Hi
I`m writing on behalf of my mother but who has recently had a masectomy of the left breast in the last 3 weeks. This was the report we asked for on breakdown:-
Multifocal infiltrative ductal carcinoma, Grade 2 with DCIS high grader
3 Tumours max diameter 28mm+8mm+3.5mm.
Margins clear, minimal 3mm medial and 20mm inferior
ER/PGR positive. Her-2 negative.
No vascular invasion
Auxillary nodes 0/3.
She has a complicated medical past no ops but always had quite a weak immune system and picks things up really easily. 62 years old with no history of breast cancer in family. Medical history is currently taking Simvastatin 40mg, for high cholestoral, Ventilin occasionaly, asthmatic. Had double neumonia when young in 20s. Still prone to bronchtis.So I`m very concerned about her having even a non invasive form of chemo afterwards which has been recommended. Alternatively Anastrazole/Arimidex has been suggested as an alternative to the chemo but they say could still come back within 18 months without chemo.
She is having a full body scan at the Imperial College in London shortly to check for any other cells before she makes a decision on treatment. She went there for a second opinion and was again offered chemo but a new type of treatment involving a new procedure using 3rd generation chemo that is suppose to have a 98% success rate which has been developed in the US but not yet approved for general use here in the UK. She has been given a 68% chance with no treatment at all.
Does anyone have any advice on what still be to follow up with chemo or oestrogen inhibitor even if no cells are found in the body from the scan ?
How long can you leave it if no cells beore you can have chemotherapy if you have to take it ?
Many thanks for any replies