Hoping for some positive stories after residual disease following chemotherapy for breast cancer

Hey, 

I had residual after chemo but they said they got it all with surgery. 
You’re having more surgery so they will hopefully get it all then / I think it’s all to do with clear margins but not 100% sure! 

I have had preventative treatment after. I didn’t have your diagnosis but I did have triple negative which is rubbish. 

round where I am they take 4 nodes as standard unless they can see or biopsy has shown more.

i had 5 removed to be on the safe side I think. 

it’s a funny one as it can be lying dorment in anyone. You just have to dig deep for that positivity and try and live your life as normal after you have finished treatment. My head has gone west a lot but it’s time to try and move forward after 18 months of treatment nearly!xx

Hi Missy, 

Thank you - I really appreciate that! I think you're absolutely right - I just need to get on with things and not worry about it, just get on with the treatment and live life as normally as possible. 

I hope you are coping well with your treatment and that you reach the end of it soon!

Take care,

Cx

The scans were clear because cancer cells can be microscopic and not always seen on MRI scans. My bcn said cancer cells only show up on scans when they have come to the surface and formed a tumour so I would see this as it’s only small and treatable. 

I don’t understand, how does a pathology report detect cancer in the body? I thought the pathology report just revealed genetic makeup and characteristics following testing of the tumour after removal? 

Hi Sparkle, 
After my lumpectomy, the tissue was looked at under a microscope and the results are in a pathology report - that's what I mean by pathology report. I haven't seen the report but I have been told that under the microscope, they found 3 tumours in the breast tissue. This was unexpected because I have had months of chemotherapy and my scans were clear and did not show any tumours, which is why I was very surprised. 

I am sure my surgeon or breast care nurse will be able to explain everything, and reassure me. 

Hope this explains my post. 

Thanks,
C

Ah I see. Did you have the operation after chemo then? I as the operation first removing everything then the chemo. 

Yes, I had op after 5 months of chemo. My docs seemed to think that was best for me. 

Yes I have heard of that, I know two people who have had the same route. 

I had IV chemo for 6 months before op. 
I wouldn’t wish it in my worst enemy! 

I think cancer has taken enough of our lives and to keep living on the edge - it’ll destroy us. 

I am not saying forget it completely because I will never forget it completely and everything that is wrong - is ‘cancer’. 
I’m under the radar for 5-6 years. I currently have 6 monthly checks so they’re on it - NHS has been brilliant with my case. All over it. 

Just try not to google and think about things too much. My tumour was 42mm when removed - it was quite big and I’m trying to stay as positive as I can. 

hopefully im nearly done with all treatment. 18 months later and it’s been a journey! 

Always reach out when needed xx

Oh gosh you pooe thing, glad you are closely watching yes. I know all these treatments are hard xx 

I have hormone positive plus HER2 positive BC like you and was told by Oncologist that chances of PCR post chemo is 35-40% as this type of BC can be harder to clear with just chemo. However he reassured me that my chances of completely eradicating the cancer would be just as good as someone who had a PCR but I would have to go down the slightly longer route of having Kadcyla. He said it was the most incredible drug and was far better tolerated than regular chemo. Have a look at the Katherine trial which gives you incredibly encouraging stats for Kadcyla. It’s very disappointing for you as you were expecting a PCR but rest assured you will be receiving an amazingly effective drug. I am still in the middle of my chemo and haven’t had surgery yet so will wait to find which path I need to take. Although it will be disappointing to have a longer treatment plan should I not achieve a PCR, I know that I will be receiving the very best drug that will likely give me an excellent outcome.  Hope this cheers you a little.