Issues with chemo options for 2nd primary tumor

kmglcg

I haven’t been on this forum for over 13 years. I had ER+ invasive BC to left breast in 2004 and was treated with lumpectomy, 4 cycles of dose dense A/C, 35 radiation treatments and 5 years of Tamoxifen. I was 41 then.  Now 13 years later I get diagnosed with new primary tumor in the right breast. Same kind of cancer. Did another lumpectomy last month. did the Oncotype DX test.  Got results yesterday and I’m stuck in the middle on what to do..... literally. My score is 27. With chemo and hormone therapy, my recurrence chance would be 5%. With hormone therapy only it would be 12%. Here’s the part I’m struggling with..... the ONLY chemo option my MO says will work for me is Taxotere and Cytoxan. Can’t repeat Adriamycin because I had the lifetime dose limit. I don’t want to take Taxotere because of ALL the lawsuits over people having permanent hair loss. That’s a really big deal for me. I suggested Taxol and he told me that it can only be administered alone weekly and that would not benefit me. The benefit comes by pairing it with cytoxan. I can’t believe there is no other beneficial drug combination I can have and not have the fear of permanent hair loss. Has anyone dealt with this issue before. I feel backed into a corner and I’m seriously considering taking a pass on chemo and going straight to radiation and hormone therapy. Has anyone ever dealt with this before?

Apaugh

not me but

I hate it that you have to get back on this dam roller coaster.  I had the others but not taxotere and I still am left with permanent thinning on the top.  I just think no matter what chem you have it messes with your hair permanently and it is tough and it is depressing. 

No matter what your choice we are here and we care. 

Prayers going up.  HUGS

Annie

HapB

Second opinion?

I think if I were you, I would go for a second opinion.  It wouldn't hurt, obviously, the chemo last time did not kill all the cancer cells in your body. One oncologist told me that in some cancers, it takes 20 years for a tumor to be detected.  

Beepositive

Prayers and much success Kmglcg

Hello Kmglcg...yes decisions are hard...we all have to do whats best for our situations ..everyone react to treatments so different..as everyone said..2nd opinion is always good if possible..hang in there you are STRONG!! Blessing and prayer for you!!

 

BEEpositive

kmglcg

Thank you all

for your kind words of support and encouragement. I have an appointment for a second opinion.