What does it all mean so far ?

shadow1970
shadow1970 Member Posts: 14
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi everyone,

I had my lumpsectomy on Sept. 24 , was stage 1 but because the tumor was 2.1 cm it was considered stage 2 because of size. I went for my follow up with my surgeon Sept. 30th all is ok so far, My test results came back as ER positive 83% and PR positive 30 % and Her 2 Neu was negative not sure what all that means ??. After the surgery , Dr. said it was not in my lymph nodes or anywhere else so that was good. I meet with the oncologist on the 15th to go over my "treatment plan " I know each case is different but has anyone had this similar to mine ? and what was your treatment ?
My arm pit and down along the side is still sore and its going on 2 weeks now after the surgery , is this normal ? Still feel a lil numbness also but that is getting better... only good thing about it all is it has gotten me out of cleaning stalls !! lol... we have a horse boarding buisness with 15 horses here , so hubby has been doing it all god love him...

Thanks alot

And Outdoorgirl we should get together sometime ,your not far from me at all !!

Comments

  • Calleen
    Calleen Member Posts: 411
    I have
    a simular DX. I too was stage one until I had surgery then I becasme a stage 2A. tumor size 2.3 and I'm er/pr positve her2 negitive with no lymph node involment. you are a good candidate for the oncotype test. read the thread what is onco test and i explained it some there. I will not be given chemo and now I have to consider if I am going to take tamoxifen. I had a bilateral masectomy so I won't be doing any radiation.

    I was still sore for awhile you had something taken out of your body so it's healing from the inside. I am still pretty numb and my lymph nodes were removed July 15 and my masectomy was July 29th. you do want to take it easy and give your body a good deal of time to heal.. so if it means no cleaning of stalls yeah!!
  • outdoorgirl
    outdoorgirl Member Posts: 1,565
    Hi Shadow!
    My cancer sounds like it was similar to you. I had invasive ductal cancer stage 2A,ER/PR positive,Her2Neu neg.ER/PR positive means that your tumor was sensitive to hormones or I like to think of it as being"fed" by hormones(estrogen). The Breast Book by Susan Love says that the description of the estrogen receptor is protein found on some cells to which estrogen molecules will attach.If a tumor is positive for estrogen receptors,it is sensitive to hormones.As far as Her2Neu-she has the description down as a tumor gene that when it is "overexpressed"leads to more cell growth. Could you please ask your onc about this and then let me know what it means in layman's terms!!As far as I know(and don't take it to the bank because I'm not an onc),but from what I have heard-our "kind"of breast cancer is easier to treat,and your lymph nodes were clear,so hopefully that news is reassuring to you...
    Getting together sounds like it could be a plan-the only downfall is that I don't have my own transportation-yes,believe it or not ladies,I have never had a driver's license(am hoping to have one before the end of March)!
    Pm me if you'd like and maybe we can work something out!
    I love horses!
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member

    Hi Shadow!
    My cancer sounds like it was similar to you. I had invasive ductal cancer stage 2A,ER/PR positive,Her2Neu neg.ER/PR positive means that your tumor was sensitive to hormones or I like to think of it as being"fed" by hormones(estrogen). The Breast Book by Susan Love says that the description of the estrogen receptor is protein found on some cells to which estrogen molecules will attach.If a tumor is positive for estrogen receptors,it is sensitive to hormones.As far as Her2Neu-she has the description down as a tumor gene that when it is "overexpressed"leads to more cell growth. Could you please ask your onc about this and then let me know what it means in layman's terms!!As far as I know(and don't take it to the bank because I'm not an onc),but from what I have heard-our "kind"of breast cancer is easier to treat,and your lymph nodes were clear,so hopefully that news is reassuring to you...
    Getting together sounds like it could be a plan-the only downfall is that I don't have my own transportation-yes,believe it or not ladies,I have never had a driver's license(am hoping to have one before the end of March)!
    Pm me if you'd like and maybe we can work something out!
    I love horses!

    Excellent Book - The Breast Book avail at Barnes and Noble or
    Amazon.com .. Full of information - ..

    This is a uncertain time in your life - terms and conditions are thrown at you .. and yet, you have not information .. I found several sites on the internet that detailed each of my diagnosis. Scary, yes .. but I was informed.

    I would call your Doctor, and go back in and have him or her, explain everything all over again... Take a friend, family member with you or a tape recorder. Write down all questions. Allow your doctor to give his spill, then hit him or her with ALL your questions -- never never leave the office without feeling every question has been answered to your satisfaction and understanding.

    The success rates of living after breast cancer diagnosis is high. Do not despair. We are here for you, 24/7. We may be at different stages of our battle with breast cancer, however there is 1 common thread .. we all have " breast cancer ".


