2nd opinion today

MomMichelle
MomMichelle Member Posts: 93
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Well, it has been three weeks since my mastectomy. Healing well physically, emotionally and mentally has been more difficult. Been to countless appointments with surgeon, gyno, and oncologist. Diagnosed with extensive DCIS with a .7mm single focus invasion. First oncologist said that it is not the national standard of treatment for me to do chemo. Anything in any combination (options of tamoxifin, chemo, herceptin) gives me a 2% advantage only. I am ER+, PR+ and Her2+++. I have been reading all over the net trying to figure out what to do. Most say risks outweigh benefits in my case. Don't want to be worried that I should have been more aggressive though. I worry because I am 36 with two small kids and husband. Anyone else out there with diagnosis similar to mine? What were you told? What did you do?

Thanks!
Michelle

Comments

  • Balentine
    Balentine Member Posts: 393
    #2
    I am not doing anything after chemo either
    I was dx IDC stage 1 2.2 cm lump, no nodes and 50 years old. No family history of bc. Had mastectomy and 4 rounds of chemo. Period stopped after 3rd round and getting hot flashes now. They wanted me to take tamoxifen but I am a poor metabolizer so 2nd onc advised having ovaries out and then doing arimidex or femara. I have opted not to do anything else for the same reasons you have stated....all of the side effects. I have changed my diet to mainly veggies and fruit....cut my sugar intake by about 80%...no dairy...some organic chicken, green tea, vitamin D3 and calcium for the most part. I feel my chances are much better doing what I am doing and quality of life is my main priority. Everyone is different and has to make their own choice. Pray about it and God will lead you.
    Lorrie
  • Christine Louise
    Christine Louise Member Posts: 426 Member
    #3
    OncotypeDX test?
    Michelle, have you had the OncotypeDX test that gives a recurrance score -- how likely it is you'll have bc return if you don't do chemo? Is that what your onc is basing her recommendation on?

    (I had bi-lateral mastectomy -- extensive DCIS with but Invasive Lobular Carcinoma and LCIS also, so not quite the same diagnosis as yours. I did have chemo based on my OncotypeDX results.)
  • Hubby
    Hubby Member Posts: 325
    #4
    Second Opinion is Important
    Did they give you a tumor grade; 1, 2 or 3? You may be one of the lucky ones that doesn't need to do chemo, but only you and your doctors can figure that out. What is he recommending; Tamoxafin and Herceptin? Getting the Oncotype done may give you the peace of mind you need to not do the chemo. It's all very confusing and there is not one cut and dry right or wrong answer.

    Hugs,

    Bob

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