Hi there Bluesatsuma

I am sorry to hear about your situation, this must be a difficult time for you and I am sorry it is taking so long for you to get all the test results back.

Every breast cancer and patient circumstances are different and therefore what one person may need in terms of further treatment will look different for someone else.

At the moment it seems the doctors are waiting for the results from the axillary clearance before discussing the options of chemotherapy with you. The need for chemotherapy depends on the size and grade (how fast growing) and hormone status of the cancer as well as if and how many lymph nodes were affected and the persons age.

Whilst the NHS predict calculator can be helpful to guide decisions about treatment. This also needs to be talked through with your own specialist doctor who can give a greater understanding of what this means for you.

Your own specialist once all the results are in can discuss the percentage benefit with you to help decide together the best way forward for you.

I hope this is helpful. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Best wishes

Naomi