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It could be they are both referring to the same data and they both perceive that same data differently.
Say for example, your risk of recurrence is 20%, based on HER2 status, pathology reports, and your tumor's response to drugs. The nurse, who is used to normal recurrence rates of 5 to 10% would think your risk is high. Compared to normal rates, she would be correct. The doctor looks at your recurrence rate of 20%, and even though it is higher than normal, there is still an 80% chance that there will be no recurrence.
This is one of the truly frustrating aspects of dealing with medical personal. High and slight don't have much meaning unless you know where perspective is from.
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This happened to Colleen:
Diagnosed in September 2007
ER-/PR-/HER2 Neu+++ 2.1 cm x .9 cm spicluted tumor with three fingers, Stage 2B
Sentinal node biopsy and lymph node removal with 3/18 positive in October 2007
4 TAC infusions
lumpectomy March 2008, bad margins
Re-excision on June 3rd, 2008 with clean margins
Fitted for compression sleeve July 16, 2008
Started the first of two TCH infusions August 14, 2008
Done with chemo and now a member of the blue dot club 9/17/08
Starting radiation October 1, 2008
life is still on hold
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