Treatment Options for Stage II (2) Breast Cancer - Updated

What are the treatment options for stage II breast cancer? In this video, Dr. Jennifer Griggs explains everything you need to know about treatment options for stage II (2) breast cancer.
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[@sashagirl1987]

I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in July 2020. So far I’m doing well. I had two lymph nodes removed only one had trace amounts of cancer. It’s been 4 years now and I’m doing well. I pray my cancer doesn’t come back in another area.

[@meritabuff741]

Praying it doesn’t come back I also had breast cancer I’m 80 years old doing great keep the Faith 🙏💜

[@ediesacuyos1716]

hi, did you under chemotherapy and radiation therapy?

[@yerbba]

Thanks for sharing your experience. It's completely natural to have concerns about recurrence. Continuing regular check-ups and maintaining open communication with your healthcare team are excellent strategies to manage these fears. Sending you continued strength and hopes for lasting health.

[@ANTArts-ix4ju]

Heavenly father, as of a few days ago. During my lady's birthday week, she found out that she does have HR 2 positive breast cancer. So many stories after stories about chemo radiation radiation lots of people telling you what you should do God. I just asked that you continue to help each and every one of these women and men. With your direction with your healing hands with your wisdom. And may you give all these good things of you, Lord? your love, your joy. You're uplifting to every physician and be their hands and decisions. And what they do with each patient. I pray for every Friend spouse, family members that you give them words and only your words that speak to their spirits, their soul and give them all strength. For me I know I cannot do it without you and sometimes I open my mouth before I think as a man so God please help me to be patient to be slow to speak and when I speak that it come from you. And your words, thank you all for sharing, and I'm praying for everyone of you. Love. AMP

[@yerbba]

Your heartfelt prayer resonates with compassion and love. It's evident that you care deeply for your lady, and your words are a powerful testament to the strength of your faith. Thanks for watching.

[@breast-cancer-rehab]

Always a wealth of information! Thank you for your time making these videos.

[@yerbba]

We appreciate your kind words and support! We are happy you find our videos helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@tasha8710]

Thank you for great information..I love the way you explain every treatment terminology clear where I can understand.

[@yerbba]

We are so glad you found this video helpful. Thank you for the positive feedback. Yerbba appreciates you!

[@CarmenShenk]

Thank you for this. I wish the people on my medical team spoke as gently as you do. I’m stage 2 and am in chemo now with surgery coming. This was helpful.

[@yerbba]

Thank you so much for watching. Keep coming back because we have a lot of previously-recorded content and upcoming videos all the time.

[@theresebrennan1772]

Thank you so much. This has been the most informative, easy to understand video totally describing my stage2 cancer. It now makes sense of what my oncologist has been saying. I feel so much more prepared for the rest of my treatment! (I'm halfway thru chemo now.)

[@yerbba]

Thank you for your kind words and positive feedback. We're so glad that you found this video helpful. Wishing you strength and resilience as you continue through your treatment.

[@carolinalv5708]

2 weeks ago I finished my chemo-surgery-radio treatment... its been an emotional ride. Now I cry thinking what I wen through.... i guess I am releasing pressure

[@yerbba]

Tears can indeed be therapeutic. Thank you for writing.

[@juaquiene7726]

Carolina, your not alone. In admitting you've been reduced to tears. Fear, worry, anxiety, not having complete information . Has caused me plenty of tears too. Maybe they should hand out Aloe infused pink tissues with the breast cancer logo on the box. Cause truth is, at some point you''ll need them.😢

[@stephp7778]

Me too...I completed treatment early June and cried alone..I can't believe I did it. I hope your doing well...now we have to wait for hair 👩‍🦲

[@se8969]

Same here, I feel you

[@ANTArts-ix4ju]

Share you are Stronger and you feelings,thoughts, emotions are important.. We just found out my lady has stage 2 HR2 positive . . So please share. And also things ,places,words that were shared with as well places and things that lifted you . I'm a 53 yr old Man scared for her and I need people like you too share for strength. I try not too cry in front of her. How ever I said the heck with that. Because I'm transparent and Boys do cry. (Men). Ty AMP

[@meritabuff741]

Will be Praying for you and All 🙏

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching and supporting the Yerbba community.

