Sentinel node biopsy results

KirisMum · 11-08-2010, 05:55 PM

My daughter Kiri had 8 sentinel nodes taken out a week ago Friday. Her breast surgeon just called her to tell her that one contained cancer cells, and the other 7 were clear, looked "very good."

I am guessing that since her tumor is large (3cm) and HER2+, this is a good sign, a sign that we caught it early. Zero nodes would have been ideal, but I will take this! I think this puts her at Stage IIb. Her tumor grade was 3 (8 out of 9). She is very young (25), with IDC and also extensive DCIS, so I'm grateful only one node is involved.

She will start her chemo on Thursday, in a 16-week clinical trial with Taxol and either Herceptin, Lapatinib, or a combination of the two. Then surgery, more chemo, and maybe radiation, depending on what she and her docs decide.

Would love to hear responses on similar experiences. Thanks!

Laurel · 11-08-2010, 07:25 PM

Kris' Mum,

Well, I think we'll take that. Could be a tad better with no nodes, yes, but all in all pretty darn good. I think you are right in feeling grateful. I would prepare yourselves to hear, in light of the "extensive" DCIS, that the docs will recommend a mastectomy. These guys create some amazing "boob replicas" that really are quite acceptable.

On the whole, I think things are looking up!

whatz · 11-08-2010, 08:47 PM

Speaking on the part of masectomy...I had one (one side). I'm still lacking "the final decoration" for now but all-in-all, not dis-satisfied. Laurel is right, they can do quite well. Yes, I have a scarline, no...it's not perfect but mine weren't perfect before either.

Jackie07 · 11-08-2010, 10:48 PM

Many of the newly diagnosed seem to be following the same regiment - neoadjuvent chemotherapy with Herceptin, mastectomy, and then more chemo and Herceptin.

I'm glad she's participating in a clinical trial - she will get the state-of-the-art treatment, top notch care, and on her way to NED.

KirisMum · 11-09-2010, 04:15 AM

Thanks, girls. Yes, they have counseled from the beginning she will probably need a mastectomy. She is of course hoping for a lumpectomy but she's realistic. Even at first, she was willing to have a bilateral, but her onco and bs said that there is no clear advantage to taking both in terms of the cancer as her right breast looks clear on u/s, mammogram, and breast MRI. (Because she is so young and her breasts are very dense, they did all three for her diagnosis.)

I have to say I would rest easier if she had a BMX, but that's her call.

whatz · 11-09-2010, 05:10 AM

Yes, choosing the type of masectomy, unless it's clinically dictated, is a very personal choice. There are good arguments for either choice and there are at least a few threads that I remember that discussed both sides if you are interested.

tricia keegan · 11-09-2010, 05:15 PM

Hi Kris,

I had a lumpectomy with rads and followed that with a/c, taxol/herceptin and am currently taking arimdex for another year.
I found the taxol to be very tolerable compared to a/c, herceptin had few if any side effects for me and hope all will be as well for Kiri!

Ruth · 11-10-2010, 12:20 PM

Hi Kiri's Mom ~
So sorry that this is happening to your young daughter. I know that it must be scary for all of you. I wanted to offer some hope that even though her tumor was in the mid range (mine was a little smaller) I had 10 positive nodes and am still doing great. This was 7 1/2 years ago! Please tell her about me and feel free to PM anytime. I was 36 at diagnosis and this year I'll be 44 who ho!
Hugs ~ Ruth

Jean · 11-10-2010, 07:32 PM

Hi KrisMum,
Just wanted to reach out to you and your daughter to wish you well. I am very sorry that your young daugher has been dx. - but it sounds like she has a great supporter - you her Mum. Many young women on the site are thriving and doing well after their treatment.
While the road ahead seems rough, please know there are many members here who care.

Best wishes,
Jean