Final Path Report

[LeahM]

Ok, final path report came back as I expected, with a twist.

0.8cm x 0.3 cm tumor found right breast with clear margins.
2 fibrodadenomas found both breasts.
microcalcifications found left breast.
DCIS found right breast.

Twist:
contrary to preliminary report the Sentinal Lymph Node came back as having a 0.35mm micromets (pN1mi). 2 nodes that were stuck together were removed before BMX and were checked as one (instead of two) for final path. Radiation is now on the table HOWEVER my surgical onc. thinks rads isn't really needed as all my cancer is now "in the garbage can". I will consult with a rad. onc. but chances are (s)he will want "proof" of more node invlovement. And I really don't want to do that.

I am of the mind to agree with my surg. onc. that my cancer is now in the trash and that chemo alone will take care of whatever may be floating around. Where exactly would they radiate? The breast is gone.

Thoughts? I have read the threads here related to this. Anyone in a similar situation who didn't have rads and has no regrets about that decision?

On a good note...my expanders now are each full off 180ml of saline, so I look like I have boobs again.

[NEDenise]

Leah,
Congrats on your new "expanded girls"! Just read your email...and I hope your pain is getting better.

You don't have to make any decisions about radiation until all your chemo is over...no rush. You asked "what would they irradiate?" What they target is your remaining lymph nodes on the effected side, the area where your breast used to be, your chest wall, and sometimes the nodes above your collar bone. The idea is to eradicate any microscopic cells that are still hanging around after chemo...waiting to get their little HER2 receptor factories pumping again.

I couldn't even hazard a guess as to whether your radiation onc will think it's necessary or not...but if he/she does think so...I can tell you from experience that it's a walk in the park compared to chemo and surgery...so if you need it, you'll be able to handle it...no problem!

Glad to hear the smile in your post!
Keep us all posted!
Denise

[CoolBreeze]

I would be very surprised if you needed radiation. That's a pretty small tumor and you had a mastectomy and chemo. I think that is all you'll need, even with a micromet. I hope I'm not wrong. The good news is you are already doing the expanders so if they did decide you needed rads, your skin will already be stretched.

[Mandamoo]

Hi there
There was some research that said radiation on younger women with few nodes or node negative disease was worthwhile. I had a similar path report to you following my surgery and while on chemo quickly progressed to having stage 4 disease. I am an unusual case but I felt I should share as it may influence your radiation decision to know just how aggressive this can be in younger women. I
The report was at the 2011 ASCO conference so if you search you might find a link to the abstract. My Onc was going to recommend radiation for me based on it but the disease spread before we got that far.
I wish you the very best for your treatment and decision making.
Amanda xx