to a breast clinic, and your GP advised? I hope you are recovering well. X

Thank you very much for your kind reply. I wish you a speedy recovery. 

To answer your questions, I haven't been advised what to do next (except for the need to do the immunohistochemistry test). The Dr that removed the lump has left the country (went back to Europe) and advised me to start the treatment upon my return to the UK. 

I have just contacted my GP and have yet to receive an answer. 

If you don't mind, I'd like to ask a few questions (if anyone could answer, I'd be extremely grateful):

• How long does it take to be seen by the oncologist and start the treatment plan?
• What treatment was prescribed to you?
• How was the experience and how long did it take?
• Were you able to work (if you were employed at the time)?

Once again, many thanks and wish you the very best! 

Hi, well I was diagnosed in January 2021. I quickly started chemotherapy for 5 months (within 10 days of diagnosis). Two weeks after finishing chemo, I opted for a mastectomy, and I had an axillary clearance. About three weeks after that, I started Anastrazole  for 10 years ( my tumour was oestrogen and progesterone positive and so those hormones need to be blocked). A few weeks after that I had radiotherapy and now have bisphosphonate infusions (for 3 years) to help protect my bones. January 2023 I had a second mastectomy by choice, as I hated being lop sided. From diagnosis, I was on sick leave for one year. I am very lucky that I got paid for absence. After that, I returned to work, but struggled a lot. However, I am 23 years older than you, which I think made  a difference on my outlook and ability to financially reduce my working hours.  I applied for something called flexible retirement through my pension provider (I’m 61) which means that I work 2 days a week, and claim my private pension for 3 days week. That was with the agreement of my employer. 
With respect to the experience … well I would prefer not to have received any cancer diagnosis, but as a result of it, I am a better person in some ways. For example I don’t take things for granted now, I don’t put off having positive experiences with friends and loved ones (or even by myself!) but instead make time for a cuppa and a chat for example. I also practice gratitude every day, and appreciate the smallest of lovely things. 
I’m sure your GP will contact you soon, and  that you will be referred to a breast clinic to continue with the tests. Xx

Thank you for sharing. Joining this group is my first step in learning about how to deal with this illness. I appreciate all responses and wish everyone a full and speedy recovery. 

Hi. I was very fortunate that I have private health insurance so by using a mix of private and NHS care I have got treated very quickly. I had my first private appt October last year and got diagnosed within a fortnight. My op was 5th November. Three weeks later I was told I was cancer free with no lymph involvement and oncotype DX test was recommended. Mid December I was recommended adjuvant chemo radio and hormone therapy to reduce risk of recurrence. Chemo through NHS  was from January to may private radiotherapy will start mid July for a month and I have just started min 7years of hormone tablets.  I have been able to use the same oncologist for both my private and NHS treatment which has been good for continuity. 

In terms of work I have been able to work pretty much the whole time be it at varying levels of reduced hours. Found it very beneficial in terms of mental health and routine and I'm able to work from home so infection risk hasmbeem lower. My oncologist also encouraged it providing it was from home and I was well enough. My bosses at work have been super supportive as well.

Thank you very much for sharing your experience. It sounds reassuring and wish I could give you a hug (at least a virtual one). I hope you make a full and speedy recovery. 

I'm considering signing up with Bupa, but would like to ask you about your insurance as it seems it worked fast. 

1. May I please ask what insurance company did you use? How does it work, in general?
2. How did it work in conjunction with NHS? 

Hi. My private insurance is covered by Bupa through my work. It's a slightly different scheme hence why I used NHS for part. My company set a limit of 50k per policyholder per year. So the combined cost of chemo and radiotherapy could of gone over that hence.why I did chemo on NHS. Radiotherapy alone is about 22k. The oncologist I was referred to at Bupa also does.nhs work so I was able to see him at both hospitals. 

Very sorry to read of your diagnosis.

The bit “grade 2,score 7(ductal differentiation=3,nuclear pleomorphism=3.Mitosis=1)” is I think how the grade was calculated, 3+3+1=7. A score of 6 or 7 I understand is Grade 2.

If you scroll down on this link page to the section Histological Grade it gives the detail.

https://www.oncolink.org/cancers/breast/screening-diagnosis/understanding-your-pathology-report-breast-cancer

Hugs xx