Staging numbers confusion

Hi Cfell, I agree that does seem confusing. Phone your breast care nurse to explain, that’s what they are there for and they are usually very helpful but after pn2a it says M0 and to me that implies metastasis 0. I asked my breast cancer nurse how I could get a copy of my pathology report and I have a copy of it. I am nearly a year following diagnosis and I’m still trying to comprehend aspects of my cancer/treatment, it a whole different world that we have are encountering. Take care. 

Hello

 Hope u r ok x

My nurses said they don’t really discuss stages not sure why.

I did ask early on and was told stage zero however pre chemo oncology appointment they said stage 3 (only when I asked). 

I had multi focal in one breast and spread to 1 lymph node.

 Currently having chemo, it’s all been a nightmare!

 Trying to stay strong xxxx

 sending you my best wishes and hugs

Hi Cfell. I think the M1 is referring to the mitotic rate of your tumour cells . A grade is established based on the tubule formation of the cells, the mitotic activity (how many cells are dividing and growing) and nuclear pleomorphism (not sure what that means!!). Each is giving a number 1 to 3 and the overall score is what determines the actual grade of the cancer - in your case 1/2 In my opinion this definitely doesn’t mean it’s spread, hence the later reference to MO. 

Hi - to be honest when I tried to fathom out what it all meant it just made me more worried so I stopped trying to read too much into it and focused on my recovery x

Hi Cfell 

Please, double check yourself at your appt 2mor, but I believe the TPN system is used to define the grade of the BC as per below:

Tubule Formation = T
Nuclear Pleomorphism = P
Mitosis Count = M

Its about how different the cells look to normal body cells,inder a microscope.

Each category is scored 1, 2 or 3.

Tubule Formation (% of Carcinoma composed of tubular structures like a normal cell):

Nuclear Pleomorphism (Change in cells)

Mitosis Count (Cell division)

The three scores (nuclear grade, mitotic
rate, and tubule formation) are then
combined for a total score between 3
(1+1+1) and 9 (3+3+3). This score makes
up the histological grade. You may see
the three values and total score, or just
the final grade,
Score of 3,4 or 5: Well
differentiated or low grade
(Grade 1).
Score of 6 or 7: Moderately
differentiated or intermediate
grade (Grade 2).
Score of 8 or 9: Poorly
differentiated

I was Grade 2 - T3 P2 M1

Xx

Shade It is a whole different world, kettle of fish, can of worms. It's a lot to take in. I think my brain will absorb it all when chemo and radio are done.  You take care too x

Hi Maria mine is multi focal too. When I watched the scan during biopsy it was like a wispy cloud. 4 of the 11 lymph nodes were positive. They did a 2nd op as the margins were not clear. Surgeon did a good job bless him. I'm midway through chemo. Hopefully cycle 4 of 6 on Friday. I was pooping too much so they postponed it for a week. Yes it is a bit of a night mare. I hate the filgrastim x and the visual disturbances. I don't dare drive for a week after. You take care and good luck x x x

Sorry I meant Jax 007 chemo brain fart reading the wrong name. At least I still have my humour xxx

thanks Maria that's put my mind at rest. There should be a universal legend somewhere for the science speak x pleomorphism that's a very cool sounding word. I feel a random Google coming on. Thankyou for taking time to reply x

May I ask what kind of visual disturbances as I have been getting some too!