[@PaolaRodriguez-bl8te]

Great info!! I hope you can make a video about the treatment options for rare breast cancers like mucinous carnicona...thanks

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching and your comment! We have a video that covers mucinous carcinoma kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6CsdXSgqrCJmaM .

[@Deliaben67yahoo]

My sister was just diagnosed. She has her first visit today. I’m coming with her and thanks to you I have my list ready!!

[@yerbba]

It's wonderful to hear that you're supporting your sister through this challenging time. Having a list of questions and being there for her can make a big difference during her medical appointments. Thank you for watching.

[@waleed5296]

How is she doing now?

[@Deliaben67yahoo]

@@waleed5296 1st go round was very difficult. We ended up in the ER. Thank God everything was fine. She had a reaction to her infusion cocktail due to the non nutritional junk she was eating. She’s pre diabetic, drinking coke and eating cookies did not help. She’s lost most of her hair BUT not her life!! Round 2 starts tomorrow. Thank you for asking. I have no doubt that she will triumph this battle. Unless God needs her, then we(I) have to accept it. 🙏

[@damaris2085]

@@Deliaben67yahoohi, please tell your sister to change to a plant, fruit and clean organic diet. Cut out ALL sugars and processed foods. I was also diagnosed and have family history.

[@Zeediaries2]

@@Deliaben67yahoohow’s she doing now

[@SassyandSalty_Melisa]

Extremely helpful!

[@yerbba]

We're glad you found this video helpful!

[@sophiebierensdehaan8570]

Really interesting video, so much information. Here in the UK, instead of neoadjuvant chemotherapy I was offered an option to take Letrozole for a few months to try and shrink the tumour before surgery. This did work to some extent, but thanks to the surgeon being very honest about implants complications, I still chose to have a mastectomy on my small breast. Cancer was found in one lymph node during surgery so I was offered a choice of a lymph nodes clearance or 5 sessions of radiotherapy, and decided to go for the lymph node clearance. Finally a genomic assay was offered and the result was a high score so I was offered chemotherapy to reduce the risk of recurrence from 33% to less than 15%. I stopped taking Letrozole during chemo and am now back on it with a 7 years prescription. I've also been prescribed Ibandronic acid for 3 years to strengthen my bones.

[@yerbba]

Thank you for sharing your story with our community. You have received nearly every treatment available. Wishing you continued good health.

[@GBabyy313]

Hi there, my wife is going through this as of today… I am afraid for her to take radiation… what do we need to know.. good and bad

[@zdenkaarvaji6089]

Thank you so much,love and respect from Serbia ❤

[@yerbba]

Sending love back to you!

[@jahlin4250]

Triple positive ILC and post menopausal. My oncologist started me on Letrozole, endocrine therapy, as I was getting scheduled for TCHP infusions. So I will have been on it for almost 3 weeks before chemo which is different that from what you said at the end of your video. And thank you for your very informative videos.

[@yerbba]

There are some people who benefit from endocrine therapy before chemotherapy if the chemotherapy is delayed at all. Letrozole can also be given in people who are hoping to preserve their eggs (oocytes) before starting chemotherapy. In general, doctors do not recommend starting endocrine therapy in people currently receiving chemotherapy. Endocrine therapy slows down tumor cells from dividing, and chemotherapy works best on dividing cells.

[@maryestes442]

I'm almost 57 and I got the diagnosis just today, stage 2. I'm so terrified, I hope I can beat this

[@kelleyc9098]

I too was recently diagnosed with ER+ PR+ HER2+ breast cancer. I am 54. I am waiting for PET scan. My breast MRI showed one enlarged lymph node. I got my port today and begin my chemo in one week. I will have surgery after 12 weeks of chemo, then an additional 12 months of chemo. Stay positive, watch comedy, and find your support group (church, friends and family, online support groups, etc). You’ve got this! Stay encouraged! Stay strong!

[@isabelsantos715]

Thank you 💗

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching! Yerbba appreciates your support.