    Best of Luck,

    VickiSam
  • shadow1970
    shadow1970 Member Posts: 14

    Hi Shadow!
    My cancer sounds like it was similar to you. I had invasive ductal cancer stage 2A,ER/PR positive,Her2Neu neg.ER/PR positive means that your tumor was sensitive to hormones or I like to think of it as being"fed" by hormones(estrogen). The Breast Book by Susan Love says that the description of the estrogen receptor is protein found on some cells to which estrogen molecules will attach.If a tumor is positive for estrogen receptors,it is sensitive to hormones.As far as Her2Neu-she has the description down as a tumor gene that when it is "overexpressed"leads to more cell growth. Could you please ask your onc about this and then let me know what it means in layman's terms!!As far as I know(and don't take it to the bank because I'm not an onc),but from what I have heard-our "kind"of breast cancer is easier to treat,and your lymph nodes were clear,so hopefully that news is reassuring to you...
    Getting together sounds like it could be a plan-the only downfall is that I don't have my own transportation-yes,believe it or not ladies,I have never had a driver's license(am hoping to have one before the end of March)!
    Pm me if you'd like and maybe we can work something out!
    I love horses!

    Hi Outdoorgirl
    I have an apt. with the Onc next thurs. The 15th So I will have alot more questions then that can probaly get answered , just have to play that waiting game for now. And my practioneer nurse is on vacation right now also.... so I guess I just want to know if I will have to do chemo or not, I really do not want to go through that , I see you did ? Did they tell you , you should or did you choose it ? I guess right now that is my biggest worry, The nurse was telling me "even though she is not the onc Dr. that from test results it lookes like so far I would not need chemo, but she did say she was not the Onc. and that would be up to her. I am waiting on my results from the Onco Dx test , I may try to call today and see if they have them yet.. they told me last week it would take 10 days.
    Ok This may sound dumb but how do I PM you ??

    Thanks
  • outdoorgirl
    outdoorgirl Member Posts: 1,565

    Hi Outdoorgirl
    I have an apt. with the Onc next thurs. The 15th So I will have alot more questions then that can probaly get answered , just have to play that waiting game for now. And my practioneer nurse is on vacation right now also.... so I guess I just want to know if I will have to do chemo or not, I really do not want to go through that , I see you did ? Did they tell you , you should or did you choose it ? I guess right now that is my biggest worry, The nurse was telling me "even though she is not the onc Dr. that from test results it lookes like so far I would not need chemo, but she did say she was not the Onc. and that would be up to her. I am waiting on my results from the Onco Dx test , I may try to call today and see if they have them yet.. they told me last week it would take 10 days.
    Ok This may sound dumb but how do I PM you ??

    Thanks

    First of all,
    you can pm me by going to the home page and clicking on inbox under CSN email. It will say send new email.Pm just stands for personal or private messages-sorry,I abbreviate every once in a while cause I just don't feel like typing the whole word out if I don't have to(ie.onc,mammo,etc...)!
    Yeah,I hate the waiting games sometimes-especially when you want to get on with it right now or you are waiting for test results(that's the worst I think you will find-if you havn't found that out already!And in my case most of the time-usually no news has been good news.).
    Yes I did have chemo-4 treatments.They are not fun,but they are doable as we like to say here.Things have come a long way(anti-nausea meds,etc.)My oncs told me about their "plan of attacks"and since by that time I felt good about the oncs and trusted them,I accepted it all-and I for myself don't regret it one bit! But we all have choices-I would suggest that you make a list of your questions and fears and bring them with you on your visit!
    I know that my chemo onc judged whether or not for chemo by how agressive and by the size of my tumor,and on my oncotype score.
  • outdoorgirl
    outdoorgirl Member Posts: 1,565

    Hi Outdoorgirl
    I have an apt. with the Onc next thurs. The 15th So I will have alot more questions then that can probaly get answered , just have to play that waiting game for now. And my practioneer nurse is on vacation right now also.... so I guess I just want to know if I will have to do chemo or not, I really do not want to go through that , I see you did ? Did they tell you , you should or did you choose it ? I guess right now that is my biggest worry, The nurse was telling me "even though she is not the onc Dr. that from test results it lookes like so far I would not need chemo, but she did say she was not the Onc. and that would be up to her. I am waiting on my results from the Onco Dx test , I may try to call today and see if they have them yet.. they told me last week it would take 10 days.
    Ok This may sound dumb but how do I PM you ??

    Thanks

    I read that
    you were talking about your pain from surgery lingering and just wanted to tell you-if you are having problems or notice something unusual,don't hesitate to call your doctors and let them know(in this case,maybe your surgeon?)!If something is going on,you don't always have to wait until your next visit to go in !
  • lanie940
    lanie940 Member Posts: 490
    My oncology surgeon told me
    My oncology surgeon told me from the get-go that removing lymph nodes can cause numbness. the more removed the more likely you will be numb. I had the sentinel node biopsy during my lumpectomy, it was checked, and it was clear so he didn't remove anymore. Ask your surgeon how many he removed, he may have removed more if you didn't have the sentinel node mapping before your surgery.

