Rico

Hi there.  I wonder why they suggested Ribociclib if the chance of spread is nil?  Also I thought Ribociclib was for ER and PR+ cancer and not HER2+ cancer also the same for letrazole.  Have you asked your oncologist why they recommend Ribo?  I have been on it for coming up 2 years and it does have plenty of side effects.

Lee x

Hi Lee,

Thanks, good to know. Something doesn't sit right with me, that's why i didn't sign the consent form and ask some more time. 

Take care of yourself 

x

It doesn't sound right, maybe there is more to it.

Either i misunderstood something, you know how it is, they throw info, data etc at you but my partner was with me and he hasn't got foggy brain, or it's a funding issue.

From the drugs you have been offered and the fact you have had an oncotype test, I would think your cancer is oestrogen responsive (ER+) not human growth hormone responsive (HER2+). Letrolzole and pablociclib is a standard combination treatment for this type of cancer and very effective. Your oncotype score is presumably lower than the cutoff for recommending chemo. All treatment decisions are a question of risks and benefits. The benefit of this combo is generally a reduction in the risk of it coming back. Your oncologist is the best person to help you decide whether it’s worth it in your particular case. 

A funding issue wouldn’t cause them to recommend a treatment! 

Thank you for the support. The breast cancer was 18mm grade 2 NST, ER8 PR8 HER2 negative (score 1+). ER8 in the sentinel node.

It's difficult to decide as the benefits are speculative but the 3 years side effects very real. 

Take care 

Hi Joelle 

In saying ER8 in the sentinel node, does that mean there was cancer in your sentinel node? If so, have your team quantified the risk from that? 

Yes there was, the all chain 1 to 3 was removed but only the sentinel was affected.

I've asked to talk to my cancer nurses, i'll ask them, it's good to narrow the issue down thanks.

So it is hormone positive not protein positive, that is why you are on Letrazole and they have offered you ribociclib.  My cancer is hormone positive as well that is why I am on ribociclib.  Also they will probably offer you a dose of 400mg which has less side effects than the full dose of 600mg.   Hard decision as you say.  Good luck.

Lee x

Thank you. I naively thought that after all the tests, the op, the radiotherapy and taking the hormone treatment for 7 years, it will be the end. Having gone so far, i suppose i should put all the chances on my side.

Take care

x