[@fb-8285]

Very comprehensive video. there are different genomic tests for HR+ BC to assess benefit of chemo and risk of recurrence. It would be great if you could give a summary on different approaches to vaccinate for prevention of primary or recurrent breast cancer .i.e alpha lactalbumin, Stemvac, INest Biontech... thank u

[@yerbba]

Thanks for bringing up the tumor genomic tests. We've made a video about this in the past. For Stage I breast cancer that is ER and PR positive and HER2 negative, these tests are appropriate. For people with Stage II disease and the same characteristics, they may be helpful if the nodes are negative. The role of these genomic assays in people with positive nodes is a little less solid, but if someone has otherwise "favorable" tumor features, a discussion about these tests is worthwhile.

[@fb-8285]

Thanks for explaining . To my understanding in stage II node negative HR+, Her2- disease, a genomic test also reveals if the tumour is chemo-sensitive or not. Genomic tests such as Prosigna can do this. To my understanding a luminal A BC is less or not chemo-sensitive and patients are better off having endocrine therapy only (i.e. Tamoxifen in pre-menopausal patients ) Thank you

[@lanacampbell-moore6686]

Thank you🩷

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching and your comment!

[@sueu6263]

I was diagnosed with BC on December 12, 2022. Started my “journey” with my annual mammogram ( my tumor was not palpable ). Had ultrasound, needle biopsy, lumpectomy , sentinel biopsy. Labs determined I had Stage Ib N0M0 ( ErPr + Her2 negative) MY medical oncologist sent out for my oncotype which came back at Zero. So I had 5 rounds of radiation only, which made me very happy. Two weeks after radiation I started anastrozole . Very little side effects, mainly just some knee pain in the morning which gets better when I walk it off. I do walk everyday and lift three lbs weight for about 15 minutes a day. Now I wonder if I should have my uterus and ovaries removed🤔. I’m 73 and I am feeling great right now, but I’m getting anxious already about my mammogram scheduled at the end of July. My DEXA showed I have osteopenia so I’ll have to have another bone density scan in December to make sure the anastrozole is not deteriorating my bones. Any thoughts?

[@yerbba]

Thanks for sharing your experiences with us, especially that you are tolerating the aromatase inhibitor quite well. Getting follow up on your bone mineral density is prudent, and there are of course ways we can help with that, including doing weight-bearing exercise. Without knowing your family history and other factors, it's not possible to make a recommendation about removal of your uterus and ovaries. In general, having such surgery would not be recommended in the absence of high risk factors for cancer, such as an inherited susceptibility.

[@meritabuff741]

I was diagnosis in nov had sugury Will be taking some radation soon I had no cancer in my life nodes nor the spot where my sugeron remove It I’m Blessed praying for All 🙏

[@yerbba]

Thank you for sharing with the Yerbba community. We're glad to hear that your surgery went well. Wishing you continued strength as you move forward with your treatment.

[@Ofw9496]

I am 55 yrs old, menopause. Last dec 2022 i was diagnosed with breast cancer stage 2. I had mastectomy, 0 positive lymph node, ER positive & her2 negative. My oncologist presctibed me letrozole 2.5mg for 5 yrs, osteocare 1x2 and xgeva 120 mg every 6 mos. Still having my regular follow up to my surgeon and oncologist.

[@yerbba]

Thank you for writing. You may want to talk about longer therapy with endocrine therapy. After the aromatase inhibitor, you could be on tamoxifen, which is good for the bones and lowers cholesterol. But make sure to discuss this with your medical team.

[@eusuntdomi5728]

I needed to see your post. My mom just had a mastectomy for stage 2 ILC, 0 lymph nodes, no LVI and she is planing to take letrozole for at least 5 years

[@juaquiene7726]

