The Breast Cancer Formula (according to Susan)

Breast Cancer = Surgery + Chemotherapy + Hair Loss + Nausea    

Right?!  That is how we typically think of “the steps” once diagnosed with breast cancer.

However, I am one of the fortunate few that will stop at

Breast Cancer = Surgery + Hormonal Therapy!   YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!

In a nutshell, I’ll be taking a drug called Tamoxifen for the next five years.  And I will NOT need chemotherapy or radiation therapy. 

This really is terrific news!  But I must admit…..I was a bit concerned at first.  I thought everything always pointed to chemo.  However, after consulting with the Oncologist and reviewing all the pathology details of my cancer, this direction DID/DOES make sense.  For you “detail junkies” out there, here are a few stats:

              My Oncotype DX – Breast Cancer Recurrence Score = 16 (out of possible 100)

              Those patients who had a Recurrence Score of 16 had an Average Rate of Distant Recurrence of 10% (95% CI: 7% - 13%)

              Node Negative, ER-Positive Breast Cancer Chemotherapy Benefit – Approximately 2% (Risks associated 1%) for a Net Benefit of 1%

So WOW WOW WOW! 

We are definitely celebrating tonight! 

Pizza and wine (for Steve) / water (for me)! 

My sisters are really happy too because in a very weak moment, they had agreed to shave their heads with me (well, not really Shauna because shaving her hair just wouldn’t be right).  But Sharon was right there with me on it!  Steve too!  The side effects of Tamoxifen pale in comparison (fatigue, hot flashes, mood swings (or at least that is the excuse I will use), etc.).

Remember when I said all the test results just keep guiding me along in my decision making?  This is another perfect example! 

We wanted to get the GREAT NEWS out today!  Stay tuned tomorrow for some side notes to our Doctor visit and other updates ….   

Please celebrate with us tonight!  Pop a cork, a bottle cap, the faucet, a can….whatever your pleasure!  

The positive mojo you ALL have been sending my way has paid off BIG today!!!  THANK YOU!

Below are just some links and details about Chemotherapy and Hormonal Therapy in case you are interested:

Chemotherapy is the general term for any treatment involving the use of chemical agents to stop cancer cells from growing. Chemotherapy can eliminate cancer cells at sites great distances from the original cancer. As a result, chemotherapy is considered a systemic treatment.^1,2   www.chemotherapy.com

Hormonal Therapy

Hormones naturally occurring substances in the body that stimulate the growth of hormone-sensitive tissues, such as the breast or the prostate gland.¹

When cancer forms in breast or prostate tissue, its growth and spread may be caused by the body's own hormones. Therefore, ways to fight cancer include drugs that block hormone production or change the way hormones work, and the removal of organs that secrete hormones, such as the ovaries or testicles.²

Hormone therapy, similar to chemotherapy, is a systemic (not local) treatment—it may affect cancer cells throughout the body.³

In addition to hormonal therapy, chemotherapy is another way to treat cancer. Learn more about treating cancer with chemotherapy.