Just had bilateral mastectomy w/reconstruction last week. Pathology report says T1b, N 0 (i-)...what does that "i-" mean? The report for ER/PR and HER2 have not yet returned. Prior to surgery, my oncologist did'n't think I would need chemo or radiation. I chose the radical route because I had some old implants in front of the muscle and didn't want to worry about cancer coming back later. My SBR score is 9/9. I understand what this means, I think, that the cancer was of an aggressive type. So, does that mean I will still have a possibility of chemo treatments or does that score not matter much since I had a bilateral, stage 1 no node involvement? My Plas Surg said that the saline implants I had in front of the muscle were actually a blessing because they kept the cancer from traveling in the direction of the muscle wall...go figure. Anyway, don't know what the SBR score actually means to my situation. Comments?
- Resources
Q: HOW DOES SBR SCORE FIGURE INTO TYPE OF POST MASTECTOMY TREATMENT?
Hi - Yes, your SBR is quite high - but your other results are great (small tumor, no spread to nodes). I'd say there are two ways you might consider chemo:
1) If you're HER2 negative and ER/PR-negative. That would mean triple negative, and they like to throw chemo at triple negative since it's the only weapon they have, hormone therapy being ineffective.
2) Your oncologist may say, "Well, even though it apparently hasn't spread, there may be that one errant cell... So you can choose to have chemo if you want." In that case, if possible, I'd recommend the Oncotype-DX test, which predicts how effective chemo would be for you, should you choose to have it.
Hope things go well for you. Good luck, and come back anytime - we're here for you. - PJH
Oh, aren't you nice... Thanks so much. I really appreciate you taking the time to write back, when you're in the midst of such a tough place in your life. I wish you all the best. PJH
Hello to both of you! I have just been diagnosed with breast cancer and waiting for the biopsy results. Of course, I have been reading to educate myself and am overwhelmed. Reading the comments made by you two is helping me cope. Knowing that I am not alone is so helpful. Thank you.
Isabella, welcome to the club no one wants to join! I'm so glad you found this community. Please read our First 48 Hours post for lots of helpful, timely information.
Being told you have cancer is a definite kick in the gut. But trust me; gradually you'll internalize this, and as your treatment plan becomes clear, you'll simply pick up your feet and get moving. Cancer is a rock in the path. Step over it; the path will still be there. And you'll find SO many hands reaching out to you, to help you over the rocks... Please stay in touch, OK? We're here for you. PJH
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Thank you so much for your answer and insight. You have been kind enough previously to answer a question I had. You are incredibly knowledgeable and, very obviously, a very caring person. The information you have so freely given to other women is nothing less than angelic. Thank you for being here.