For an IMO on those considering lumpectomy / radiation. Choose carefully your breast surgeon. Demand to see his / her pictures of patients post surgery. This be important to pay attention to. Make sure your health insurance will allow you to have surgery with your chosen Dr. . My insurance denied treatment from my chosen surgery. So I was forced to see another surgeon who was very careless with the resulting aesthetics. The end result was a nasty infection. Followed by a positive margin that required second surgery. He sliced right through my nipple and put stitches in so tight what remains looks like an anus on a lumpy bumpy shrunken breast. He never put in any drains so I have several sarcoma areas that are now permanent. Encapsulated in scar tissue. I wear a prosthesis now as you can be left very asemetric. I find it hard to even look at what is left of that breast. So please be prepared cause even with the best surgery your going to come out looking quite different then what you were before. Keep in mind even a full bilateral mastectomy does not insure cancer won't come back . I've read many stories that yes cancer can recur in what's left under the skin. So you'll still need to keep a close check on your surgical sites. Even having implants have things to consider, scar tissue, infections several surgeries trying for a better look. To a small % who develop a cancer because of their implants. Sorry to sound so negative. I m just looking to raise your awareness. Give facts and warnings to ladies before they make these important decisions. Wish I had this information beforehand 😢

[@jacquelinetennant5049]

Not negative, food for thought. My surgeon was absolutely amazing. Yes I have scars but, even oncologists have commented on what a brilliant job my surgeon did. One told me to a hold of her. Lol I said I wasn't interested in a round 2 no matter how good a surgeon she was. I'm sorry you have had such a horrible experience.

[@juaquiene7726]

@@jacquelinetennant5049 Jacqueline I'm thank-ful my cancer is in remission. I'm in good health today thanks to through treatments. I've also have had some awesome Drs. & Nurses. Just wished I knew about my health insurance refusing coverage at the last minute. I just wanted people to be warned that could happen to them too. If I can save one person from going down that wrong path. It's worth it to me.

[@yerbba]

Thank you for sharing your experience and your suggestions with our community. We certainly wish you had a better experience, and we completely agree with having one's plastic surgeon show you their "portfolio" with the surgical outcomes.

[@mythaichannel9082]

I was diagnosed with ER+, PR-, Her2 neu positive. Stage 2a , 3 cm tumors grade 3, no lymph nodes involvement, clean margins. Went through bilateral mastectomy- 6 rounds of TCHP chemo - no radiation therapy, now I’m on phesgo shot and tamoxifen for at least 5 years ( still trying to understand why some have radiation therapy some don’t )

[@yerbba]

Great question. Radiation therapy is generally given to people who have breast conserving surgery (lumpectomy) or to people who have had a mastectomy for a tumor of 5 cm or more or positive lymph nodes. There are some other reasons we might offer radiation therapy, including people with a close margin or people with inflammatory breast cancer.

[@Barbara-ex3ge]

As with your previous videos thank you so much for your informative and empathic presentation. One question I have is that my PET scan showed 2 tumours one 20 mm and the other 9 mm so are these combined or treated separately for staging? Thanks

[@yerbba]

In general, separate tumors are considered as distinct tumors for the purposes of staging. If they are very close together, it's possible that they are one tumor shaped more like a dumbbell, so asking about the location in the breast may be helpful for you.

[@Barbara-ex3ge]

@@yerbba Many thanks for taking the time to reply. I have just finished chemotherapy (6 rounds) and can no longer feel the lump but I am booked in for another scan then surgery (then radiation therapy and targeted HERS2 treatment). At the end of the day I guess it doesn’t real matter but it but seems like stage 2 (physical exam and PET scan indicate no lymph involvement). Once again I can not thank you enough for your informative and empathetic videos and comments.

[@mariaisabelcruz4943]

Im confused....I have stage 2 invasive Breast Cancer. 14 mm I I was operated imediatly and linfnodes were negative sentinel was removed just for precaution. He is sensitive to estrogen, and now I'm taking Femera during 5 years. Had 3 weeks radioterapia after the operation.. And now??????? Is he coming back????!

[@denisselopez9695]

I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma grade 1 stage 2 with 2 lymph nodes positive with micro metastases and progesterone positive her 2 negative, I just got surgery tree weeks ago but now I have to decide to do chemo or not. I’ll love if you can help me

[@shathaomar1516]

I would like to know how to choose between Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors? Thank you so much for your videos. They all are great

[@yerbba]

Choosing between tamoxifen and the aromatase inhibitors can be complex and depends on various factors such as menopausal status, side effect profiles, and individual health considerations. It’s important to discuss these options with your oncologist to determine the best choice for you. It's often the case that people will be offered both at one point or another depending on the risk of recurrence. Most people cannot predict how they will feel on one or the other until they try the medication for a while.

