Chemo or no chemo?

Switte · November 2012

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.

desertgirl947 · November 2012

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 · November 2012

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 · November 2012

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 · November 2012

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 · November 2012

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 · November 2012

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 · November 2012

LoveBabyJesus said:
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 · November 2012

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 · November 2012

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

Chemo or no chemo?

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