The size of the tumor is 4.8 cm with margins abutting to one edge and clear margins otherwise. It is topping the charts for fast growing (9/9). Because it was thought to be an infection or cyst, lymph nodes were not taken, but they show no signs of inflammation. It is hormone receptor negative and Her2/neu tests are not back yet. My oncologist is saying that no matter the status of the lymph nodes, chemotherapy is a given. I worry more about chemo than anything else because I am very sensitive to and tend to have side effects to many medications. Does this seem to make chemo necessary?
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Q: I was just diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma with some DCIS also involved. The size of the tumor is 4.8 cm
Answers (2)
1/20/12 2:13pm
[Donna, I've also posted this answer in the other thread where you asked this same question - so this is a duplicate]
Unfortunately, Donna, this does sound like a situation where chemo would be pretty much a given. It's a large, aggressive tumor; and it's hormone-negative, which means long-term hormone therapy to prevent recurrence wouldn't help. If you're also HER-2 negative, then you'd be what's called triple negative - and chemo is ALWAYS a given with that diagnosis, as it's the only line of defense beyond surgery.
Please don't stress too much about chemo at this point; take things one at a time. If you need chemo, share your concerns with your oncologist (and his/her nurses). There are all kinds of ways to help counteract side effects - not all involving additional drugs. So, one way or another, you'll get through this - millions of us have, and we're here to offer the wisdom of our experience, and a helping hand, as you travel this path. Take care - PJH
1/21/12 9:16am
Donna, I agree with your oncologist and PJ. With a large fast-growing tumor, it is important to have a systemic treatment that will treat your whole body just in case some cells have already wandered to other parts of your body. With an ER neg tumor, hormonal treatments won't help, so chemo is your best choice. Chemo is never a barrel of fun, but try to keep an open mind about how you will respond. Side effects vary widely from person to person, and you might be one of those people who escape the worst ones. However the chemo affects you, once you finish it, you will be confident that you have done everything in your power to prevent the spread of the cancer.
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By DonnaF— Last Modified: 01/21/12, First Published: 01/20/12
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Thanks.