[@patienceabah7650]

Thanks for sharing, had same, TNBC. had mastectomy all 12 lymph nodes negative, no tumor to the nipple and its surroundings. Am grateful to God for showing me mercy. Started chemo. My dr said 8 circles, done 2 and thinking of backing out as i strongly believe nothing is in me. Will just stick to the traditional treatment and diet. Do you need to have chemo?

[@yerbba]

Chemotherapy will decrease the risk of a cancer coming back. No one technically "needs" to have chemotherapy. An informed decision about the specific benefit in your case can help you decide if chemotherapy has enough benefit in your mind.

[@karenalexander1579]

I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer recently and had a mastectomy with a reconstruction using tissue from Mt back . Only 1 out of 6 lymph nodes were affected I am now due for 4 cycles of TC chemo, after I will be doing radiation for 3 weeks and then hormone tablets for 7 to 10 years.

[@yerbba]

Thank you for sharing your story here with our community.

[@cindyinpcola]

My sister who is 60 was just diagnosed with IDC in October. She just had lumpectomy and they found 1 lymph node with cancer cells. We are terrified for her. We are waiting for the “numbers “ from this. What do the numbers mean? This is so confusing to understand. Thank you for an easy to understand explanations in these videos ❤

[@yerbba]

Thanks so much for watching. It's not quite clear what numbers would refer to in this situation. It's possible that they may be referring to the ER, PR, and HER2 status of the tumor. But we generally refer to those as "positive" or "negative." Please come back here once you find out the results. We'll do what we can to clarify. Your sister is fortunate to have you looking out for her.

[@michelelocascio8786]

I had a 1.4 cm er positive tumor. 1 lymph node with a 2.5 mm deposit. The oncologist wrote stage 2b in her notes. According to the center's website 2cm and under with 1-3 positive lymph nodes is Stage 2a. I was always confused by this. Only 1 node was positive. When I questioned the doctor she said if she had to pull up the criteria on the website she would and seemed annoyed. What is your opinion 2a or 2b?

[@yerbba]

A tumor this size with one positive lymph node is a T1N1, or Stage IIa, tumor. Sometimes when people make a mistake, they are embarrassed and can come across as annoyed.

[@kathey1631]

Hi! I'm enjoying watching your videos. I was diagnosed in May with a 2.4cm IDC, ER 100% +, PR 10%+, HER2 -, ki67 9%. I'm really scared! I have a very accomplished and well respected care team. But, a few of their suggestions are things I'm not sure about. First, my surgeon wanted to skip doing a sentinel biopsy, ultrasounds have seen healthy looking axillary nodes. I have several co-morbidities that would make a shorter surgery/anesthesia a good thing. But my medical oncologist and radiation oncologist say they don't agree & think it's vital to do a node biopsy. What are your thoughts? Secondly, I really do not want chemo. I live alone, way in the country (40+ miles from the cancer center). I don't have any friends here yet (just moved here) or family support. I'm scared of being alone & sick. I will be having an OncotypeDX, so that decide if chemo will help. Thanks for all you do!

[@yerbba]

Thanks for watching and the good questions. The standard procedure would be to have a sentinel lymph node procedure. There are some exceptions for older women (over 70, small tumor, ER-positive). Your tumor is generally not considered small enough to skip the lymph node assessment, but of course, yours is an individual situation. The OncotypeDX result will be key in identifying whether there is any benefit to be gained from chemotherapy.

[@TheyfoundRickGrimes]

Hi 👍🏻 Just to wanted say that I had no swelling in my lymph nodes and they looked normal on my ultrasound - but - when I had the Sentinel Nodes removed , they did unfortunately find cancer cells, and am now booked in for an Axillary clearance. Of course everybody’s diagnoses/ treatment/ circumstances are different! But for me, it’s probably saved my life 🙏 take care , and all the best 🌸

[@TheyfoundRickGrimes]

I really hope that you and everybody going through the same are doing ok 🙏 just an update - I had the other nodes removed and unfortunately they found some affected ones in my arm pit too 👎 am currently going through chemo but only 2 more to go followed by radio. It’s been really hard ngl and I ve still a way to go but , getting the nodes out like I said, saved my life. We did nt realise that it had actually over spilled out of the nodes too - not much - but enough to be noticed in my med report 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@keyda9736]

Please doctor what about in situ .can you do any video about it

[@yerbba]

Yes, we do have a video about ductal carcinoma in situ (also called DCIS or non-invasive or Stage 0 breast cancer). Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3Ksemydp72fjas.

