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Jackie07 · 10-01-2008, 10:09 PM

Statistics don't mean anything if we are the ones that got recurrent cancer. Because to us, it is 100% recurrence rate.

What I remembered was a chart in a pamphlet back in 2003 when I was first diagnosed. The statistic stated (probably a number based on a 2002 or 2001 figure) that lumpectomy itself has a 50% recurrent rate. With radiation, its 5 year disease free survival rate becomes the same as mastectomy, which was around 85%. And if I have chemo, the survival rate increases to 92%.

Because of the high recurrent figure (50%), I argued with my surgeon and wanted to have bilateral mastectomy there and then. She reassured me that the result would be the same. She still insisted it when the recurrence was confirmed. Perhaps in the end, the time we bargained for is going to be the same.

I think the statistics was for the general breast cancer group. Because back in 2003, Her-2 positive breast cancer had much worse survival rate. Herceptin has brought up the survival rate dramatically and the statistic has changed dramatically in our favor.

10-01-2008, 10:09 PM	#18
Jackie07 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: "Love never fails." Posts: 5,809	About the statistic Statistics don't mean anything if we are the ones that got recurrent cancer. Because to us, it is 100% recurrence rate. What I remembered was a chart in a pamphlet back in 2003 when I was first diagnosed. The statistic stated (probably a number based on a 2002 or 2001 figure) that lumpectomy itself has a 50% recurrent rate. With radiation, its 5 year disease free survival rate becomes the same as mastectomy, which was around 85%. And if I have chemo, the survival rate increases to 92%. Because of the high recurrent figure (50%), I argued with my surgeon and wanted to have bilateral mastectomy there and then. She reassured me that the result would be the same. She still insisted it when the recurrence was confirmed. Perhaps in the end, the time we bargained for is going to be the same. I think the statistics was for the general breast cancer group. Because back in 2003, Her-2 positive breast cancer had much worse survival rate. Herceptin has brought up the survival rate dramatically and the statistic has changed dramatically in our favor. __________________ Jackie07 http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2011/06/doctors-letter-patient-newly-diagnosed-cancer.html http://www.asco.org/ASCOv2/MultiMedi...=114&trackID=2 NICU 4.4 LB Erythema Nodosum 85 Life-long Central Neurocytoma 4x5x6.5 cm 23 hrs 62090 semi-coma 10 d PT OT ST 30 d 3 Infertility tmts 99 > 3 u. fibroids > Pills CN 3 GKRS 52301 IDC 1.2 cm Her2 +++ ER 5% R. Lmptmy SLNB+1 71703 6 FEC 33 R Tamoxifen Recc IIB 2.5 cm Bi-L Mast 61407 2/9 nds PET 6 TCH Cellulitis - Lymphedema - compression sleeve & glove H w x 4 MUGA 51 D, J 49 M Diastasis recti Tamoxifen B. scan Irrtbl bowel 1'09 Colonoscopy 313 BRCA1 V1247I hptc hemangioma Vertigo GI - > yogurt hysterectomy/oophorectomy 011410 Exemestane 25 mg tab 102912 ~ 101016 stopped due to r. hip/l.thigh pain after long walk DEXA 1/13 1-2016 lesions in liver largest 9mm & 1.3 cm onco. says not cancer. 3-11 Appendectomy - visually O.K., a lot of puss. Final path result - not cancer. Start Vitamin D3 and Calcium supplement （600mg x2) 10-10 Stopped Exemestane due to r. hip/l.thigh pain OKed by Onco 11-08-2016 7-23-2018 9 mm groundglass nodule within the right lower lobe with indolent behavior. Due to possible adenocarcinoma, Recommend annual surveilence. 7-10-2019 CT to check lung nodule. 1-10-2020 8mm stable nodule on R Lung, two 6mm new ones on L Lung, a possible lymph node involvement in inter fissule. "I WANT TO BE AN OUTRAGEOUS OLD WOMAN WHO NEVER GETS CALLED AN OLD LADY. I WANT TO GET SHARP EDGED & EARTH COLORED, TILL I FADE AWAY FROM PURE JOY." Irene from Tampa Advocacy is a passion .. not a pastime - Joe