Wait... so they never typed your cancer? Meaning they didn't test for ER/PR/HER2 responsiveness?

I'm guessing since it came back as DCIS (meaning non-invasive and had not spread out of one duct) in your breast, they assumed it was non-invasive overall, and as you stated you would not typically get chemo.

However, as soon as it is confirmed in a node, it is now no longer DCIS, it is invasive. "In-situ" means, by definition, that it has not invaded any other part of your body.

So I'm literally SHOCKED that they didn't do this preliminary test because the TYPE of chemo you would get (should you need chemo) depends on many factors, the first would be if it is HER2+ and/or hormone positive.

If it is HER2+ OR ER-/PR-/HER2- (triple negative), they may recommend chemo as these are the more aggresive subgroups of cancer. If it is hormone positive and HER2-, that is when you typically get an oncotype score and use that to determine if you need chemo.

Like all the other ladies said, get a 2nd (and possibly a 3rd) opinion. Chemo sucks. If I could've avoided it, I would've. But being 30, HER2+ and Stage 2a cancer... not having chemo wasn't even a consideration.

Good luck and BRAVO for asking lots of questions.

What is the cat scan for? The first pathology report should contains the info on ER/PR/Her. Mine did. You should have also found out if the DCIS was low grade or high grade. I would ask for all your slides/ mamo/ records and run to a Breast Cancer Center. This is your life and they don't appear to be up to date on the latest technology for BC. How could they recommend any treatment when they don't even know how your cancer is fueled.

I had isolated tumour cells in 1 of 3 sentinel lymphnodes (barely microscopic findings). I was considered stage 1 and lymphnode cancer free for diagnostic purposes, but with an asterix *. Meaning, there was still some, albeit microscopic, cancer cells found in 1 lymphnode. My oncologist suggested chemotherapy because of my "young" age (I was 43 at time of diagnosis) as an assurance and my oncology radiologist treated me as though I had cancer in my lymphnodes (I had radiation into my lymphnodes). I was likely over-treated (based on my stage), but both my oncologist and radiologist wanted to treat my cancer aggressively due to the "young" age. They both told me that they would rather over-treat me now with the goal to kill any microscopic remaining cancer cells so I don't have to deal with a recurrence in the future. The problem with breast cancer is that it is actually a slow growing cancer (typically), so you can have these cancer cells in your body for years, even decades, before they rear their ugly head and kill you. I read that it can take 10 years for a tumour the size of 1cm to form. That is mind-blowing to me. I had a grade 3 cancer (fast growing), so it likely formed in a couple of years, rather than 10 years, but for most breast cancers (those found in 60 year old women), they likely started forming in their 50s.

I do have residual side-effects from chemo that I am not happy with, but at the end of the day, at least I can say that I did everything I could to combat my cancer. If it comes back, I have a free conscious.

I had 1 postive node. My dr ordered the oncotype dx. My score came back low so no chemo. Just radiation and tamoxifen. My dr also said that one node is being treated as node postive. He have me pages and pages of people w 1 node and treatment options. I had 3 opinions. 2 of 3 said chemo wouldn't help more than 2-3%. Not worth the harm to my body. Good luck.

I agree again with everyone else.. Remember you are the BOSS it is your life so do not I repeat DO NOT be afraid to get a second opinion.That test I mentioned not only tells you IF you need chemo it tells you WHAT kind you will respond to best and what your chances of your cancer returning are if you don't need chemo. Insist on it. Good Luck