Chemo or no chemo?

Switte
Switte Member Posts: 3
I was diagnosed with IDC, grade 3, 1.3 cm, estrogen negative and I'm facing radiation treatments. Does anyone else have a similar diagnosis? One doctor also suggested chemo and I'm unsure about that.

Comments

  • desertgirl947
    desertgirl947 Member Posts: 653 Member
    What You Do Depends on You
    My pathology report was such that instead of just surgery and hormonal therapy, chemo and rads were added to my regimen by recommendation of my oncologist, as I was ID'd as Stage IIIA. At the outset (when first diagnosed), I had chosen to be aggressive in the battle.

    My oncologist laid out the stats for survival rates. Each added therapy increased the survival rate significantly. So, I did chemo (eight infusions, every other week) and rads (33 times, M-F). I began the hormonal therapy before I did rads.

    My surgery was the last part of February; chemo was April into July; rads were most of August and most of September.

    Hope you can make a decision soon and feel right about it.
  • SIROD
    SIROD Member Posts: 2,194 Member
    An ounce of prevention....
    Hi,

    I didn't have the diagnose that you have had. My 2 cents of advise is "to do everything you can the first time in hopes never to have it again. There is no guarantees but...

    Best wishes in making a decision.

    Doris
  • lynn1950
    lynn1950 Member Posts: 2,570
    If it was me, I would like
    If it was me, I would like to know how significantly chemo would reduce the recurrence statistics. I was diagnosed as Stage IIIa, so I had the works. The one doctor may have suggested chemo because you are estrogen negative. It sounds like you need more information before you make a decision. xoxoxo Lynn
  • LoveBabyJesus
    LoveBabyJesus Member Posts: 1,679 Member
    I was stage 2a
    Hi -- I am sorry about your diagnosis, but please know that you are not alone. And you will be OK.

    I was dx at 32 with IDC, grade 3, ~ 2.5cm tumor. Although my nodes were clean, I had to have chemo. One, because of my age; two, because of the grade (aggressive cells); and three, because I had lymphvascular invasion. I think your Dr. recommended chemo because of the grade. Did you have surgery yet? After surgery, you may get more details on your pathology report and make an educated decision. It is a very personal decision that only YOU would have to make and feel comfortable with. Personally, I have no regrets because I know in my heart, I gave it all I could, at the time, to try and fight it. I took chemo, radiation, surgery (lumpectomy) and now taking tamoxifen, on year 2.

    I wish you good luck and a quick recovery. There's light at the end of the tunnel.

    Please keep us posted.

    Hugs
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    lynn1950 said:

    If it was me, I would like
    If it was me, I would like to know how significantly chemo would reduce the recurrence statistics. I was diagnosed as Stage IIIa, so I had the works. The one doctor may have suggested chemo because you are estrogen negative. It sounds like you need more information before you make a decision. xoxoxo Lynn

    I had a lumpectomy and then
    I had a lumpectomy and then rads. Chemo was not part of my treatment, thank goodness. Why does your doctor think you may need chemo? Did you have a positive node?


    Good luck to you,


    Jan
  • sbmly53
    sbmly53 Member Posts: 1,522
    I made my decision
    Based on my score on the Onco dx test and what the doctor told me the percentage rate that would change with and without chemo. Gather all the info you can, then make your decision.

    Sue
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member

    I was stage 2a
    Hi -- I am sorry about your diagnosis, but please know that you are not alone. And you will be OK.

    I was dx at 32 with IDC, grade 3, ~ 2.5cm tumor. Although my nodes were clean, I had to have chemo. One, because of my age; two, because of the grade (aggressive cells); and three, because I had lymphvascular invasion. I think your Dr. recommended chemo because of the grade. Did you have surgery yet? After surgery, you may get more details on your pathology report and make an educated decision. It is a very personal decision that only YOU would have to make and feel comfortable with. Personally, I have no regrets because I know in my heart, I gave it all I could, at the time, to try and fight it. I took chemo, radiation, surgery (lumpectomy) and now taking tamoxifen, on year 2.

    I wish you good luck and a quick recovery. There's light at the end of the tunnel.

    Please keep us posted.

    Hugs

    Are you having the ONCO
    Are you having the ONCO test?
  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    sbmly53 said:

    I made my decision
    Based on my score on the Onco dx test and what the doctor told me the percentage rate that would change with and without chemo. Gather all the info you can, then make your decision.

    Sue

    I am stage 1, grade 1 and
    I am stage 1, grade 1 and had a lumpectomy. My oncologist did not recommend chemo for me. I did however have rads. Talk to your oncologist and find out why you would need chemo. If he recommends it, then I trust you will make the best decision for you.


    Hugs, Diane
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    Switte ..
    As you can see from the responses from many of our Sisters in PINK -- Your question, to
    chemo or not, is not as easy as a 'yes, or no' answer.

    I see that you posted that you are grade 3, stage? Have you had the opportunity to
    see a copy of your path report?

    My 2cents -- ask your Oncologist for clinical studies, fact based trails that show
    percentage of recurrence, or non recurrence. If your Onco is unable to provide you
    with this data, please opt for a 2nd opinion (insurance permitting).

    Breast cancer is a nasty BEAST. This is your body, and it is your right to be provided
    with as much information before proceeding forward.

    Strength, Courage and HOPE for a Cure.

    Vicki Sam