the efficacy of chemo post bilateral mastectomy

trapzgurl
trapzgurl Member Posts: 1
in Breast Cancer #1
Hello, I am new hear and looking to research whether I should consider doing chemo post bilateral mastectomy. i am 43 and, I was dx with bc in 3/11 with stage 1 invasive ductal and dcis of my left breast. in 4/11, i chose to do a bilat mastectomy and there was no cancer in my breast or in 3 lymph nodes. chemo is an option for me but I'm unsure that i need to go that route being that I have removed both breast and the chance of bc is now <1%, is it worth it to treat with chemo? the jury is still out on my brca 1 and 2 test, i get those results today. Most breast cancer pt's, that are at my stage and choose this same course don't seem to be getting chemo. is it warranted? or is it overkill? are the outcomes any different for those women who do chemo vs those that don't. is there a considerable higher rate of re-occurance in women who do not do chemo post bilat mastectomy for stage 1, N0 cancer?

Comments

  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member
    #2
    those are questions for your
    those are questions for your doctor. if you havent seen an oncologist perhaps you can get a consultation. Even microscopic cancer can metastisize, so that is why chemo can be recommended. now they do the oncotype score. It is important to make an informed choice.
    Traci might chime in, she had stage one and chose chemo.
  • Gabe N Abby Mom
    Gabe N Abby Mom Member Posts: 2,413
    #3
    First, welcome. None of us
    First, welcome. None of us want to be here, but you'll find this is an amazing group. The wonderful people here have kept me sane on my journey.

    The reason for chemo, at any stage, is that it works on your entire system. It chases down all those little cancerous cells, where ever they might be in your body, and attacks them. Radiation and surgery are targeted treatments, they can only impact limited areas of your body. So each has a purpose in fighting cancer.

    Please don't take this as suggesting that you should have chemo, only your oncologist can/should be making that recommendation. As to specific answers for your questions, I think you should print your post, and take it to your appointment. That way, none of the questions get forgotten.

    Please come back and let us know what you decide.

    Sending strength and peace.

    Linda

Discussion Boards