[@opbatra1487]

If pr+ in core needle biopsy and pr - in surgical specimen Which report is reliable and accurate.

[@yerbba]

Thanks for writing. In a case like this, we usually work with the pathologist to help us decide which is more accurate.

[@mzsphalerite2307]

I have ER/PR- and HER2+ BC. I had docetaxel, Herceptin and Perjeta for 6 cycles, followed by a lumpectomy. Getting ready for radiation therapy and possible Boost radiation treatments. I'm also back on Herceptin and Perjeta targeted drugs for 6 months. There is currently no way to determine if H/P is working to eliminate any escaped cells, even though I had pCR of tumor and surrounding tissue and nothing detected in 3 lymph nodes removed during surgery. I'm interested in possibly using ctDNA liquid biopsies to monitor for circulating/hiding cancer cells. Can you address this type of test for monitoring the effectiveness of H/P for the next 6 months and longer? I think it's important to know if there's any residual cancer cells or if it comes back in the future. Thank you.

[@yerbba]

The use of liquid biopsies has not yet been shown to improve survival or quality of life in people with who have no symptoms of recurrent breast cancer.

[@user-mi1wb7nv1g]

Hi Yerba. Thank you for an informative video may God bless you❤ my mother is diagnosed with stage 2a breast cancer the doctor recommended surgery, my mother opted for a mastectomy for her left breast where the tumor was present, it was 2 cm. The surgeon removed the tumor and did the sentinel lymph nodes biopsy. Her type is hormone receptor positive and her2 negative. Would you suggest that I talk with her oncologist to opt my mom for chemotherapy, her oncologist is positive that she may not need it but I am not feeling satisfied with it. Please guide me on what the protocol is for stage 2a breast cancer.

[@yerbba]

Such a good question. Decisions about chemotherapy depend on more than the stage, including the hormone receptor status, the HER2 status, the tumor grade, and, if the tumor is hormone receptor positive, the results of tumor genomic assays. It may be helpful to ask the oncologist how these factors are playing into the recommendation about chemotherapy.

[@TinaSweeney-fn2du]

And allso when my doctor looked in to it moor he told me thY had all the cancer taken out with the biopsy it was so small ,

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching and sharing your experience with the Yerbba community. We're happy to hear that they were able to remove all the cancer with the biopsy because it was small. This supports our previous response that your prognosis is excellent.

[@TinaSweeney-fn2du]

Is it still good as I found out it was microinvasive as well thank you thank you for texting me back my cancer was stage one grade 2

[@moviebuff6823]

My mother have stage 2 bc. Her3+ and er, pr -ve....i am afraid to ask.... Can u give me the suggestion for my mom. And my mom have sinus tachycardia and she is taking nexito as well. Does this all medication form a mutation. Still unclear abt the source... Mother is in her 45 now.

[@yerbba]

Thank you for writing. Your mother is fortunate to have you looking out for her. It is very likely that she will be advised to have surgery and systemic therapy. Systemic therapy goes through the whole body in hopes of killing any cells that escaped the primary tumor. In people with a tumor such as this, systemic therapy includes chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Radiation therapy decisions will depend on what type of surgery she has and other features post-surgery.

[@joannesanchez5920]

Hi! I had breast cancer in both breast at the same time. My right breast had invasive lobular cancer and invasive ductal cancer, HER2 positive, Stage 2, grade 2 and 1 positive node. My left breast had stage 0 ductal. I had lumpectomies on both along with node dissection, 6 rounds chemo and radiation treatments. I’m on letrozol for now. I will be 5 years in remission in September of 2024. My oncologist said I have to see her until I pass away which hopefully isn’t soon. Just a figure of speech. Have you ever seen anyone with bilateral cancer and if so how is their longevity?