    I had to be there by 8:am, they took me for the needle loc, then the sentinel node mapping procedure. I think some of the gals had this done a few days before their surgeries. I didn't want my husband to take any extra days off, so they brought me in early for them. the surgery wasn't until 1:30 that afternoon.

    I'm having my hernia repair today. I have to be there by noon. i probably won't have the surgery until 2;00. I am starved already. they must schedule people with diabetes for mrning surgeries, or those having longer procedures.
  • outdoorgirl
    outdoorgirl Member Posts: 1,565
    lanie940 said:

    My oncology surgeon told me
    My oncology surgeon told me from the get-go that removing lymph nodes can cause numbness. the more removed the more likely you will be numb. I had the sentinel node biopsy during my lumpectomy, it was checked, and it was clear so he didn't remove anymore. Ask your surgeon how many he removed, he may have removed more if you didn't have the sentinel node mapping before your surgery.

    I had to be there by 8:am, they took me for the needle loc, then the sentinel node mapping procedure. I think some of the gals had this done a few days before their surgeries. I didn't want my husband to take any extra days off, so they brought me in early for them. the surgery wasn't until 1:30 that afternoon.

    I'm having my hernia repair today. I have to be there by noon. i probably won't have the surgery until 2;00. I am starved already. they must schedule people with diabetes for mrning surgeries, or those having longer procedures.

    lanie
    I hope your surgery goes well! Yeah,I'm usually starving by the time I leave the recovery room!
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    lanie940 said:

    My oncology surgeon told me
    My oncology surgeon told me from the get-go that removing lymph nodes can cause numbness. the more removed the more likely you will be numb. I had the sentinel node biopsy during my lumpectomy, it was checked, and it was clear so he didn't remove anymore. Ask your surgeon how many he removed, he may have removed more if you didn't have the sentinel node mapping before your surgery.

    I had to be there by 8:am, they took me for the needle loc, then the sentinel node mapping procedure. I think some of the gals had this done a few days before their surgeries. I didn't want my husband to take any extra days off, so they brought me in early for them. the surgery wasn't until 1:30 that afternoon.

    I'm having my hernia repair today. I have to be there by noon. i probably won't have the surgery until 2;00. I am starved already. they must schedule people with diabetes for mrning surgeries, or those having longer procedures.

    Good luck with your hernia
    Good luck with your hernia surgery today Lanie!

    Leeza
  • shadow1970
    shadow1970 Member Posts: 14
    lanie940 said:

    My oncology surgeon told me
    My oncology surgeon told me from the get-go that removing lymph nodes can cause numbness. the more removed the more likely you will be numb. I had the sentinel node biopsy during my lumpectomy, it was checked, and it was clear so he didn't remove anymore. Ask your surgeon how many he removed, he may have removed more if you didn't have the sentinel node mapping before your surgery.

    I had to be there by 8:am, they took me for the needle loc, then the sentinel node mapping procedure. I think some of the gals had this done a few days before their surgeries. I didn't want my husband to take any extra days off, so they brought me in early for them. the surgery wasn't until 1:30 that afternoon.

    I'm having my hernia repair today. I have to be there by noon. i probably won't have the surgery until 2;00. I am starved already. they must schedule people with diabetes for mrning surgeries, or those having longer procedures.

    Good Luck !
    Hope all goes well with it , I will be thinking and praying for you ...
  • Christmas Girl
    Christmas Girl Member Posts: 3,682 Member
    lanie940 said:

    My oncology surgeon told me
    My oncology surgeon told me from the get-go that removing lymph nodes can cause numbness. the more removed the more likely you will be numb. I had the sentinel node biopsy during my lumpectomy, it was checked, and it was clear so he didn't remove anymore. Ask your surgeon how many he removed, he may have removed more if you didn't have the sentinel node mapping before your surgery.

    I had to be there by 8:am, they took me for the needle loc, then the sentinel node mapping procedure. I think some of the gals had this done a few days before their surgeries. I didn't want my husband to take any extra days off, so they brought me in early for them. the surgery wasn't until 1:30 that afternoon.

    I'm having my hernia repair today. I have to be there by noon. i probably won't have the surgery until 2;00. I am starved already. they must schedule people with diabetes for mrning surgeries, or those having longer procedures.

    Best wishes, lanie940
    Hoping your surgery goes very well today.
  • mimivac
    mimivac Member Posts: 2,143
    Shadow
    Your diagnosis is extremely common and normal. This is GOOD. They know what you have and how to treat you. Don’t worry about chemo just yet. If you need it, you’ll get through it, trust me. But from what you describe, you’re going to be just fine.

    Mimi
  • rjjj
    rjjj Member Posts: 1,822 Member
    mimivac said:

    Shadow
    Your diagnosis is extremely common and normal. This is GOOD. They know what you have and how to treat you. Don’t worry about chemo just yet. If you need it, you’ll get through it, trust me. But from what you describe, you’re going to be just fine.

    Mimi

    Shadow
    I agree with Mimi, you will be fine. I will be praying for all best results.
    hugs, jackie