Stage III and no chemo????

Pastor Rich · Posted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 10:36 am Post subject: Stage III and no chemo????

Hello all (and Dr. Leo);

I'm just trying to get my ducks in a row.....

My wife is ILC, 2cm with 9/14 nodes positive, grade 2.

At the last onc. meeting, the final pathology regrading hormone status was not yet ready (the onc. was furious over this). But she did say that if my wife was post-menopausal (which she is) and the hormone status was positive, it could mean that instead of coming in for chemo, my wife would take pill medication at home and come to the hospital for monitoring.

I took that to mean the chemo was in pill form.

My wife took it to mean she did not need chemo.

I didn't know she thought this until just a day or two ago. Now she has had a CT scan regarding an enlarged kidney, the hr/pr status is positive, and we go back to see the onc. on Monday.

Is it even remotely possible that chemo will not be recommended? I have to say that I hope not!

Thanks,
Pastor Rich
_________________
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:6-7

Guest · Posted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 11:43 am Post subject: Re: Stage III and no chemo????

Hi Pastor Rich,

I would think that if she has an invasive 2 centimeter tumor that chemo would be recommended if she is in good health. Sometimes they skip the chemo if someone does not have good health or is very elderly. Talk to your doctor again.

Also, the "take the pill at home" sound like it may be hormonal therapy - Tamoxifen or Arimidex, if her hormone receptors are positive

I'm sure Dr. Leo will elaborate when he gets here.

Blessings to you and your wife.

Margie

Pastor Rich · Posted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 5:09 pm Post subject: Re: Stage III and no chemo????

Forgot to mention my wife will be 54 in December and is in good health.

Rich
_________________
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:6-7

Guest · Posted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 8:06 pm Post subject: Re: Stage III and no chemo????

Pastor Rich,

With invasive, 2 cm. and node-positive, I would think chemo is in the game plan.

Good luck,

Margie

leo · Contributor Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1575

Pastor Rich,

Thanks for posting. Current guidelines recommend chemotherapy, as she has locally advanced disease, and will also get hormonal treatment.

regards,
Leo
_________________
Leonardo F - Webmaster Cancer Forums
Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.

MuttsMom · Guest

Hi Pastor Rich,
I was dx stage III Invasive Lobular 2/14/02 at 43 years young. I had a 5.5 cm tumor with 9+/16 lymph nodes. My oncologist said that he needed to treat it aggressively. I have 6 rounds of cytoxin, epirubensin (sp) and 5FU at the same time, 3 weeks apart and then on to radiation. I also had a mastectomy and opted last year to have the other one removed. If they don't want to do chemo, ask them WHY and then find another oncologist.
Keep us posted
Nancy

BFagan2067 · Experienced user Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Posts: 54

Pastor Rich, Another stage III person responding here. I am sure that what the doc meant was since she was er postive then a hormonal will be part of the treatment to deal with the estrogen production issue... I do not think that meant that they did not intend to do chemo as well, only that she would be given a hormonal drug also. In her case depending on whether or not she is premenopausal or post either tomoxifen, arimdex or femera. As far as the chemo goes I had andryamicin/ Cytoxin (A/C), then radiation then Taxol. As that it has spread to the lymph nodes they will most likely hit it with aggressive chemo, which they refer to as systemic chemo. The taxol or taxetere is approved and recommended here for node positive women, I understand that you are not in the states but friend that I have had in canada also have had taxol being node positive. I had a mastectomy but still had to have the radiation as that they needed to zap the lymph nodes, mine were positive too. So I assume, which is usually a big mistake on my part Confused

, that the doc only meant that the hormonal will be a part of the whole picture. Again, hang in there, it seems like I say this alot to you and your wife, this seems to be taking a while to get everything in place for her. Let us know what the oncologist finally says to her, and we will be here to help in anyway that we can, even if it is hold your hand...I know that it is hard not to freak out with the stage thing, I did, but here I sit six years later and going strong and NED (no evidence of disease). Not an easy path but a doable one. prayers and thoughts going your way.
HUGS!
Barbara

Pastor Rich · Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 8:49 am Post subject: Re: Stage III and no chemo????

Thanks everyone;

I am certain we misunderstood. But we will know for sure on Monday afternoon.

This time the wait is easy to take. We've come through the worst part so far wondering if it is really stage IV, which, Thank God, it is not.

Blessings,
Pastor Rich
_________________
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:6-7

lizziecee · Guest

Hi Pastor Rich,

here in England the standard treatment for a tumour 1 cm or over, and with nodal involvement is surgery, chemo, radiotherapy, then hormone treatment if ER+. I had a 2 cm tumour, 3/18 nodes positive and wasn't given an option about chemo, that is if I wanted to live and I do!
It was a tough time as I also have Crohn's and had to stop my chemo treatment (methotrexate) whilst having FEC chemo and ended up sipping a nutritional fruit juice for 3 months, as well as being faecally incontinent.
So, if I could do it under those circumstances, anyone can. Having a supportive, caring husband is vital and I was extremely fortunate in that respect. I hope the consultation goes well for you both on Monday and a treatment plan is worked out that you agree with.
Liz.

Sharon · Guest

Dear Pastor Rich: I am so sorry you have had such a difficult journey to a treatment plan for your wife. Chemo is the treatment as Leo stated. I took a tape recorder to my doctor visits and it helped. I was so overwhelmed that I missed a great deal or just couldn't remember. Write all of your questions down for the oncologist on Monday. There is a huge difference between a pill at home and chemo. You are doing a remarkable job at navigating this difficult path. In love and spirit, Sharon

MuttsMom · Guest

HI Liz,
You're only the 2nd lady that had the same chemo I did. I was Stage III with 9+/16 nodes. How long have you been with NED?
Nancy

Pastor Rich · Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2004 6:55 pm Post subject: Re: Stage III and no chemo????

Hello all;

My wife starts chemo this Friday.

FEC-100, every 3 weeks for 18 weeks.

Rich
_________________
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:6-7

leo · Contributor Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1575

Pastor Rich

Best of luck to you and your wife. Glad she is getting what she needs Smile

regards,
Leo
_________________
Leonardo F - Webmaster Cancer Forums
Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.

BFagan2067 · Experienced user Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Posts: 54

Pastor Rich, Glad to see that your ducks are finally in a row and are ready to march. I am also glad to see that your concerns and questions have been answered in regards to a treatment plan. unfortunately as you can see from our experiences we have all learned alot and we also have learned alot of little tricks and such to deal with the side effects of all this. Probably one of the most important parts of the chemo journey for me was my husbands support. It was a godsend for me and was very difficult for him to feel so helpless. So I realize how hard this is going to be on the both of you. I will keep you and your wife (what is her name by the way, if you dont mind sharing?) in my prayers and thoughts as she begins her chemo and if you need any advice or help along the way let us know...
HUGS!
Barbara

Guest · Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2004 1:04 pm Post subject: Re: Stage III and no chemo????

Hello Pastor Rich,
You and your wife will be in my thoughts and prayers as she begins her chemo Friday. I don't know how I would have gotten through my ordeal without the support of my husband and my family. This is so hard on everyone involved.

Good luck to you

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