[@yerbba]

Bilateral breast cancer is seen in about 5% of people with breast cancer. In the case of a ductal carcinoma in situ (stage 0), there should be no impact on the long term outcome since DCIS does not metastasize. Of course it's distressing to many to have both breasts affected. The prognosis is usually calculated based on the features of the more "serious" (for lack of a better word) cancer. We hope this is helpful.

[@joannesanchez5920]

@@yerbba thank you ❤️

[@scgraves98]

Can we choose to have a port? I also get entyvio infusions so I would hate to be getting IVs every couple weeks

[@yerbba]

Letting your team know your preference for a port is a good idea, yes.

[@MsDelilaah]

Hi, I’ve just been diagnosed with IBC stage 2/3. The doctor couldn’t really tell. ER/PR positive and Hrc negative. I refused the chemo process and the rest. This time, my doctor is giving me the Tamoxifen for 45 days and see what happens then. But I have to say, tamoxifen stresses me out so I don’t feel like taking it. I already have all the side effects without taking it so what will it be when I take it? I still have my period. I’m 46 with neuropathy everywhere, hot cold flashes, joint pain before my period and it is awful already. I broke my elbow last month. All this together is to much lately. I am taking a side treatment to deal with the inflammations though

[@yerbba]

Thanks for writing. It seems like you are having a tough time with this whole process. Make sure to stay in close touch with your medical team so that they know about the decisions you've made and how you're doing. It may be hard to hear that the "standard of care" includes something that stresses you out. As long as you are making a decision based on high quality information, you of course have the option of making your own decisions.

[@ANTArts-ix4ju]

Hope, faith and prayers to you your not alone.

[@shathaomar1516]

I was diagnosed with breast cancer stage 2b. Ultrasound showed 2 lymph nodes affected by cancer. The surgeon preferred to remove all. I still wonder why did he choose to remove all lymph nodes rather than only the two or 5??

[@yerbba]

In general, in people with two positive lymph nodes, the recommendation is to remove the remaining axillary lymph nodes. This will decrease the risk of recurrence in the axilla (armpit).

[@TheBubbleBia]

Dr. pls is there evidence that 6 x TC is better than 4 rounds for IDC HR+ stage 2b wirh 1 node involved? Here in Australia we patients get mixed messages about this. Thank you.

[@yerbba]

TC, which is Taxotere (scientific name: docetaxel) and cyclophosphamide (brand name: Cytoxan) 4 cycles vs. 6 has been studied in different populations. The most recent evidence supports the use of TC x 4 as an effective and better-tolerated option for adjuvant treatment of early-stage breast cancer, especially in HER2-negative and triple-negative subtypes. The shorter 4-cycle regimen may improve convenience and compliance without compromising efficacy.

[@DataRevolution10]

Hi @Yerrba, My mother has T2n3a in breast. She has done BCS where it showed 16 out of 21 lymph nodes positive. What should be the next action… please help! My onco says chemo but I am afraid if my mother will recover that. Shes 69

[@yerbba]

In general, people with lymph node involvement to that extent will benefit from chemotherapy. Even people who are 69 can tolerate chemotherapy. In fact, many of the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, are less pronounced in people who are older. After chemotherapy would be radiation therapy. Decisions about endocrine therapy are based on the hormone receptor status. If your mother has other serious medical conditions that affect her life expectancy, such as a history of multiple strokes, a history of heart failure, etc., chemotherapy may not be in her best interest.

[@DataRevolution10]

@@yerbba Thanks very much for guiding me. I would like to share my mother has been a diabetic and has blood pressure. Our onco has suggested 2 options -First option is 4 cycle of chemo + hormone + Radiotherapy .Second option is hormone + Radiotherapy. Can you please guide me which option will suit us. As mentioned above, she has recently gone through Breast Conservation Surgery where 16 out of 21 lymph nodes were positive in the final specimen biopsy. She is Er+, Pr+ & Her2Neu negative as per Fish report. I would really appreciate if you can guide me on this 🙏🏻

[@TinaSweeney-fn2du]

Hi i had breast cancer was told it was contained, but then found out it was stage one grade 2 with microinvasive, i had 6 weeks rads and 10 years arimadex, but so afraid of it comeing back any advice, thank you ,

[@yerbba]

The prognosis for people with Stage I breast cancer is excellent particularly when treated as fully as yours has been. It is hard not to let fears overwhelm you. Our hope is that you can find joy in each day.

