Why did my breast cancer stage keep changing from 1 to 3?
Community Member
a day agoThey had been telling me that I had stage 1 in my left breast, and my lymph node was benign. However, in January, they took a few lymph nodes and said that they were stage 2.... I did not make sense. They told me I would only need radiation. However, now that I received a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction, they are telling me it was stage 3 and spreading at 35% rate. Now I need 5 months of chemo and then 28 episodes of radiation, but there is a hole in my left breast they want me to get a port in and start chemo asap. I'm nervous and do not know what to do or feel at this time Any advice??
Community Member
a day agoCancer staging can change as doctors gather more information through additional tests, biopsies, and surgeries - this happens because they're getting a clearer picture of the cancer's extent with each step. These unexpected changes in treatment plans can feel overwhelming and scary, but the medical team is adjusting care based on the most current findings to give the best possible outcome. Many community members have faced similar unexpected turns in their cancer journey and found strength in connecting with others who understand these challenges.
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