Second Anniversary NED, with no chemo and no radiation

[mcgle]

Ann

May I ask a question?

Why did you have a mastectomy if the tumour was only 1 cm? Was there associated DCIS which warranted this?

Mcgle (UK)

[CLTann]

That is an excellent question, on why I opted for mastectomy since the lesion is only 1 cm. My view was that there are millions cancer cells in the area, trying their best to grow. By cutting out a main target area, there got to be stray cells left. In 12 to 18 months, one stray cell can geometrically multiplied into another palpable or detectable cancer tumor. Of course, radiation would have to be added after lumpectomy for preventing the above from occurring. Since I am so much exposed to the medical environment, I try my best to avoid chemo and radiation, the latter is a cumulative dose restrictive, cancer causing tool in itself. All, including my gut feeling and personal preference, led me to my educated conclusion. I must also add that at the time of my decision making, my good friend, a wife of a medical doctor, both are certainly very knowledgeable in oncology, chose the mastectomy without chemo and without radiation also with her diagosis almost identical to mine. Furthermore, in my trained routine at hospital, we are so cautious in handling chemo agents as well as to guard against accidental exposure to radiation that could have swayed my conclusion.

[mcgle]

Fair enough. Going with your gut (working in such an environment) makes sense.

I desperately didn't want a mastectomy, and was fortunate in having such great surgeons who were able to reconstruct both sides in the same op.

At the end of the day, we do what we feel is right.

Mcgle (UK)

[nancy dip]

Hi Ann,
thanks for replying to my questions on supplements.

Can I ask why entering your "third year " is a significant marker and can you tell me of any other "milestones" I should be aware of? Nancy Dip

[saleboat]

Hi Ann,

It is really good to hear your news. Wishing you many more years of excellent health.

Jen

[CLTann]

The 24 month is significant because for all bc patients, the peak rate of recurrence maximizes around 18 to 24 months after first diagnosis. This has a theoretical basis from the cell division rate from a few cells to a palpable mass. The time coincides with the observed peak of 18 to 24 months. Now for HER2 patients, the peak probably is shorter. My guess is around 12 to 18 months. Regardless, after 24 months, the probability of recurrence goes down for all bc patients. That is the reason for my notation of significance.

[nancy dip]

Hi Ann
thanks for the info. I was not aware that Her2 had a shorter peak of recurrence. Nancy Dip

[Jean]

Ann,
Congratulations on your 2nd yr. mile stone!
I am thrilled for you and wish you many many more.
This disease is different for each woman. Very difficult decsions have to
be made and then we have to live in peace with those choices.

Kind Regards,
jean

[BEA]

Congratulations Ann on your choices. I too just received a good 6 month report. I know I am far from the major milestones but I too had this gut feeling for no chemo. I could not believe the pressure that was placed on me by the oncologist to take the chemo. The doctor even called me at home to make sure I understood correctly the impact of the decisions I was making. Again, just a strong gut feeling. Once again congratulations on reaching this major milestone in your journey.

BEA

[emily]

Hi Ann,

My story is similar to yours although I have just passed my 3yr NED anniversary. I was diagnosed in June 2004 and had a lumpectomy and radiation. At that stage her2 was not routinely checked in Australia. My tumour was small 0.8cm, Grade 2 ,pr + (10%) er -, clear margins & no lymph node involvement. When I went to a new oncologist last year on the recommendation of a friend who had Stage IV breast cancer my original tumour was tested for her 2 and found to be positive on IHC & Cish (which is a similar test to the Fish test but seems to be used in Australia more than in the US). The oncologist said she would have recommended chemo due to the her2+++ but in a way I am pleased that I was not faced with making that decision. it's heartening to know that there are others in the same position. May we all remain healthy!!
Kind regards,
Emily

[sassy]

Ann,

Congratulations on your milestone! Thank you for sharing your choices and experiences with us all.
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