Hi, I wanted to respond. Grade relates to how different the cancer cells are to normal cells. Mine is grade 3. I've worked my stage out to be stage 2 as it was 45mm in total but no lymph nodes involved. Staging is how they determine how it's worked its way in your body.

I'm half way through chemo having had 3 EC treatments.  I was originally told that my cancer was Grade 1 but, actually it was Grade 2 at biopsy as I've seen the results and the Dr's just told me wrong. I was originally told I'd have a lumpectomy and radiotherapy but the oncotyping dx result came back really high so I've had chemo too. 

Hope that helps. 

Hello Daviess10 and thank you for posting,

I am sorry to learn of your situation, this must be a difficult time.

The stage of cancer refers to the size of the tumour and how far it has spread, the grade refers to how abnormal the cancer cells are under the microscope.  Grade 3 cells look very different to normal breast cells. They tend to grow and spread more quickly. So although your cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes there may be other factors you may have that increase the risk of it coming back.

As well as the stage and grade, the doctors will also look at whether the cells have certain proteins called receptors as well as how well a person is and whether or not they have other health conditions. Knowing this information helps the doctors plan treatment.

The doctors will also assess the risk of cancer coming back after it has been removed and this helps them to work out if adjuvant treatment (treatment after surgery) such as chemotherapy is needed to reduce this risk. Depending on the situation, the doctors, as RedRuth84 has mentioned, may do an Oncotype Dx .The breast cancer team at your hospital will be able to clarify if this has been done. 

Radiotherapy is always given to the breast after a lumpectomy, to lower the risk the breast cancer coming back in that breast. 

With your breast cancer being ER+ve (oestrogen positive) you are likely to be recommended to have hormone therapy. Hormones can stimulate breast cancers to grow. Hormone therapy works by either lowering the amount of hormones in the body or by blocking them from getting to breast cancer cells.

Bone strengthening treatment known as bisphosphonates may be used to reduce the risk of the cancer spreading to the bones. These are prescribed for women who have gone through menopause whether naturally or because of cancer treatment.

Your breast care team will be able to clarify things for you as they know your situation. You may find it helpful to talk things through with your breast nurse specialist.

I hope this is helpful. Please feel free to get back to us if you would like to speak with one of the nurses on our helpline. The freephone number to call is 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Take care,

Jemma

Your oncologist will explain the grade vs stage for you. They are different. 

Yes a heart scan is standard before starting chemo for breast cancer.  EC is the type of chemo I had first. It's two different drugs which are given one after another at the same appointment. EC is a breast cancer chemo.  I think most get EC but then the next chemo depends on the type of cancer. Mine is Docetaxel. Some get Paxcitacel or another. 

Hope that helps.