|
Clinical Trials
Wherever possible we like to include
feedback from women who have experienced breast cancer and
their families. Sometimes their feedback will be inconsistent
with current medical practice. Where this is the case, we
provide a link to the relevant information on the Breasthealthlink
website, so you can access the current medical view supported
by leading Cancer organisations. Ed.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 12. My first
reaction to this was shock and disbelief as there was no previous
history in my family.
Nancy - Aged 42
My name is Nancy. I am 42, married to a wonderful and supportive
husband with two beautiful sons aged 10 and 12. I was diagnosed
with breast cancer in November 12. My first reaction to this
was shock and disbelief as there was no previous history in
my family. I later learnt most breast cancers detected are
not hereditary.
My treatment options were to have either a lumpectomy or
mastectomy and axillary dissection, possibly followed by radiation
therapy, chemotherapy and/or hormonal treatment depending
on the outcome. My greatest fear was having the axilla dissected
and the possible side effects of lymphoedema. I was resolved
to having surgery to the breast but felt I needed more information
about lymph node removal. This may appear a minor issue compared
to having a life threatening disease but I am right-handed
and my right arm would be affected.
I found a surgical oncologist who performs sentinel node
biopsy, a procedure that identifies and removes the first
lymph node to which the breast cancer cells might spread.
The surgeon provided lots of information to read about sentinel
node biopsy. I decided to proceed with it. Unfortunately my
sentinel node contained some cancer cells and the recommended
treatment was axillary dissection. I still felt uncomfortable
with this and found there was another option for me, to enter
a clinical trial being conducted at Peter MacCallum Cancer
Institute. This trial was part of an international study by
the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group - a randomised
trial of axillary node dissection in women with a certain
clinical breast cancer who have a positive sentinel node.
I was a possible candidate.
My husband and I discussed the options. One was to have an
axillary dissection, the other to take the risk against medical
advice and not remove any more lymph nodes, the third to enter
the trial. If I entered the trial and was chosen not to have
the axilla dissected I would have the advantage of being closely
monitored. This would be the same if I had the axilla dissected.
I had to feel comfortable with someone else (a computer!)
making the choice for me.
After careful consideration I decided to participate. I signed
up, my details were entered into the computer and within seconds
the decision was made to have the axilla dissected. It was
only then I knew I had made the right decision. I had my surgery
and found I had no other lymph node involvement. Of the 20
removed there was only one lymph node involved. With hindsight
I would not have needed to have further surgery.
I believe this justifies my participation in the study. Peter
Mac is hoping to recruit 15 Australian participants for this
trial. I was only the second. I hope that very soon the Australian
Standard for every woman with early stage breast cancer is
to undergo sentinel node biopsy.
|