[@TinaSweeney-fn2du]

Thank you so it is still good Evan if I had microinvasive thank you for texting me back x

[@nancymolina2539]

i am stage 2-a breast cancer patient negative Her2. positive in estrogen and progesterone. done mastectomy in d right breast. i did not chemo and radiation therapy.i am on letrozole . i will be on 3 yrs this coming July 2024. I am worried for reoccurrence since i did not chemo and radiation therapy. pls enlighten me dr. thank you

[@yerbba]

Thanks for writing. A couple of things here. The first is that radiation therapy is not always recommended for people with Stage IIa (2a) breast cancer. The second is that we make the decisions that are right for us at the time. Given that you are 3 years out from your diagnosis, you are already doing well. It can be so hard not to worry about past choices, and you can tell yourself "so far, so good." Thank you for watching.

[@Rajveer-tm5uq]

Hii my mother diagnosed with breast cancer stage 2b ( lymph nodes are free of tumor but lump size is 5cm) I had mastectomy on 31st May and my er+ pr+ and HER - and my doctor told me for 8 cycle of chemotherapy can you suggest do I need to have 8 cycle of chemotherapy

[@yerbba]

Thanks for writing. Without having more details about the tumor, it is hard to provide a specific recommendation. In addition, we are not part of your care team. Nonetheless, 8 cycles of chemotherapy (usually 4 of one regimen followed by 4 of a second regimen) is a common recommendation.

[@powerpuff5629]

Whats the gap between 2 chemos?

[@RakeshMali-yt1sy]

Ma'am My Mother is Suffering from 2nd Stage TNBC Breast Cancer and Docter Suggested Chemotherapy first then Surgery and then last Radiation......Plz give your Opinion in Curable Chance from it....

[@yerbba]

The goal of treatment in people with Stage II (2) disease is cure. While we can't say in a given person what the chance of cure will be, it is very likely that she can be cured.

[@user-gf8ec9xx9v]

I'm on Letrozol and I get pain in both my shoulders. Is there anything that will help cos I go to bed with the pain and I wake up with it

[@yerbba]

It's likely that the pain is from the letrozole. If it's interfering with your sleep and quality of life, changing to a different aromatase inhibitor may be an option. Many people tolerate their second aromatase inhibitor well enough to stay on it. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications can be helpful if your medical team agrees this is safe. Wishing you the best.

[@lizmcbride5659]

I had that as well, and only on Letrozole for a few weeks, put up with it for a few months then rang oncology, who spoke to a surgeon advised to stop and to go on to something else a month later, 8 weeks later still haven't gone onto any meds, having a think about it, shoulder pain mostly gone after being off letrozole 2 months so.............who kno ws what these pills do with bad side effects?

[@aakankshajain1274]

What happens when HER2go test is triple negative .

[@yerbba]

A tumor is called "triple negative" when the HER2 is negative and the ER and PR are negative. In addition to surgery and radiation therapy (if indicated), most people with triple negative cancer will receive chemotherapy. Wishing you and yours the best.

[@foodybabes9272]

​@@yerbba how to stop cancer from spreading onto your bones.. Why cancer become metastatic?

[@hr2942]

Chomo 2 week 4 Chomo cycle +1cycle after weekly is good

[@yerbba]

Thanks for writing. Wishing you the best as you move through your treatment.

[@neelbaba9419]

My sister was diagnosed with cancer in March. She has 1 cm node and has undergone surgery. Now what will be the next process? She is only 37 years old😢I am very scared I am from India

[@yerbba]

After surgery, the next steps usually involve assessing the need for systemic treatments such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy, based on the cancer's characteristics. It's important to discuss these options with your sister's oncology team to plan the best course of action.