Stage 3 breast cancer

Hi

A close friend of mine has been newly diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. The tumour and 4 lymph nodes were removed and sent to America. The resulting 'number' that came back was 43. She says over 25 means chemotherapy, but was too scared to ask questions about what that means.

I want to help her, but don't know what the number means. She has just been told she will have 8 sessions of chemotherapy over the next 16 weeks, with 2-weekly blood tests in between. She will also have hormone therapy.

Can you help me understand what her treatments success rate is, and what I can do to help her please?

Thanks.

Denise

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  • They would have sent some samples to the US for her oncotype DX test. They are doing the same for me. That's her recurrence score (0 to 100).The chemo is just an added protection to try and stop it reoccurring. You sound like a wonderful caring friend, she's very lucky to have you.

  • Hi - and thank you so much for taking the time to reply to me and for your kind words.

    The information about the DX test score and what it means is especially helpful.

    I really hope you get a favourable number on the 0-100 scale, and that the following treatment (whatever it is) goes very well for you.

    Do let me know, if you would like to - I would really like to know you are OK!

    Bless you.

    Denise xx

  • I was very lucky, my score was 14, my daughter heard 12, so which ever it was I'm very lucky. Under 25 means no chemo. I would have done it but very happy I don't have to. August 22nd, I start radiotherapy for 5 days and 5 years of hormone blockers. I consider myself extremely lucky. My lumpectomy had clear margins (no cancer cells in the healthy tissue taken from around the tumour) and my lymph node, 4 taken, were clear. Chemo is very doable, not everyone reacts in the same way to it so it's a wait and see. Every little helps and if this is what it takes to keep your friend well, then so be it. It'll be worth it. I'll say it again, you sound a wonderful friend, she's very lucky x

  • Hi!

    I have been wondering how your radiotherapy went and how you are doing now?

    I really hope the treatment went well and that you are fully recovered and looking forward to the future.

    Hugs

    Denise x

  • Hi Denise, all done and dusted and I came through it really well. No major burns and my skin held up really well. I've been plastering on loads of moisturiser so that helped. I have a little fatigue but besides that, all good. And thankyou for asking, that was very kind. How is your friend ? Everything is crossed for her x

  • Oh I'm so pleased to hear that, bless you!

    Now you can get on with the rest of your life

    My friend has just had chemo 5 - she's lost her hair and felt very tired and often ill like she has a fever/chills, but hasn't had the sickness/vomiting she was dreading, so that's good. She's made the most of any 'good days' by appreciating a walk, her garden, some sunshine etc, so that's also helped to keep her spirits up.

    Chemo finishes on Nov 2nd, then there's a rest before radiotherapy starts, so she has a way to go yet, but so far so good.

    Take care, lovely lady - big hugs x

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  • Oh I'm so pleased to hear that, bless you!

    Now you can get on with the rest of your life

    My friend has just had chemo 5 - she's lost her hair and felt very tired and often ill like she has a fever/chills, but hasn't had the sickness/vomiting she was dreading, so that's good. She's made the most of any 'good days' by appreciating a walk, her garden, some sunshine etc, so that's also helped to keep her spirits up.

    Chemo finishes on Nov 2nd, then there's a rest before radiotherapy starts, so she has a way to go yet, but so far so good.

    Take care, lovely lady - big hugs x

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